Jun
Oak and Ash, Ac and Aesc
The first of the Anglo Saxon Runes for which we provided exercises are Ac and Aesc. They are named for the Oak and the Ash trees, respectively. Both are trees known for their longevity, adamance and strength. Odin is connected to both. The Oak and Ash figures often in Nordic, Germanic and English lore.
The Aesc Rune is pretty much the Ash Tree itself, while the Ac rune can be both the tree and a sturdy boat. The idea fo a strong boat plowing through waves was common in the North Sea countries. If you have eve seen one of the genuine replicas of Viking ships, you can see why Ac is apporpriate.
As magickal symbols, Ac and Aesc have a similar nature. Even a novice can see that first and foremost, both are the strong trees of the North. They were the choice of warriors and builders. Oak provided shields and Ash made handles for spears and axes. Oak and Ash also provided the raw materials for boats, houses and furniture. They even figure in our language. We speak of things “as strong as oak“ or a stubborn person “as dense as oak.” I think the ancient Englishmen were wise in making Ac and Aesc the first and most prominent amomg their additional Runes.
Ac and Aesc have a shared nature. There is a stability implied in both. Ac is the stability of a sturdy ship plowing through the surf. It is a forward motion that is undeterred, sweeping aside anything that might otherwise impede it. Aesc is a stable motion that holds its place. Both partake of Urus, for they are applications of strength. Ac resists that which might otherwise slow or stop it. Aesc resists all attempts to overturn or move it. In both cases, Strength is the resisting and stabilizing force. Ac also has a touch of Radio and Eh, being mobile, and Thurs because of its force in splitting waves. Aesc is somewhat like the other Tree Runes, though its force is neither the natural upward expansion of Bjork nor the downward rooting and flexibility of the Yew.
The essential element in both Ac and Aesc is Strength. Strength is the force to hold and resist, to fend off and stand tall. Ac implies a strong ship that resists and Aesc is the strong foundation and anchor. Theses additional Runes are not really Runes, but specialized applications of Runes. In the case of both, the predominant element is Urus: Strength. Ac and Aesc are two applications of strength. Ac is the Mobile and Aesc is the stable. They can stand as reciprocals as well as variations of the same Runic principle.
With these ideas as a starting point, the student of the Anglo Saxon Additional Runes will find Ac and Aesc a worthy pair for further investigation. The rest of us find useful applications of Urus for more specific intentions. You do not have to be an Anglo Saxon traditionalist to benefit from Ac and Aesc.
