Proof by Oracle: One question. Three runes. Zero guarantees.
As a true scientist, I’m testing the rune oracle on myself, risking my own reputation 🙂 A three-rune reading for the question: “I’ve had an idea for how to structure interactive learning in my courses — where mythology meets machine learning. How successful might it be?”
ᚷ Gebo — gift, exchange, alliance
ᛇ Eihwaz — endurance, foundation, depth
ᛏ Teiwaz — determination, justice, will
INTERPRETATION:
Rune: ᚷ Gebo
(showing you the rune, placing it in the center like an invitation)
Look. This is Gebo — a cross, a sign of meeting. Two elements coming together not by force, but by mutual agreement. They don’t merge — they respect each other at the point of contact. Gebo is about exchange, about reciprocity, about “I give to you — not out of obligation, but from the heart.” In the rune tradition, Gebo is one of the most “social” runes. It’s not about society as a whole, but about personal connection: with the student, with the idea, with yourself.
Mythologically, this rune is tightly linked to the themes of oath, gift, and alliance. In ancient Germanic culture, to give a gift was to establish a bond — between equals. Not to buy, but to acknowledge the other as worthy. In that sense, Gebo reminds you: you’re not just creating a course. You’re offering a pact. The interactivity you envision — that’s not a feature, it’s an invitation to dialogue, not a monologue in slides.
Gebo says: “If you’re ready to share — truly, without armor or performance — then your participants will open up too.” It doesn’t promise applause. But it does promise response, if you don’t hide behind a role. Gebo is an honest gesture: “Here’s my idea. Who wants to play with me?” And if the gesture is sincere — hands will reach back.
Until now, maybe you’ve held this idea close. You’ve thought it through, tested it, structured it. Maybe you worried it wasn’t “ready.” But now is a different moment: it’s time to share. Not because it’s perfect — but because without sharing, the course simply won’t exist. Gebo is an open door. But everyone has to walk through it by their own will.
What comes next? If you allow the process to be exchange, not “content delivery” — it will come alive. People will return not for information, but for participation. For the feeling that you and they — are in it together. Gebo doesn’t ask for spectacle. It wants presence.
Don’t try to control everything. Leave space for the unexpected. Share — even if you’re unsure how it’ll be received. Treat each meeting as a small miracle. And don’t be afraid to ask in return — that’s part of the pact too.
Rune: ᛇ Eihwaz
(placing it beside the first, holding it between my fingers like a heavy branch)
Here it is — Eihwaz. It looks like a root pushing through the ground, or a spine that carries all the weight. This rune is about endurance, resilience, inner structure. It doesn’t shine. It holds. Eihwaz isn’t the flash of inspiration — it’s what remains afterward. In mythology, it’s linked with Yggdrasil, the World Tree — the very axis that holds reality together.
It’s a deep rune. It doesn’t speak loudly, but if you hear it — you’re no longer on the surface. It appears when it’s time not to “think,” but to build. To invest. To design. To bring into reality. And to weather the inevitable doubts.
Eihwaz says: “Yes, this is a good idea. But are you ready to go through the boring, the hard, the routine, so it can live?” You asked about success — it answers: “If you build the skeleton, the flesh will grow.” It’s not about momentum. It’s about the strength to stay. Again and again.
What came before? Most likely, you’ve launched ideas before — and some didn’t stick. Not because they were bad. But because they lacked that inner woodgrain, the thing that holds form when winds and shadows rise.
What may come: If you structure it — technically, conceptually, step by step — this course will endure. Even if no one notices at first. Even if few show up. It won’t depend on hype. It will stand on roots.
Don’t quit. Keep going. Test its strength. Give it time. Don’t rush to drop a “final version” — let it mature, gather sap. Eihwaz believes in growth — but only in what’s properly rooted.
Rune: ᛏ Teiwaz
(turning it toward you like an arrow, pointed up)
Teiwaz — like a sword planted in the ground. Or an arrow, already released. This rune is about action, purpose, discipline. But not force for force’s sake — force in service of meaning. In mythology, it’s tied to the god Tyr, who gave up his hand to bind the wolf Fenrir. For honor. For order. For the whole.
This is a rune for those who act not from “I want,” but from “I must.” Because they’ve chosen. Because they know: the best things are never the easiest. Teiwaz won’t coax you. It will just look you in the eyes and ask, “Are you ready?”
What it tells you: “You’ve already decided. Now go. Without excuses, without detours, without hesitation. Not because you’re fearless. But because you know what this is all for.” It stands behind will. Not emotion. Not inspiration. Will.
What came before? Likely, you’ve already made the choice. Internally. Maybe not out loud. But deep down — you know you want to lead. Not stay backstage. Lead. And it’s not about “leadership” in the flashy sense — it’s about responsibility. Teiwaz is your willingness to light the torch and walk ahead.
What may come? If you stay with this decision — not as a mood, but as a path — the project won’t just be “successful.” It’ll become a point of gravity for others. People follow those who don’t lie — not even to themselves. And you can be that someone, if you don’t veer off.
Hold the goal. Don’t scatter. Speak honestly. Don’t promise more than you can give — but deliver what you say. It’s not about the result. It’s about fidelity to the path.
HOW THE RUNES INTERACT:
Gebo + Eihwaz — spirit and structure in alliance. Gebo calls for connection, and Eihwaz responds: “Alright — but start with a foundation.” Without Eihwaz, Gebo’s gift may vanish into thin air. But without Gebo, Eihwaz can become a sealed-off system. Together, they create both aliveness and stability. You’re building something living — and lasting.
Eihwaz + Teiwaz — power that moves downward and upward. One holds, the other leads. One is the root, the other the arrow. They don’t clash — they’re like bow and string. But beware: together they demand a lot. They can be stern. But if you endure — the result will be durable and directed.
Gebo + Teiwaz — gift and will. One says: “I offer,” the other: “I take responsibility.” Together, they create a space where your project isn’t just an act of generosity — it’s a clear, conscious commitment. People will feel that behind your offering stands not just an idea, but resolve.
IF THESE RUNES WERE LIVING BEINGS…
Gebo would arrive first — with a cup of tea and a warm smile. She’d sit down across from you and say: “Let’s do this together. No drama. Just — together.”
Eihwaz would enter silently. She’d bring blueprints, tools, and turn off the music. “First — the foundation. Without it, everything falls apart.”
Teiwaz would be the last to arrive. He’d knock at the door. Look you in the eye. “You’ve made your choice? Then let’s go. We’ve got your back. But you’re leading.”
They don’t interfere with each other. They’re different — but together, they make a team. One builds connection, one provides strength, one sets direction. And you — you’re the one who brought them together.
FINAL THOUGHT: WHAT THE RUNES SAY — AND WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH IT
You didn’t ask a “business question.” You asked something real. Your idea isn’t just about format. It’s about the desire to be closer, to be more honest, to be needed.
The runes don’t say: “Yes, this will be popular.” They say: “If you put your real self into this — it will matter. For you. And for others.”
Gebo says: make it a meeting.
Eihwaz — make it solid.
Teiwaz — and see it through.
And then success won’t be about numbers.
It’ll be about creating a space where real encounters happen.
And that, believe me, is worth far more.