Futhark runes are a system of ancient Germanic characters used for writing and divination. Each rune has a distinct shape and phonetic sound, but they also carry deep symbolic significance. **The symbolism of futhark runes** can be seen in their ancient meanings and associations with Norse mythology. For example, the rune Fehu symbolizes wealth and abundance, representing both material and spiritual prosperity. This rune is associated with the Norse god Freyr, who was associated with fertility and abundance. Another example is the rune Kenaz, which represents knowledge, inspiration, and the creative fire within.
“I was struggling with the word ‘occult’ because of my Catholic background,” he explained. “And since I’m a Filipino Catholic, the word ‘occult,’ especially after reading Fr. Syquia and all these exorcism books―it kind of scared me. So, I moved back a little bit and saw the whole thing as something that made more sense if I looked at it from a Philippine perspective.”
As someone who grew up in a Catholic household, Cervantes recently realized how important it is to explore other spiritualities to strengthen his own faith in God. Created by the psychology graduate Atenista and Colegio de San Juan de Letran Manila professor, the project started back in 2020 as a study on esoteric images.
Another example is the rune Kenaz, which represents knowledge, inspiration, and the creative fire within. It is associated with the Norse god Loki, the cunning and transformative trickster. The shape of Kenaz resembles a torch or flame, symbolizing illumination and enlightenment.
SIKODIWA: Going Deep Into The Filipino Occult and Psyche
Dive into our roots with Carl Lorenz Cervantes’ passion project, Sikodiwa―where psychology meets Filipino pre-colonial and modern spirituality.
As a tarot reader and an enthusiast of all things mystical, I find discussions on the esoteric and the occult interesting. Although many are still uncomfortable with the thought of witches and spirits, these are also seen as a communal part of our human experience and Filipino culture.
This is why Sikodiwa is a haven for curious people like me who are fascinated by the beyond and who seek their individual spirituality. Thus, I gathered the courage to message their Instagram and was given the opportunity to talk with the founder, Carl Lorenz Cervantes, himself. Imagine my glee after that interview!
Consciousness is the state of awareness of both tangible and psychic things within and beyond the physical body. It’s experienced on a personal level, but it’s also a fundamental aspect of the universe.
Carl Lorenz Cervantes, Deep Roots (2022)
What is Sikodiwa?
Sikodiwa came from the blend of two Filipino words sikolohiya (psychology) and diwa (spirit or consciousness). Created by the psychology graduate Atenista and Colegio de San Juan de Letran – Manila professor, the project started back in 2020 as a study on esoteric images. During our interview, he revealed that he originally named that account Occult Psychology, then eventually changed it to Sikodiwa later on.
“I was struggling with the word ‘occult’ because of my Catholic background,” he explained. “And since I’m a Filipino Catholic, the word ‘occult,’ especially after reading Fr. Syquia and all these exorcism books―it kind of scared me. So, I moved back a little bit and saw the whole thing as something that made more sense if I looked at it from a Philippine perspective.”
The name Sikodiwa did make more sense as Cervantes decided to incorporate the local culture and indigenous beliefs with his research on consciousness, psyche, and magic. He began the page with content regarding paranormal experiences and psychic healing in the Philippines. However, he slowly discovered the connection between the psychological and spiritual in Filipino culture. This prompted his transition to a different perspective.
“When I look at the spirituality, then I realized that our culture is inherently spiritual,” he said. “Being that ‘kapwa’ is literally going out from yourself towards the others in a transcendent way. And then the connection between the paranormal, spiritual, transpersonal, and the cultural started to make so much sense to me.”
Religion and Spirituality
He recalled that as a child, he would play as a priest with his friends. However he, later on, took the role of a wizard with the same robe. It really fascinated me, that at such a young age, he already found similarities between priests and wizards. That link between both spiritual practices and beliefs eventually led him to this curiosity.
