The 20th rune of the Futhark is called Mannaz, which means mankind. Here everything revolves around the human being. Closely linked to this is our own destiny. With every decision we make, we either move towards our destiny or away from it. Whether we follow our destiny in the course of our life or not is something that everyone decides for themselves.
One notices very quickly whether one follows it. If one is often ill and dissatisfied, it can mean that one is on the wrong path. If you decide to follow your destiny, you have to be prepared for some challenges. The path is certainly not always easy, but it will take us to our destination. There will be some lessons to master, but in the end, fulfillment awaits us. So it will be worth it.
It also points to recognition of dependence in marriage and promotes strength of mind, intelligence and detachment from selfishness and self-deception. Generally, Mannaz and its interpretation refers to a single person, but it can also represent a couple that is a unit.
For the future, this means that someone is helpful to the person seeking advice and helps in the realization of a dream or project.
Origin and Meaning of the Mannaz Rune
First and foremost, Mannaz embodies one's inner self in the context of a divine lineage. We all have a connection to a higher power, only very few know how to use it. It is therefore the divine I within us with which we can form a connection. There is an intelligence within us that we can access when we open our inner eye.
In some cases, this can also mean a bond with our partner, with whom we form a symbiosis, or a very close person. That is why Mannaz also stands for the unification and ritual of blood brotherhood. Some beings belong together. They complement each other and are also bound to each other and therefore dependent on each other.
With Mannaz is not only meant the unity of two people. Also the unity with our "I" plays an important role. Lastly, the unity of both hemispheres of the brain can also be considered as decisive.
Only when these work together, the human being achieves his full potential. The two parts want to harmonize with each other, to go hand in hand. Mannaz thus helps to synchronize our cerebral hemispheres and our body connects with our mind and with our soul.
When we look in the mirror, we see ourselves. But what we really see is only the outer appearance. We see what we show of ourselves to the world. And we also get this image reflected back to us by others.
Whether we are really the way we want to be, we can find out with the help of the Mannaz Rune. Often something blocks the access to our true self. Is it the expectations from outside that we try to live up to? Are we standing in our own way?
Do we compare ourselves too much with others? In any case, there is a blockage, a barrier that prevents us from seeing who we really are. Perhaps we have tried to fulfill the wishes of others for too long. In the process, we have forgotten what we actually want. Now we get the chance to explore ourselves and become the person we want to be.
The obstacles can be cleared out of the way, the blockades removed. We just have to not get in our own way. And we must learn to let the people around us be. Their views and desires cannot change who we are.
If Mannaz is in front of us, it is because it is time to find our way back to ourselves. The outside has to be neglected. It is much more important to look within. What do I find there? What are my deep secrets? What things do I perhaps not like about myself and have therefore closed myself off? Far too often we create a false self-image of ourselves.
This always leaves the feeling that something is not right, that we are not genuine. Only when we live authentically, we are in harmony with ourselves and can reflect this to the outside world.
Fixed Mannaz Rune Meaning
Mannaz stands for cooperation. Together we are strong. There is no shame in accepting advice and help. Another person can stand by us and broaden our horizons. It makes perfect sense to approach the steps as a team, and not struggle through everywhere alone. If Mannaz lies with positive runes, they indicate that now is the time to implement our plans. We will only succeed if we do not reject the help of others, but accept it gratefully.
In combination with Perthro and Laguz, magical abilities are available. If the other runes are negative, we may have a problem in which we have become too entangled. Sometimes it is helpful to distance ourselves and let things rest. Only with enough distance will we be able to realize that we have made the problem bigger than it really is.
The easiest way to get out of this situation is to adopt a positive attitude. If runes of delay appear, like the runes Naudhiz, Isa, Othala, Ansuz vice versa, we should wait before starting a new project. Again, it is important not to rush into anything. However, Mannaz and Laguz together can also indicate problems with women.
Reversed Mannaz Rune Meaning
When Mannaz appears in reverse, we will initially still be on our own. Loneliness and isolation are on the agenda. However, the retreat can serve to set us on the search for ourselves. Certain obstacles and interference from the outside are on the agenda.
In combination with Isa or Naudhiz it seems better to wait with the new venture. If Jera is present, it seems advisable not to deviate from the legal path. Tiwaz, on the other hand, points out that they should change to the fighting stance. Sometimes it is also helpful to consider the point of view of other people and not to look too much at oneself.
Mannaz Rune Properties
- Alphabet: M
- Element: Air
- Symbol: Mankind, Ask and Embla
- Interpretation: Togetherness, individuality, friendship, society, cooperation and help
- Stone: Amethyst, Garnet
- Tree: Vine
- Flower: Honeysuckle, Foxglove
- Medicinal herb: Madder, Pimpernell
- Animal: Goshawk, the personal power animal
- Color: Blue, Dark red
- Body: All parts of the motor
- Scent: Nutmeg, Sage
- Tarot: The Hierophant, The Magician, The Wheel of Destiny
- Astrology: Sun in Aquarius, Moon in the 4th house, Jupiter
Runic Alphabet
