The Gifu/Gebo Rune
Like other runes, this rune too has several names. I use Gifu, you use whatever you like. Gifu means "gift" and is probably the root of the English expression "gift." I also see Gifu as a symbol of balance. If you take something, then you must give something – that is the melody in Gifu. Do not beg without offering, do not be sly in receiving favors and gifts without giving something back. I have come across many who exploit people, do not settle up, and who almost seem proud of being able to grab for themselves … I will never forget a woman I worked with. She was nice, but terribly stingy. I had a hand-knitted jacket she became so enthusiastic about, and I ended up giving her that jacket. Three days later I asked if she could cover a coffee in the cafeteria for me, I had left my wallet at home. She did this, then she followed me home to get back the four kroner she had laid out. So she could not wait until the next day to get the money, but had to follow me home after work and make sure she got this outlay back. It was clear she expected to be served something, but I served absolutely nothing. She snatched a banana as she left. This "banana theft" irritated me for a long time afterward. I notice I get irritated now when the episode came to mind, and then I have to chuckle a little at the whole thing. This colleague was extreme. Another group that is extreme is the "doormats." They too are in Gifu – imbalance. A third group is those who pray and pray and pray. "Give me a lottery win, give me a villa, give me, give me, give me …" Yes, it is as if "Spirit" is Santa Claus and should spoil them with expensive gifts because they are so "humble" that they pray … Pray for what you want, when you want, but remember to give with the same heart. If someone you know is in need, then you do not close your heart. How can you then expect "Spirit" to reward you?
In old Norse times, animal sacrifice, or "blot," was not uncommon – and it happened that people were sacrificed. (Shudder) But, at the very least, they showed respect for "Spirit." The same applies to Muslims and Jews today. We may shudder at halal/kosher, but at the very least they show respect for "spirit."
How is it with the debt we have to others? Do we settle up, or do we sneak away? If we borrow something, agree on something, then we must – for the sake of balance – settle up. If we cannot settle up, then we can at least offer services.
There is a very wise saying that goes: "A tree can be turned into a million matches, while a match can burn down a million trees." The wisdom lies in understanding and taking to heart that "a little is not dangerous," but you see that "a little" can burn down millions of trees. Remember that every time you make a decision, you choose consequences. This may sound a bit dramatic, but think about this and let the depth and energy of Gifu sink in.
Gifu and nature. This rune you can take with you out into nature. Today we spend a lot, a very great deal of time in the world of technology – but that is not the world it is good for us to dwell in. Make sure you get your daily dose of nature. Fresh air is quite simply health-giving for all of us.
The zodiac sign that resonates best with Gifu is probably Libra. I see how important it is for people who have the sign of Libra prominently in their horoscope to find balance in life. Even the most robust Libra-influenced people need a balanced life, otherwise the shadow sides easily come out. Libras are, by and large, peace-loving and diplomats – but, my goodness, how they can wage war if they are not in balance. I have Jupiter in Libra and I notice how much I have to watch the "balance in my life." My biggest problem is finding the balance between work and leisure. I tend to feel that I just HAVE to do something, just have to work a little more, just have to … So, I have acquired two dogs that HAVE to go out, and then we set off on walks, the dogs and I.
Jupiter is probably the planet that resonates in the Gifu spirit. Jupiter is generous, warm-hearted and thirsty for knowledge – but, my goodness, how dreadful it is when it digs in its heels. Ugh. Then it is boastful, greedy, a big eater, a big drinker, a gambler … No, Jupiter too is best in its balanced version.
Among Tarot cards I find "Temperance" and the "Six of Cups" to be Gifu cards.
Among crystals Irene Resaland finds that banded agate is the best to unite with Gifu. On my own account I add the Sunstone.
Gifu's plants
Ashwagandha is a plant that balances the body. It helps one maintain the inner balance that is so important for all of us. The plant can also establish the balance between the soul and "Spirit." It is important for us to have a healthy view of the spiritual. We should not be too spiritual and certainly not too little spiritual. Let us think of the seven chakras … three up, three down and the important one in the middle. It is the middle we should seek with all our soul, and this plant helps us with this. Ashwagandha eases stress and calms us down. It also fights fatigue. A fine plant!
Benzoin is resin from Styrax trees. This is fine to use as incense when you want to attract success, cleanse a room and walk the spiritual path. Benzoin establishes balance in your soul and helps you feel safe and secure. There is much psychiatry within the "alternative" world, and in a way it pleases me that people find security in that world, but it can also create many tiresome "illusions" where it is hard to distinguish between an open mind and a hole in the head. One should always keep in the back of one's mind that you may be led behind the "spiritual light" or that you lead yourself behind a sooty light – but Benzoin can help you with this, and so can Gifu.
Forsythia/weeping forsythia is also a plant I associate with Gifu. The plant has flowers with four petals – and if you know a little about numerology you know that four is associated with stability and harmony. (Even though many who are governed by the number 4 can be very square) The number four I associate with nature … four seasons, four directions, four main phases of the moon, elements … do I need to mention more? ;-) If you burn forsythia as incense when you cannot find the balance in body and soul, then it is much easier to find your way back to your balance. Forsythia is a fine gift to give to someone who is not doing so well. Forsythia provides "the energy of the sun," joy and balance.
If you get the flu, this is a smart plant medicine! I have only had the flu once and I took in forsythia. I think I survived thanks to this plant – I am as tough as a man when I am sick … ahem!
The maple tree is also rather Gifu in its personality. I love the maple tree, but I get a little overwhelmed when three maple trees shed their leaves in autumn. Fantastically colorful leaves, but … "Thank you and thank you, it is far too much!" I groan, and then I rake and rake and rake. But I am far too fond of these three generous creatures to call the tree slaughterer. I make Gifus out of maple twigs and often meditate on life's great questions with the maple Gifus in my hand. You know, I actually think this helps me think a little more abstractly "with reason." I also like to write Gifu on some leaves and make an offering out in the forest. The more I dwell under a maple tree, the more I feel peace and harmony.
In Austria I came across a married couple who had planted a maple tree for each of their children's births. They had five maple trees in the garden and now they were awaiting grandchildren. My guess is they will end up with a whole maple forest. :-)
On the other side of the Atlantic, "maple syrup" is very popular on pancakes. Yes, well, yes, it was fine enough, but it became a little too sweet for my taste – but then I am a "salt-Fie," so I am not the one to judge the maple flavor :-)
Lavender is also a Gifu plant. Lavender is a plant that has been valued for centuries for its calming and healing properties, lavender has often been used to soothe the mind and promote good sleep, especially when stress takes the upper hand and it is hard to find the balance. The scent of lavender can act as a friendly reminder to breathe with your belly and release tension, almost as if nature is giving you a gift of calm and harmony.
It is said that lavender keeps flies and mosquitoes away … but at my house the flies and mosquitoes must have to use a nose clip, for they fly cheekily zigzag between the lavender and are not affected by it. Rascal insects! Well, I survive these visits too. :-)
With that I conclude Gifu and move on to the next rune: Wunjo.