In his book, Deep Roots, he wrote,
“If we really think about it, there seems to be a lot of magic and superstitions in Catholicism. We hold on to amulets, medallions, and figurines. We have patron saints for various intentions. Saints are essentially demigods, but instead of being born divine, they were human first and earned divinity through their actions. The sign of the cross is an all-purpose spell for blessings and protection. The way we celebrate many holidays come from older pagan traditions. Given these, Catholicism can be deemed as a functioning magical system.”
As someone who grew up in a Catholic household, Cervantes recently realized how important it is to explore other spiritualities to strengthen his own faith in God. With this, he found light in the books of Ateneo’s psychology department’s late founder, Fr. Jaime Bulatao. He openly expressed his affinity towards the known pioneer of Sikolohiyang Pilipino, who greatly influenced his interests in the paranormal and Filipino culture. As both a priest and psychologist, Fr. Bulatao significantly recognized all kinds of spiritual experiences, Catholic-related or not.
“He was so open to understanding that the Catholic experience is one of many metaphors for the spiritual experience.”
The rune Thurisaz symbolizes chaos and destruction, but also protection and defense. It is associated with the Norse god Thor, the powerful and brave protector of the gods and humans. The shape of Thurisaz resembles a thorn or a thorned weapon, representing both danger and defense. One of the most well-known futhark runes, Ansuz, represents communication, wisdom, and divine inspiration. It is associated with the Norse god Odin, the wise and all-knowing god of knowledge and poetry. The shape of Ansuz resembles a speech bubble or a pair of open hands, symbolizing the exchange of ideas and the presence of divine guidance. Each rune in the futhark system carries its own unique symbolism and associations. They represent different aspects of life, nature, and the divine, and can be used for divination or as a tool for personal growth and self-discovery. The **symbolism of futhark runes** provides a rich and intricate system for exploring and understanding the world around us..
Reviews for "The Spiritual Significance of Futhark Runes: Tapping into the Symbolism of Viking Divination"
1. Sarah Higgins - 2 stars
I found "Symbolism of futhark runes" to be quite disappointing. The book did not provide enough background information on futhark runes or their historical significance. I was expecting a comprehensive guide to understanding the symbolism behind each rune, but instead, the author only gave brief explanations that left me wanting more. Additionally, the book had numerous typographical errors and formatting issues, which added to my frustration. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking to learn about futhark runes and their symbolism.
2. John Thompson - 1 star
This book completely missed the mark for me. The author's explanations of the symbolism of futhark runes were vague and lacked depth. I was hoping to gain a deeper understanding of the meanings behind each rune, but I was left feeling unsatisfied. Furthermore, the writing style was quite dry and lacked engaging storytelling, making it difficult to stay interested. I would advise readers to look for other resources if they are truly interested in delving into the rich symbolism of futhark runes.
3. Emily Miller - 2 stars
I was excited to dive into "Symbolism of futhark runes" to enhance my knowledge of Norse mythology. However, this book fell short of my expectations. The explanations of the symbolism were superficial and lacked the historical context needed to fully grasp the significance of each rune. Additionally, the author failed to provide any practical applications of the symbolism, making it difficult to see how this information could be used in real-life situations. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and would not recommend this book to others looking to delve into the symbolism of futhark runes.
4. Michael Johnson - 1 star
"Symbolism of futhark runes" was a complete letdown. The book lacked a coherent structure, jumping from one rune to another without clear connections. The information provided was insufficient and didn't delve deep enough into the historical and cultural contexts of the runes. The writing style was often convoluted and confusing, making it hard to follow along. I was hoping to gain a comprehensive understanding of the symbolism behind futhark runes, but unfortunately, this book only left me confused and frustrated. I cannot recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable source on the topic.
5. Jessica Peterson - 2 stars
I found "Symbolism of futhark runes" to be quite underwhelming. The book lacked depth in its explanations of the symbolism and often left me with more questions than answers. Additionally, the author's writing style was dry and repetitive, making it a chore to read. The lack of proper citations and references also made me question the credibility of the information presented. Overall, I would advise readers to look for more in-depth and well-researched resources on futhark runes and their symbolism.