[Material for this article is drawn from the text of a Rûna-Talk first given on June 15, 1991. The whole book can be found under the title Rûnarmaâl I available at www.seekthemysteries.com. When the word RUNA or the phrase Rune-Work are used they must be understood to refer to the universal principles involved, not only the traditional use of Germanic esotericism or the Odian Path alone. It should come as no shock when the final realization occurs that it is the Odian Path which forms the most authentic and potent universal application of esoteric work in the modern world. If anyone askes, I will spend time on this hidden universalism in the future — tilruna72@gmail.com.]
Ódinn is the God of polarities. He balances any and all polar opposites by indulging in the extremes of each end of the spectrum. By oscillating between these extremes a dynamic balance is achieved which no other method is capable of achieving. The middle or center of this process is the hearth-fire of creation.
This method is applied to the greater Workings of RÛNA as follows: The greater Workings of RÛNA are aimed at achieving certain Willed aims in the subjective universes of individual Runers, as well as effecting certain Willed changes in the objective universe in harmony with the transformed souls of the Runers themselves.
The first element or component in this method is a subjective (inner) Passion for a given Work or activity. Upon this depends the intensity or pure power of the results which might be gained. The beginnings of this factor lie in the first principle of all philosophy: A Sense of Wonder (Aristotle). There must be an inspirational charge to the Work. Galdr-Work is not mere dispassionate science— the spiritual enthusiasm is an important factor in the process. This is why mere "scientific methods" alone are ultimately are impotent when trying to unravel the mysteries of the universe.
This passion-factor, the intensity of emotion attached to certain thoughts and ideas, is really quite common, most especially in the "occultnik" world. Enthusiasm, at least an enthusiasm which will last as long as it takes to buy into the next occult fashion or craze, is in abundant supply. This enthusiasm is usually very short lived, however, because it is running on external and inauthentic fuel. This serves the commercial purveyors of the "mysteries" just fine because they are excused from having to reveal the ultimate Mysteries by simply having you move onto the next phase or craze. So the typical occultnik goes through life skipping from phase to phase— like a flat rune-cookie over the surface of a tranquil lake.
What is usually lacking among occultniks is the objective (outer) Precision for a given Work or activity. This factor is essential because upon it is dependent the accuracy of the results which might be gained. This is the realm of hard work and discipline— things which many in the "occult world" got into that very world to avoid. Although many will see the Precision-factor as "elitist," in fact it is the opposite. Inspiration comes only to the few, but virtually all can be taught to use precise tools for self-improvement. Some can make great progress with enthusiasm alone (combined with luck and/or the gebo/naudiz [grace] of a God), but this is rare. More can make some progress applying definite and precise instructions.
The maximal power, however, is to be gained by the extreme and balanced application of bothfactors simultaneously.
To summarize: in a formula wherein we allow a = (subjective) Passion of the work and b = (objective) Precision of the work: a x b = Power of Result.
The enthusiasm is the power of the bow and the arm that draws it, while the accuracy is in the craftsman and the shooter who aims the arrow. All factors are necessary to hit the target and win the day.
Certainly a balance between Passion and Precision, Enthusiasm and Accuracy must be sought and maintained. This is yet another example of the Germanic path being one that cuts between extremes— not only by negating both (as one might find in Buddhistic schools) or by exhalation one over the other (as might be found in Gnostic ones)— but by seeking the depths of each extreme and thereby ensuring the dynamism and power of the resulting balance in motion.
Balance is much easier to maintain when in motion rather than while being still. Notice when you ride a bicycle: when in forward motion balance comes naturally, while only an acrobat has an easy time staying balanced and upright on a motionless bike. The point of actual Rune-Work is to develop Self, not to get a job in the circus.