Yr Rune

(From the Anglo-Saxon runes variation)

By Oscar Porras – fennix.assenir@gmail.com – ig @oscar.fennix

Yr is another of the Runes that we will only find in the set of the Anglo-Saxon variant of the runes, the Futhorc.

According to many authors, Yr represents a bow used by the ancient Saxon nobility, and according to others represents a horse saddle (the kenningar), which was also typically used by the ancient Saxon nobles.

This is because the runic poem refers to both objects as characteristic of princes and nobles, and indicates that both objects look good on the nobleman's horse.

Personally, I see in the shape of the rune both objects, I see in the figure of Yr both a bow in a resting position, in which it was placed on the horse to be transported, as well as a saddle.

It’s possible, in fact, that Yr refers to both objects, as characteristic of a privileged social class. Whoever owned both objects would obviously be part of a privileged group. 

Whatever object Yr is really referring to, the central idea that it conveys and the archetypal energy of the rune is NOBILITY, STATUS, and POWER.

Yr connects us with the noble and proud part of ourselves. When we feel devalued, or doubt our own abilities, Yr reminds us of our own personal power.

The rune reminds us that each one of us is unique and valuable, and that there is a noble part within us. Yr can, in my personal opinion, perfectly indicate the essence of the Gods within ourselves, and remind us that there is a part of the Gods within us.

When we are not satisfied with the environment we are in or with our standard of living, Yr reminds us that we have THE POWER to get where we want to be.

This rune also reminds us that, at certain times, it’s advisable to act "like a king" or "like a queen" and not lower ourselves before others.

Yr reminds us that in some moments it’s necessary to show our best to others, to show ourselves great and in all our splendor before others. This is a bit of what my dogs taught me, when they lived. They taught me many things. One of them was: “when an enemy growls at you or annoys you, you first need to present to him all your greatness, all your splendor, and show yourself mighty before him. Raise your face and show him with your attitude that he is not about to face just any person". This is, in essence, the message that Yr also transmits to us, to connect with our inner nobility, power and greatness, and to transmit it to others at key moments.

When we exercise positions of power, Yr reminds us that we must also be true leaders, that we must be "good kings" or "good queens". Because having power is not the same as having leadership. 

For example, you can be a boss, and be hated by employees. You can be a general in an army, and be detested by your subordinates. You can be the president of a country and be denied by the citizens. In my country there is a dictator, and he has a lot of power, however he is rejected and detested by the citizens and by the entire free world. 

And in all the previous examples, opposing figures will appear, who will be the true leaders. Yr, when we exercise positions of power, reminds us that we also have to be magnanimous and strive to become true leaders as well. We must listen to the people in our charge, protect them, stand on their side, look out for their interests, etc. Have not only power, but also leadership, and be good leaders.

“We are all equal, because we are all powerful and there is nobility in each one of us,” is one of the thoughts that Yr personally transmits to me when meditating with the rune.

We can magically use the energy of Yr, either with the rune alone or as part of bindrunes to:

1. Connect and feel our own nobility.
2. To be more valued by others (and by ourselves in the first place!).
3. To increase our status or achieve positions of power in some context. This is, for example, if we are wanting a promotion in a job. Or if we are part of the army or some similar force that uses a rank system, and we are wanting a promotion to a higher rank, etc.
4. In combination with Raidho ("Rad" in Futhorc), Yr can be used when we want to move to a place of higher status.
5. In combination with other Runes, when we want or need to buy luxurious or expensive things that represent status. The runes that accompany Yr would depend on what we need to buy. For example, Yr can be with Othala (“Ethel” in Futhorc) for an expensive house, or with Raidho (“Rad”) for a fancy car or motorcycle, and so on. These can be accompanied by runes that promote abundance and prosperity, like Fehu.
6. To cultivate leadership and magnanimity.