10 June 2015

Self Portrait Runes: Kenaz

Two months after my first self portrait, Fehu has helped me with my life and moved on to make way for a new stage. With a new beginning comes a new Rune: Kenaz, and a new self portrait.
See all of the Self Portrait Runes Series


Kenaz: Torch

Phonetic equivalent: k/c

Literal Meanings:
Torch, Fire brand

Divination Meanings:
Knowledge, intellect, illumination, searching for enlightenment

Deities:
Odin, Heimdall

Analysis:
Kenaz is the rune of knowledge, teaching and learning. It sheds light on the path and dispels the dark shadows of ignorance. Today, light, inspiration and knowledge are often associated, as in 'gaining enlightenment'... To bring light is to make the invisible visible.
You are coming into a new understanding of life and its meaning. New insights await, but don't be complacent. Use this new understanding or it will be worthless... Enlightenment is replenishable. The more you use, the more knowledge you gain. Enlightenment itself is not the goal, it is just the starting point of a great adventure that will show you great wisdom and understanding if you proceed with truth and honesty. -Whispering Worlds

I chose Kenaz because the other week I had an epiphany. For a long time I have always had the mind set of "I want to do this one day, but I can't do it today." But my epiphany changed my mindset to "I want to do this one day, and even though I can't do it today, I can still makes plans and prepare today." I feel like my third eye has opened, that the darkness of the future is gone and I can see the steps I need to take to achieve my goals, and for the past couple of weeks I have been.
Running my own photography business has always been my dream, and for the past couple of weeks I've been taking the steps to make it a reality. It's going to start off slow, but I have my steps for the next five years to make it a sustainable income, so I can live doing what I love.
I've also chosen Kenaz because I'm going back to uni in July! I will be studying photography at the Academy of Design Australia for the next three years. I already create amazing photographs from being self taught, so imagine what I can do when I learn more technical aspects, I can bring so much more out of my work! Hopefully Kenaz will help me with my learning, and creativity during my course.