Nied |
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| On a material level, Nied denotes restriction. It is associated with
the planet Saturn: the slowest moving planet that the ancient Germans
would have been able to observe. Saturn corresponds to our images of “old
father time” and “the grim reaper”. This planet represents
the status quo, authority and structure. When Nied appears it shows that
the querent is faced with a situation that he or she will not be able
to change by drastic or headstrong action. Rather, the querent needs to
have patience. Nied does not necessarily imply failure, but counsels that
there are forces at work that are too strong and entrenched to be moved
in a hurry. In affairs of the heart, Nied does not, as a rule, augur well
as it is rather a cool and removed rune. It can, however, sometimes signify
a distance between people – whether literally or metaphorically
- that the querent seeks to overcome. On an inner level, Nied signifies spiritual growth through hardship. Saturn is always a hard task-master and demands great sacrifice – as perhaps from a hermit or ascetic. However, deprivation can be a very good learning curve, if a little steep, at times. Inner strength is not built on resistance to, but acceptance of, the vicissitudes of life. In many sets of runes it is impossible to tell whether Nied is reversed or not, so in order to make a distinction you might be forced either to make some sort of mark on the rune itself or to rely heavily on your own intuition. If you perceive this rune as being reversed it denotes that the querent may have recently taken a rather flippant and thoughtless attitude and must now pay the dues. If the querent fails to change his or her approach forthwith the consequences could be dire indeed as the full force of the “establishment” comes down on them. |