Ancient Runes at Brookhaven State Park LbNA #10108 (ARCHIVED)

This series is still there, although hard to access due to the high water table. You might want to try it when things dry out a bit.



Directions: (Please note: bring your own stamp pad and pen, and a compass )
Pleasant walk, mostly level terrain, about an hour's duration.

Long Island Expressway (495) to William Floyd Parkway Exit 68. Travel north to Rte.25. Take Rte.25 east to Panamoka Trail (about 2 miles on the left). Take Panamoka Trail to end, make left on Lakeside Trail. Follow the road approximately .3 mile. A parking area for access to Brookhaven State Park is on the left.

Clues:
Runes comprise an ancient Scandinavian alphabet. Each letter has a name and a special meaning. They are a means of understanding ourselves both in terms of our personal journeys, and our relationship to the world.

The Mannaz Symbol represents the Self, which is the starting point of all things. From it flows all possible relationships with others and with the Divine.
Begin your quest at the beginning. The trail, as does life, will offer you many choices. Choose wisely, always bearing in mind that the essence of this Rune is water. As life is cyclical, so too is your journey. Your path will take you beyond 2 fallen trees that have been cut in many pieces. Continue on, until you encounter a lifeless tree whose two limbs reach into the heavens asking “Why?” Proceed to the left of this questioning tree, 10 steps into the unknown. That which you seek is hidden buried under brush in the crook of two fallen giants.


The Uruz Symbol represents Strength. All that we experience has a beginning, a middle and an ending leading to yet another new beginning. Uruz is a Rune of passage and renewal – leading from the termination of what once was, to what will be.
As Mannaz ends, does Uruz begin.
In the beginning, your journey may appear difficult. Your way may seem muddied and obscure. Trust, and venture forward knowing that the new will be greater than the old. At the time of first choosing, it is wise to trace the path of the setting sun. Three different obstacles that block your path must be overcome. Travel on. Search to the right, beyond the ashes to discover what you seek. There you will find opportunity, disguised as loss.


The Wunjo Symbol is the rune representing Joy and Light. The goal of personal journey is the Restoration to Self. The Joy of a beginning with renewed energy and the Light which yields clarity of vision.
As Uruz ends, does Wunjo begin.
This is the path of many choices. At this first choosing then, your path is to the south. Take it and continue on. At the time of both the second and third choosing, it is better to forge ahead and remain true to your journey. Along the path of the third, search to the right for the largest of pine trees,whose lowest limb, high above, reaches entirely across your way. From that place, your paces shall number 23. Look to the right. The most observant will discern a narrow path. 20 paces along this path will lead you to a clearing where you will see the Light.


The Raido symbol represents Journey. It is continuing the passage toward self healing, self change and true reunion with the self. The essence of this rune is the trusting of one’s own process.
As Wunjo ends, does Raido begin.
Continue on your way knowing that this part of the journey is long, and the way uneven. Just before a time of choosing,look up. There is a broken giant on your right that wearily leans across your path, coming to rest on the strength of another. Behind that broken giant lies Raido.


Berkana represents Growth. It is the rune of life process evolving toward new life. It is a Cycle Rune, that leads back to the Self – which is the Starting Point for all things. After finding this rune, you will be restored to your beginning.
As Raido ends, does Berkana begin.
At the time of choosing then, travel in the direction of the rising sun. Follow this path as it turns and points north. You will need to overcome a large obstacle that has been placed in your way. At the time of the next choosing, continue North. You are no longer isolated, your path is parallelled by the presence of others. Soon you will crest a challenge and behold the water which was your beginning. Walk to the water, stopping at a fallen giant that parallells the water's edge. Search to the right for a pine giant standing upright and proud near a three sister tree. Berkana is nestled snugly with the three sisters.

As in life, your journey has been cyclical. With the finding of Berkana, you have been restored to your beginning.
As Berkana ends, may your next journey begin.