# Ansuz

Traditional meaning: mouth, god

Meanings when upright:

- unclogging
- opens way for purification
- transcending turmoil of emotions
- Odin's ravens
- total shattering revelation
- inspiration in the arts
- clarity of communication
- responsibility to ancestral ways

Meanings when inverted:

- binding but without harm (dispassionate and removed)
- mental blockage
- unwillingness to face reality
- delusion
- danger from misuse of knowledge

Ansuz can be useful for:

- finding one's voice
- cleansing
- expanding consciousness
- releasing oneself of unhealthy bonds
- revealing all secrets

Anglo-Saxon rune poem:

> Os byþ ordfruma ælere spræce,
> wisdomes wraþu ond witena frofur
> and eorla gehwam eadnys ond tohiht.

> The mouth is the source of all language,
> a pillar of wisdom and a comfort to wise men,
> a blessing and a joy to every knight.

Norwegian rune poem:

> Óss er flæstra færða
> fo,r; en skalpr er sværða.

> Estuary is the way of most journeys;
> but a scabbard is of swords.

A modern poem:

> Black and blue sitting dollar store tree bird
> and frozen pack of neon gummy worms
> and sea of pillows and socks and blankets
> tugged with mouth in vague shape of nest.

> Looming overhead with quarry in mouth
> to taunt a girl who words is without,
> open mouth, shut, gaping, hungry outcry
> to let loose the worm that hangs from lips on high.

> Ravenous in more ways than one,
> need to be fed before chirping and hum
> can take the shape of coherent words.
> Nesting together. Intertwined wings as birds,

> extra pair with hands tucked in armpits.
> Head snuggled in neck, close enough for kiss
> but satisfied for now with pounding heartbeat
> announcing that Muse has not yet met defeat.

> It happens sometimes, backslide to animal
> when words run dry, of inspiration a lull.
> Nest of blankets and pillows, warm lover's embrace.
> No deadlines to meet; take flight at your own pace.