Mannaz Rune
Humanity, Intellect, and Self-Realization
Mannaz Rune in the Poetic Edda
Mannaz teaches us that a person unfolds only through interaction with other people. We are reflections of each other, and loneliness is destructive to human nature.
Stanza 47 flawlessly and literally conveys this essence. Odin talks about his own experience: when he was young and lonely, he wandered and felt lost. But as soon as he met another person, he felt alive and rich. Therefore, the phrase “man is the joy of man” (in the original: maðr er manns gaman) stands as a direct manifesto and the main motto of the Mannaz rune.
Hávamál, Stanza 47:
“Ungr var ek forðum,
fór ek einn saman,
þá varð ek villr vega;
auðigr þóttumk,
er ek annan fann,
maðr er manns gaman.”
Young I was once,
I traveled all alone,
then I became lost on my ways;
rich I thought myself
when I found another,
man is the joy of man.
General Meaning of the Mannaz Rune
Mannaz is a human being in a state of balance. Sometimes, the shape of this rune is interpreted as a man and a woman embracing each other. Furthermore, a cross-like shape can be found in the rune, illustrating communication between the higher and lower worlds, as well as the four cardinal directions.
Consequently, Mannaz embodies the human experience, intellect, and personal development. It symbolizes connection with the community and the awareness of one’s potential.
Therefore, this rune calls for introspection and understanding. It strongly emphasizes wisdom, cooperation, and the vital importance of relationships.
Reading the Mannaz Rune
Upright Position
Intellect, self-awareness, community, a group of people.
Reversed Position
Conversely, a reversed Mannaz warns of isolation, selfishness, and ignorance.
Mannaz Rune in Love and Relationships
In love, regardless of the gender of the questioner, the rune can indicate current problems in relationships with women at the moment.
Mannaz Rune in Career and Finance
In career and financial readings, the rune indicates that right now is an inappropriate time for implementing new ideas. For instance, you should not take out a loan for your plans. Therefore, moderate your appetite in terms of investing funds into your business, and study your current position once again.
