Dec
Prosperity and the Jer Rune
The principle of Prosperity is not the mere accumulation of goods. Prosperity is an expansion of good in the life of the individual, the family and the community. Prosperity means the ability to do more of the things you enjoy. It entails living a life that makes a difference. Whether that difference is limited to the family and the community or expands as far as the nation and the world, it is a difference that counts.
Yesterday we spoke of Greed and the limitations it imposes. Prosperity lifts limitations. Just as Greed is caught in the downward, constricting crush of Naud, so Prosperity thrives in the expanding and liberating pull of the Jer Rune.
Prosperity is expansive. When one person prospers, he contributes to the prosperity of others. The more he prospers, the more he creates opportunities for others to expand their good. As more people prosper, so the trend grows. Look at us today. Even though we are in an economic downturn, our well-being exceeds that of previous generations. More people own automobiles today than they did thirty years ago. More people own televisions and other icons of modern technology. We have access to more and better varieties of food, clothing, personal items, tools, etc. Prosperity is expanding.
Prosperity is a way of thinking. It begins in mind. Consider this: even if he goes broke, a person accustomed to prosperity will find his way back to solvency. On the other hand, a poor person who comes into money will invariably spend himself right back into poverty. The only way things change is if the attitude changes from poverty to prosperity.
Two things open the way for prosperity. One is Gratitude. There is power in being grateful for all that one has. Appreciating an asset leads to its use. The second thing is Generosity. By sharing one’s good, no matter how small, with those close to him, a person puts things in proper perspective. He also widens the flow of Prosperity. This is what is meant by a “large spirit.” Gratitude and Generosity are two notable characteristics of prosperous people.
That brings us right back to the power behind Prosperity: the Jer Rune. Without the expansiveness of Jer, Fehu is just so much portable “stuff.” Money and assets are neutral things. Jer brings Life into the situation. It is in the Jer Rune that the mystery behind Prosperity is de-mystified. The expansive nature of Gratitude and Generosity are keys to putting us in harmony with the Jer Rune and with the principle of Prosperity.
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Our favorite old symbolic offering of gratitude is to thrown nine copper coins into the ocean, or an inlet, lake, river, pond, etc. We are close enough to the ocean to make offerings there. You might be closer to a pond, lake, river, or other waterway. The trick is to throw the coins where they will not be found. It is simple, and with the right attitude it is also profound.
