From the Hart

The symbols on my arms are from ancient Germanic cultures that represent different elements of early polytheistic pagan religion. The chosen icons represent myself as well as each of my grandfathers, their lineage and their families.

On my left, is the symbol for Jumis (“yo͞o - mis”), the Baltic Pagan God who personified the harvest. Houston, my mother’s father, tended a large garden, which helped their growing family survive the difficult times both before and after the Great Depression.

The rune-like depiction of Jumis is intended to stylistically symbolize the “Catching of Jumis” ritual that occurs after the fall equinox (around the time of my conception). In hopes of capturing the spirit of Jumis to help keep the land fertile, a small collection of uncut grain—preferably double-eared—is left in the field. Tied in a bundle, the tops are pulled and weighted down with stones or soil in hopes of returning fertility back to the ground; continuing the cycle of prosperous life.

Jumis not only means twin in Latvian, but the glyph of stylized crossed corn or grain stalks is also reminiscent of “twin,” in Sanskrit—a perfect astrological association for a Gemini, like myself, born just before the summer solstice. In the common form, the symbol for Jumis stands for prosperity, good fortune, duality, rebirth and renewed strength. However, the glyph is derived from two crossing Laguz (“lä - go͞oz”) runes, from the Elder Futhark. In addition to the properties of Jumis, Laguz is associated with flow, life energy, organic growth, imagination and fantasy.  

On my right arm, I placed the symbol of Gungnir (“go͞on - gə - ni(ə)r”). Also known as the Runletter Gar, Gungnir symbolizes the legendary spear of Odin; a magical weapon forged by Dvalin and the Sons of Ivaldi. The spear was a gift to Odin from Loki, in reparation for cutting the golden hair of Thor’s wife, the goddess Sif.

Similar to the properties of Mjölnir, Thor’s hammer, Gungnir is described as never missing its mark, always returning to Odin’s hand and having the ability to pierce cleanly through its target, never stopping during its thrust.

A symbol of strength and accuracy, Gungnir is also comprised of runes from the Elder Futhark with their own meanings. The X-like character Gebo (“gā - bō”), was the symbol for Gift. It represented self-sacrifice, generosity and balance in all matters of relation and exchange, including contracts, personal relationships and partnerships. The diamond-shaped Ingwaz (“iNG - wäz”), was used in reference to the Earth God. This symbol stood for internal growth, common sense and family love. It was often used as a symbol of relief, a time without anxiety, when all loose strings are tied and you are free to move in a new direction.

These combined associations related most closely to my paternal grandfather, William. Hardened during the times of war, he worked in Army hospitals to help heal those wounded by explosions and fire. He is a strong and unwaveringly disciplined man, who has always had a great respect and love for his family.

In addition to honoring my family, I chose these symbols to represent myself as a person and an artist. They were even designated to a specific arm, in regards to playing guitar. Jumis was placed on my left arm, in hopes of channeling his spirit into the hand that control the growing melody, while Odin’s Gungnir, with its precision and power, control the rhythm in my right. 

-E