Rune: Mannaz

Names: Mannaz, Man, Manu, Madr
Represents: The Self, Man, Humankind
Alphabet: M
Color: Purple
Sequence Number: 1 Blume, 19 Meadows, 20 Cooper - Tyson - Thorsson
Aett: Tir
Gods: Njord - sea god
Plants & Minerals: Vine (primarily grape)
Potency: Striving for Perfection & achieving your Potential
Challenge: To "know thy self", the good, the bad, and the indifferent
Primary Uses: self knowledge, self integration, centering, sharpen intellect, awaken intuition, strengthening your relationship with self and others
Stroke Order: Left vertical, up - Right vertical, up - left to right, down angle - right to left, down angle.

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Though the majority of my sources put Mannaz in the last half of the rune sequence, I have always liked Blume's assertion that Mannaz is where we start. Without the self, the rest of our explorations in life are pointless. We will, without fail, find that the core of our strength and the source of our weaknesses all rely on the self. The self is not part of the cycle, but is the center of the circle of initiation. No matter where we are on the path, we are always in orbit of the self.

I use this rune to help recenter myself in chaotic times. I use it as a key to unlock my inner self. I use it to help remove barriers or illusions. I find myself both comforted by and uncomfortable with Mannaz. I suppose that simply illustrates my own acceptance and rejection of myself. Whenever life throws me for a loop, it is good to return here and reflect.

In meditation, I visualize the rune emerging slightly differently than the recommended order of strokes (cut or carving directions). I see both standards rising simultaneously, and then bending at the top, reaching for eachother, crossing as they descend to take hold of the other standard, making Mannaz the whole of two halves. Light and dark, masculine and feminine, projective and receptive. It represents the co-creative forces of the universe which are embodied in us. We are the embodiment of creation. You must know this to own your power.