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This is the 24th and last rune in the Futhark. As mentioned before, there are discussions about whether this is the 23rd rune and Odal the 24th – but, also as mentioned before, I hold this rune, that is Dag, to be the 24th.
The name means, plainly and simply, «day» – It is the end of a cycle and the beginning of a new day, or a new time. When you draw this rune, the rune promises you a new chance, a new day and the beginning of a new cycle. If you look at the rune, the energy can run freely around in it. There is nothing that stops the energy, and it also resembles the «lemniscate» – that lying-down figure 8, you know.
And the energy of the day and night is fairly endless, that too. Day is followed by night which is followed by a new day, and then comes a new night. Dagaz turns up, trust in that :-)
We have two runes that indicate «time» – there is Jera, which comes as the 12th rune and indicates the year, or the 12 months we have in the year. There is Dag, which comes as the 24th rune and indicates the 24 hours we have in the day. And precisely for this reason I feel it is right that Dag is the 24th rune in the Futhark. If we spread the runes out in a circle, Jera and Dag lie directly opposite each other. Jera is the change that comes slowly, Dag is the change that comes quickly.
Every single day we have our «MUST things». I have two dogs that MUST go out, several times a day. This I cannot change. This is my main routine. There are no more MUST things on a daily basis on my «agenda», but I read, I write, I take care of a couple of elderly people, I do housework and so on. I actually work a lot, so the hours pass – but I try to live a life in keeping with Dag. To be predictable, live a predictable life, have balance and look brightly on life. Dag is predictable, there is balance in Dag and it promises us that life moves forward – and it promises us new days.
The best time to work with Dag is actually in the transitional phases; when the night lets go and the day begins – or when the day lets go and the night begins. This is also a fine rune to work with at the solstices.
We often say that change delights, but I will promise you – that when the changes come we can become stressed and uncertain. If the changes come upon you a little quickly, keep Dag in mind and flow with it. Find the balance and the hope that is in this rune. Find the inner peace.
I have chosen the star sign Pisces for Dag. Pisces swim and are flexible. The days come and go and no one knows for certain what the days will bring, but we must take what comes. The sign of Pisces is very flexible and can adapt to most things.
Of the planets I believe that the Sun is an obvious choice – the Sun and Dag are inseparably connected. As the Sun appears and reveals much, so Dag comes and lets us see most things with a clear eye. If we do not put on dark sunglasses, Dag lets us see the situation as it is – and not as we might wish it were.
Pluto is also a good companion for Dag. Pluto transforms most things, and Pluto does this in a somewhat busy manner, just like Dag. Pluto is brutally honest, and this suits Dag very well. Pluto renews, and so in fact does Dag.
When we come to the Tarot world, I believe that the card «Judgement» and «The World» suit as companions to Dag.
Judgement is a card that wakes one up and revitalizes one anew, just as one lets go of the night's rest, gets up and sets about a new day.
«The World» is a card that announces that an old era is sliding out and a new one is on the way. Dag has this promise within it too. «Today you accomplish more of what you didn't manage yesterday!» and «Today you get a new drive and new possibilities».
Dag also has a spiritual aspect. We should believe that there is a connection between us and the divine – we are in fact never entirely alone.
Irene Resaland has picked out a stone that she thinks harmonizes with Dag:
Rainbow quartz is a beautiful and mysterious stone often associated with hope, a new beginning and quantities of positive energy – qualities that suit the Dag rune and its message that a new day is dawning. The stone has a shimmer of rainbow colors that reminds us of nature's ability to renew itself, and of the possibility of meeting each day with optimism and openness. The stone shows us a bit of the rainbow, which is always a positive symbol. After rain comes sun. Everyone shall be included in the love. The rainbow became a promise that never again would a great flood drown the earth, and Bifrost lies there as a promise that humans and gods have contact.
Rainbow quartz can help us see possibilities where we previously saw only obstacles, and inspire us to receive the day with trust and calm.
Then I have picked out plants that I believe harmonize with Dag.
Frankincense – I have heard that this plant is called Virak, but I use only Frankincense – what you do is up to you :-)
This plant is best known for its scent and is very popular for use in incense. I once heard someone say: «If you want to scare away a demon, burn Frankincense. If you want to make a demon laugh, burn sage». That last part I don't believe in, for I have felt how clean a room becomes when you have «washed» it with sage smoke – but, I must also confess, that Frankincense gives a different and better vibration than sage. But, my goodness, this is probably a matter of taste. Sage is like soft soap, Frankincense is the «ammonia» – it takes everything, if you understand what I mean?
Frankincense oil is fine to use for colds. Take three or four drops in a little water in an incense burner and enjoy the scent. The oil can also be diluted in a carrier oil and used as massage oil when you are stressed or need a little pain relief for sore muscles.
Gum Mastic I became acquainted with on the island of Chios. It was actually a taxi driver who introduced me to this lovely tree. This chewing gum was supposed to regulate blood sugar, take care of digestion and help those with Crohn's – the last was particularly interesting because a friend struggles with this awful disease. I brought back a small load and she tested it out. This is many years ago and she still chews Mastic. «It helps», she says, chewing.
I know that the resin is burned as incense and gives rigid souls flexibility and makes them able to meet changes without too much resistance and fear. Many witches also burn the resin and chew the gum during ceremonies to open up for the soul's transformation.
Indian tobacco – it is also called lobelia.
I saw the plant everywhere I moved in the eastern parts of the USA, but here I have only seen it in the south of Hamburg.
An American woman of the indigenous people told me that Indian tobacco was the best to use if you had a «toxic mind» or wanted prophetic dreams. If you were in emotional imbalance, you should use the plant as incense. The mind calmed quickly with smoke from this plant. If you wished for prophetic dreams, or if you wanted to detoxify your mind, you made a tincture of Indian tobacco and took 3-6 drops in a glass of water, three times a day. You should drink slowly, calmly and composed. You can also get help to let go of what is no longer necessary to hold on to with Indian tobacco.
Medicinally it is used as a substitute for ordinary tobacco when you want to stop smoking. Otherwise it is very popular for use against asthma and respiratory ailments, but check with an herbalist before you start. This plant you should tread carefully around.
Passionflower is also a plant I have picked out as a companion to Dag. The plant has within it some astonishing properties for taming the mind. It sets the mind right when you feel you are losing control – and calms down the most hot-tempered dispositions. This herb is also excellent as an offering to both Frøya and Frigg. The plant is excellent for use as incense in the home. The home should after all be an oasis of peace and harmony. One should feel love for oneself, for one's family and one's friends. I have a tiny family, but I appreciate the few I have. If I add friends, my flock increases a great deal. Now I am not talking about acquaintances, but about real friends – and I am so glad to have them in my life too. When I get irritated with them, I light passionflower incense and think the matter over. Then we talk about it and it works itself out. Day comes, day goes – possibilities come, possibilities disappear – we can trust Dag.
The fruit can be eaten, or prepared in various ways. Marmalade of passionflower is delicious, and if you eat this on toasted bread, you help the mind to calm and balance.
Dag comes – a new era is emerging :-)
