Isa

Ice

Stillness, static, ego, self-identity, contraction, self-preservation, harsh reality, cold, lack of change, stagnation, lack of emotion, rest before action, self-awareness

Ice can be beautiful but also dangerous. Ice freezes everything into a static, self-preservation, still state, but it's not the end. It's just a moment of stillness and self-awareness, but nothing stops there. Ice seals the land to rest and covers all that is fertile and life-giving. Isa is the rune of stillness, self-control, and stasis.

This rune is the simplest of all, where Kenaz is fire, Isa represents stillness, focus, and purity of ice. In Norse mythology, the creation of the universe was out of mating these two elements. At the same time, in Norse philosophy, ice represents the feminine principle, the stillness and preparation for a new life. Hope and rebirth. Kenaz and Isa are the Ying and Yang, where the first is fire and aggression, the second is stillness and meditation.

Isa is the rune of control. When not kept under control, the ego-self (the I) can take paths of superficial desire and self-glorification. Isa urges you to pause, meditate, and gather knowledge before moving forward to bigger actions.

A static and calm point, where it’s good to redirect our course of actions. Those around you may be giving you space because they care for you.

Stagnant and neutral period in finances. Gather confidence and knowledge to move forward when the time is ready.

Pay attention to your self-awareness and control. Isa signifies a monotony, distance between partners. Before taking a major step, take some time to focus and explore every possible scenario and direction.

Limitation of freedom, colds, and immobilization. Lack of vitality and appetite. Isa brings everything in terms of retreat, isolation, and stillness.

Isa warns us to be aware to not get trapped into a routine, lack of motion, and activity. This rune signifies a time of rest before action. It’s a period of rest and meditation. It is necessary to stop and assess the situations and look in all directions before action is continued.

The pace forward is slow and steady, but a period of fertility and creative force lies ahead. While everything seems static, the fertile seeds below the ice are active. All good things will come in good time, but for now, we must wait.

Isa signifies the general neutral nature of ice. Putting everything into static mode while allowing the time to rest and gather energy before action is resumed.

In general, Isa is a neutral rune when extracted in a reading, which tends to add to the significance of the runes it’s extracted with.