Kenaz, the rune of fire, is the sixth rune in the Elder Futhark ancient runic alphabet. A rune of artists, creation and craftsmanship. But also, a rune of death, loss and transformation. The kenaz rune can warm you, but in turn, can also burn you.
Kenaz Rune Meaning
Kenaz rune is the rune of hearth and home. Representing a domestic fire, providing light, warmth, and protection.
In Old Norse, kaun (another name for kenaz), represents sores and inflammation. Fire has always been a source of healing. In ancient times, boiling water to disinfect tools to cauterizing wounds. When struck with illness, our body temperatures rise (resulting in a fever). This is our inner fire, the body’s defense against viruses. Raising body temperatures to kill off the virus within the body.
The name Kenaz originated from Old Germanic kien, meaning pine or fir tree. This later became cén which is an Old English term for torch. Putting both together, making pine torch.
Torches were made with woodchips bound together with flax or hemp and then coated with a flammable substance such as beeswax. These torches were used to light up great halls and used in ritual work. In a Norse traditional ritual, one would light a torch and walk around their property. Claiming the property as their own both legally and religiously.
Some interpretations see the kenaz rune as a symbol for the fires in a forge. Transforming and creating through the intense heat, reshaping the old and turning anew.
Using the Kenza Rune
In Norse mythology, the domestic fire was used in both sacrifices and a way to reach out to the Gods. Sacrificing an animal and cooking it over the hearth, giving warmth and nourishment to all who consume it. Kenaz is a fire that can be uncontrollable if not careful, but there is the ability to control it.
Working with the kenaz rune can lead up to learning a new skill. Being the rune of artists and creation, using this rune can aid in advancing yourself further into something or may help get you started on learning something new.
Kenaz is commonly associated with two ancestral forces, love and sex. As the rune of fire, fire also brings in love and passion. Work with this rune to find love or to spice it up.
If you are feeling lost and unable to push yourself forward, embrace and meditate with the kenaz rune. Embrace its power of enlightenment to help you find that light at the end of the tunnel. To light a fire within the darkness of your mind.
“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” – Albus Dumbledore
Rune Casting
Just like in tarot, when you cast your runes upon a surface, how they land is how you read them. There is an upright and a reverse. Upright meaning the symbol is facing the right direction. When it’s reversed, this means that the symbol is in an upside-down direction.
What do these rune positions mean?
Upright
Opening up, clarity, progress, enlightenment, decision making, strengthen abilities, healing, insight
Getting the kenaz rune upright is your chance to make important decisions. The path you are currently on is lit by the fires burning within you. Push forward with confidence and embrace the opportunities that come your way.
Reversed
Loss of relationship, endings, loss of drive
Getting the kenaz rune in reverse is not one that someone wants to get. Prepare yourself for significant loss. This could be a relationship (parent, partner, self) or even an opportunity. But even though this reversed rune is not the best, kenaz wants you to still embrace the change.
Embrace the loss. Burn in the fire and rise up out of the ashes like the beautiful phoenix you are!!!
Sources
Taking Up the Runes by: Diana L. Paxson
Norse Magic & Runes by: Frederick Strom
Futhark: A Handbook of Rune Magic by: Edred Thorsson
The Book of Runes by: Ralph H. Blum
The Rites of Odin by: Ed Fitch