Separation – Othila

This is a time of separating paths. Old skins must be shed, outmoded relationships discarded. When you receive this Rune, a peeling away is called for. Part of the Cycle of Initiation, Othila is a Rune of radical severance.

The appropriate action here is submission and, quite possibly, retreat—knowing how and when to retreat and possessing the firmness of will to carry it out.

Real property is associated with Othila, for it is the Rune of acquisition and benefits. However, the benefits you receive—the Inheritance—may be derived from something you must give up. This can be particularly demanding when what you are called upon to abandon is some aspect of your behavior, a part of your cultural Inheritance. For then you must look closely at what, until now, you have proudly claimed as your birthright. Whether it is your attachment to your position in society, to the work you do, or even to your beliefs about your own nature, the separation called for will free you to become more truly who you are.

Reversed: This is not a time to be bound by old conditioning, old authority. Consider not only what will benefit you but what will benefit others, and act according to the light you possess now in your life. Because you may be called upon to undertake a radical departure from old ways, total honesty is required. Otherwise, through negligence or refusal to see clearly, you may cause pain to others and damage to yourself.

Adaptability and skillful means are the methods to cultivate at this time. And still you must wait for the universe to act. Receiving this Rune, remember: We do without doing and everything gets done.