Perthro

**A great time in session 2 of the Asatru & Ancient Runes course!  All of you who attended were truly wonderful! This was a session that dealt a lot more with the actual invocation of Runic power than with theory, and even with this being introductory work the energy that manifested was palpable.  I hope that those of you in attendance wrote down your experiences as I know there were energies present for each one of you.  The connection with the primal energies of creation is vital as without it Rune work falls into the category of “primitive art”.  The soul of the world and the universe fills the galder with power as blood through your veins brings energy to your body.

Elder Futhark: Perthro, Anglo-Saxon Futhorc: Peorth, Not present on the Younger Futhark or the Armanen Futhorc

The Rune Perthro refers to the “dice cup” used in games of chance.  Under most circumstances this Rune is seen as a sign of “good fortune” as it has connotations of taking chances based on luck.  Luck was seen as a power at work in the soul complex of a person that could be amplified in power or decreased by right or wrong action respectively.  Perthro is also related to the Nornir  as the effectiveness of “luck” was dictated by Wyrd through Orlog (past action).

In divination Perthro can mean that the time has come to “put your money where your mouth is” and take a chance on a new endeavour with an adventurous spirit that looks for whatever may come.  It is a positive energy that in the Rune poems is equated with the hilarity and gaming spirit of warriors in the beer hall.

If ill dignified by other runes around it, Perthro can be a warning that you are taking UNECCESSARY risks that may not pan out for you like you would intend!  Games of chance can be fun, but more so for the winner of the game than the one who has to “pay up”!

Perthro is absorbed in the Younger Futhark, and Armanen Futhorc by the Rune Bjarkan or Bar respectively.  The energy of Bjarkan (the Elder Berkano) being one of life/death and the bringing out into manifestation that which has gestated fits into this absorption of the Perthro energy.  We will discuss this more when we get to Berkano.

Magickally Perthro can be used in rites to increase the energy of the “luck” (Old Norse Hamminga) in the soul complex.  This is effective especially when used with the Rune Fehu (in the expansive fire aspect) and Tiwaz (in its role of victory through right action).  There are other combinations as well, but you will have to get to know the Runic energies yourself to discern them.

Negatively, if Perthro is used incorrectly, addictions of various sorts can be intensified.  This can refer to chemical dependencies, gambling and even physical addictions (such as sexual addictions etc.)  This is where something positive can become negative due to imbalance—too much of a good thing can harm you on all levels especially when dealing with primal energies.  You can tell this plainly by honestly answering the question “Do the things that please me control me? OR do I control them?”

The next post that comes is going to be a “break” post that will discuss one major theme that seems to be the stumbling stone for almost all in the mystical/magical arts regardless of tradition.  It will be on the subject of EMOTIONS and MIND.  Perthro is a great Rune to introduce this subject, and this subject will elucidate your practice with all the preceding Runes, as well as the ones to follow!  How does one control the thoughts in their mind—the emotions that run wild?  How does one achieve balance?  Perthro introduces us to this, and we will address it, so stay tuned for the next post—it will be worthwhile to you.

The Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem:

Peorth is a source of recreation and amusement to the great,

Where warriors sit blithely together in the beer hall.