This sings to me

[sabrinamari]

"Facing Fear with Courage

Finally, Algiz is the rune of Fear, and the proper use of fear.

Where PERTHRO represents the unknown, ALGIZ represents the courage we must exercise in order to face our fear of the unknown. Algiz gives us the counter-phobic urge to move toward our fears and conquer them rather than be ruled by them.

Courage is not the absence of fear, but the will to right action in spite of it. It is important to move toward fear rather than avoid it, because it is in the dark areas obscured by your fears that you can truly grow and learn to live fully."

http://runesecrets.com/rune-meanings/algiz-rune-meaning-analysis

Comments

[bobby1933.livejournal.com]

The introduction to the rune at your link says: "Fear has its place in every heart, courage is only a response."

I interpret this as follows: Fear has its (proper)place in every heart, courage is only (one possible) response.

Fear is a gift. Read properly, it tells us when and how to avoid danger. Without it we might die unnecessarily, "before our time." Fear can blind me; that is bad. But if i keep my eyes open, fear may get me to a doctor while my illness is curable, or it may keep me away from that nice person who later turns out to have been a serial killer or a wannabe abusive spouse.

(edit: If my heart is fearful, my mind must pay attention.

[angiedub.livejournal.com]

"But if i keep my eyes open, fear may get me to a doctor while my illness is curable" What I tried to tell my ex-husband that he didn't listen to until he almost died.
Fear can be an awesome ally.

[sabrinamari.livejournal.com]

I agree.

[spiffnolee.livejournal.com]

"A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid."

Interesting how fear interacts with risk. And how a wise teacher once told me about pushing through the lesson that made you uncomfortable, but pausing to analyze the lesson that made you fearful.