OK, this is interesting . . .

The Norn spread is used to plot the crucial elements of past, present, and future, and to reveal the evolution of the situation through the arc of time. Ice Runes are most commonly used for questions about struggle, conflict, and achievement.

The left rune represents an important element of the past. Wunjo is the rune of joy. The reversal of this rune suggests that joy is withheld. Since joy is frequently communal, this rune often suggests loneliness. Alternatively, some have seen Wunjo as the rune of perfection and the rune of the gods. Therefore this rune reversed could signal a feeling of separation from one's deity, or as imperfection in an important work.

The middle rune represents a deciding element of the present. Laguz is the rune representing water. Laguz is a strongly feminine rune, and like the ocean contains much power of an uncontrollable nature. Here the rune is seen in the reversed, symbolic of the ebbing tide. This may suggest power being drawn away, or may perhaps the start of a journey. Since this is a rune of sexual power, the reversal can also suggest sexual problems or dissatisfaction.

The right rune represents the critical element of the future. Tyr is the symbol of the warrior. This rune most represents masculine force and potency, and frequently victory in battle. Beware though, for this rune represents directly the Norse god whose name it bears - Tyr stands out in legend for having sacrificed his hand that he might bind Fenrir, a monstrous wolf that threatens to swallow the world. As such, this rune is known to portend a great victory that can be bought with a terrible sacrifice. Tyr is also the god of law, frequently placed in such position above Odin. In this aspect, protection of justice may be had by this rune. Interesting pull. Very interesting indeed. Now, I don't usually read my runes as reversed / merkstave, but here the variant positions make sense. I freely admit the joy I feel in life has been diminished, especially since I've gotten so effing overweight. There have been times the last couple of months where I hurt so very much thsat I was tempted to put an end to it all; fortunately, my social support system -- family by choice like M&D and Iz, my gaming groups, even WoW -- is first rate. There are things I want to do, and things I need to do . . . and being o'weight prevents them from happening. Thus, dimished joy. Further, even the bit about "Therefore this rune reversed could signal a feeling of separation from one's deity" makes sense; the Gods want us to be happy (as the Charge says: " . . . let there be reverance and mirth . . ."), and with too damn much of my personal power tied up in my personal accumulation of suet, I sometimes feel as if I'm letting the Lady down being this way. As I ponder the second rune, I'm blinking away tears. Again, the reverse of this rune makes sense. This song, to be released by a friend of mine on her new album, adds some emotional context. Twice in just over two yesrs, I've gone back to sea, "caught the tide" to leave something which was comfortable and return to that I have always been. The first departure was from someone who echoed this woman's feelings in the song. The second departure is from the "comfortable" lifestyle of free-range eating that was killing me, and may still kill me . . . if I don't hurry and catch the tide. I'm beginning another journey . . . The third rune, the future, is the rune of He Who is my Norse patron. Tyr speaks to my self image as a warrior. The rune itself tells me that there will be a victorious struggle in the future, one that will mean pain and sacrifice on my part. Tyr tells me that the pain is worth the sacrifice. My sacrifice? A lifetime's worth of comfortable but ultimately highly problematic attitude about food and exercise.