The rune Kenaz is found in the old German word "Kien" (Kienbaum) and literally means pine or fir tree. In ancient English, it refers to a torch made of pine wood and became known as "Kienspan".
This association makes Kenaz the rune of enlightenment or knowledge. Kenaz is also a rune that signifies all aspects of creativity. It represents skill and is the rune of artists and craftsmen.
The most obvious meaning of the rune is the acquisition and transmission of knowledge. However, one should not forget its connection with passion, which can be felt in a physical and spiritual sense.
One can be passionate about a subject or a person, and when this rune appears in a reading, the two terms are often strangely mixed, just as the old Anglo-Saxon verb "to know" means both "to comprehend" and "to bring forth from the mind ".
In more mundane terms, Kenaz means the beginning of a consuming love affair and the spark of a meaningful relationship that can teach both parties a thing or two about life.
This is one of the most positive runes, leading you down a path to new discovery. It is also an indicator of safety, for in a mystical sense you are being watched as thoroughly as if Heimdall or the watchful owl were guarding you from danger.
A sudden powerful insight is also likely when Kenaz is prevalent, and you may feel touched by a clarity of imagination you have never known before.
A loss of love, friendship and old loyalties is predicted when Kenaz appears in the reverse position.
One may feel adrift and abandoned and with little idea of what to do next. However, Kenaz is primarily associated with learning, so it is important to remember that some lessons are hard.
It may be time to let go of the past and move on. Everything will be revealed in time, so don't panic.
The lessons to be learned will become clear and you will soon find the right path, even if Kenaz's mission statement is hidden at the moment.
