Elder Futhark Rune Meanings
Heimdall's 2nd Aett
ISA
ISA GALDR (Runic Chant)
Isa isa isa
iiiiiiii
iiiissssssss
iiiiiiiii
(Source: "Futhark The Handbook of Rune Magic" by Edred Thorsson)
ISA OTHER NAMES:
Isa Old Germanic name: Icz
Isa Old Norwegian name: Iss
Isa Anglo-Saxon name: Is
Isa Old Celtic name: Iss
Isa Old Icelandic name: Iss
Rune Isa Overall Meaning: Rune of Ice. Rune of death. Isa represents a pause, a freeze on all your activities, stall of growth and all processes. On the other hand, Isa in its interpretation can symbolize a period of safety, stillness and "crystallization" of material and spiritual resources.
But it shouldn't be the reason for sadness. The Ice will melt and waters will flow again.
RUNE ISA ELDER FUTHARK GENERAL MEANING
Isa means Primal Matter, a stream of ice. This Rune has a connection to Niflheimr, from which the ice flows.
It's interesting to note that Isa is connected to Spring season, despite symbolizing the ice.
At this time, you may feel like things you do are pointless.
You may be feeling confused and unsure how to proceed in life. And this is just fine. We all have these moments and sometimes, we really need to take a step back and take a position of an observer rather that a doer.
Isa is the Rune of pause and slow expansion. The Rune asks to “crystallize”/preserve what you have, to save both on material and spiritual levels.
That said, this is not the Rune of endings. One day the ice will melt and you will break free from the stagnation moving forward with renewed energy and clear intentions.
Overall, your situation right now can be characterized as a period of slow growth and expansion that actually precedes a moment of a complete rebirth. As they say: "It is always calm before the storm."
People with fierce and active personality, inpatient and eager to get going, create and grow will find this period to be particularly difficult. If they don't see clearly defined moments of success, they will see it as an ultimate failure and as a result, may fall into depression.
But once again, I am reminding that there is no need to be upset, angry or sad. Your current situation can rather be described as a period of seed germination before you finally see that little, and yet strong, sprout above the soil.
The Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem says:
Ice is very cold and immeasurably slippery;
it glistens as clear as glass and most like to gems;
it is a floor wrought by the frost, fair to look upon.
Isa does not have a reversed position, so while keeping Rune meaning in mind, look at the surrounding Runes for clues if conduction a divination Rune draw or reading.
Rune Advice: Calm down, stop wasting your energy, now it is not the time for action and bold decisions. It is not the time to start anything new, as you may not see the situation clearly. Get more information first. Is it the time to work slowly on your current projects and let go of expectations for now.
RUNE ISA IN MEDITATION & RITUALS
Use Isa in meditations to achieve the following:
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Isa is used to strengthen the will;
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Rune Isa can be used to promote concentration;
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Isa can help to awaken self-ego.
Isa is capable to put a stopper on absolutely any situation, for this reason it is widely used in ritual magic.
Naturally, it can be used for both good and not so good purposes...
Use Isa in Rituals for the following issues:
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To stop something from happening, to slow down or stall the process entirely;
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To develop strength, concentration and willpower;
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To “freeze” the current situation where it is.
RUNE ISA AS TALISMAN OR AMULET
Overall, Isa is not the type of a talisman you'd wear on a daily basis.
There are a few instances when you may benefit from this amulet:
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Health reasons: jump to health section for more details. Use it with caution.
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If you want to develop a more distanced and less emotional outlook on life. If you overreact to world or personal problems and need to learn how to look at the situation more logically, then this Rune would be of great help.
RUNE ISA IN HEALTH QUESTIONS
Isa is associated with reproductive problems and infertility. The reason for that is its association with Goddess Rindr (Rind) who refused to give Odin a son. It is the cold earth that cannot sustain life.
It is also not the time for some crazy lifestyle changes, new diets, supplements or exercise routine. Work with what you already have at this time.
If may feel like your health situation is not improving and this this really is the case for now. Try to shift your attention to avoid making matters worse. Believe in yourself and your strength. You WILL get better.
Isa can be used in ritual magic for health. And I am making any health suggestions here, I am merely stating the uses of the Rune. Isa can be used to low down the illness, such as growth of cancer or any degenerative disorder.
RUNE ISA IN LOVE & RELATIONSHIP
Isa can indicate a time when there is a sense of distancing and coldness between partners. You may feel like your relationship is not moving to the next step.
You may feel like, although you want to take it to the next level, your partner is not with you on the same page. You can also experience a sense of disconnect, when it feels like you speak difference tongues.
With that can come a period of arguments, misunderstandings, cheating, in one word - crisis. But to understand what exactly is going on, look at the Runes nearby.
Isa + Laguz or Berkana, if inquired by a woman, can point on her partner having feelings or an existing relationship with another woman, depending on the wording of a question.
Isa + Reversed Laguz combination can indicate cheating.
Isa + Ehwaz combination point on a period of distancing between partners but it's not a major crisis.
Think about what brought the two of you together? What created that spark and what you can do to keep it alive?
Try to do something fun, have some quality time together to break this ice.
SHOP GTHIC VIKING STYLE JEWELRY
RUNE ISA IN CAREER & FINANCES
Isa is not the most favorable Rune for career and finances, because it is not the Rune of growth or expansion.
In your career situation, you may feel like you are not getting what you deserve. You may be trying so hard but feel like you are banging your head against the door that is forever shut.
At this time, you will not be moving up the career ladder. But it also doesn’t mean you should give up what you are working on altogether. Focus on something else for now. Something that would take your mind off things for a while until the situation or your luck change.
Isa + Thurisaz combination can point on a situation when there is someone at your workplace ruining things for you.
With regards to finances, there are two things to point out. First of all, it is not the time for investments, purchases or sales. You may end up losing money or not gaining what you expected.
Secondly, you should really stop spending money for some time and rather open up a savings account. It is best for now to preserve your finances and avoid the unnecessary purchases.
RUNIC TATTOOS: RUNE ISA IN A TATTOO
Despite the fact that there is no reversed position for Isa, this Rune is a questionable choice for a tattoo, unless you want to spend you whole life in a “frozen” condition.
You may face difficulties during the times when you need things to move faster make a breakthrough.
The Rune can also negatively impact your health. It can prolong an illness, not giving you a chance for a quick recovery.
Read more: Viking Rune Tattoos: All You Need Know Before Getting One. Norse Runes & Icelandic Staves in Tattoos
ISA IN RUNE READING OR DIVINATION
Isa is not to be read reversed. Its meaning strictly depends on the Runes beside it and they will influence it in a positive or negative way.
Isa + Ansuz mean that the Ice will "melt" rather soon and the situation will change the course.
Isa + Eihwaz mean that it is nearly useless to try and change the course of events. Take a breath and this necessary pause and try to see what you are missing because you may not have all the necessary information to see things clearly.
Isa is asking you, for now, to keep things exactly where they are. It is time to take a pause, to preserve what you already have. If you are waiting to hear from someone, the news will be delayed.
Unfortunately, in any area you are inquiring about there is a pause right now and it is for the better. Avoid trying to break the ice and push forward, as you may end up not where you want to be.
Good Tarot association would be 4 of Swords or the Hermit. Both ask to refrain from making any decisions at this time.
*See the above sections for Isa detailed meanings in love, career, finances & Health.
Check out "Runes" page for Elder Futhark rune meanings