The Norse Runes are growing in popularity, as indicated by the number of texts now available. To the uninitiated, the Runes look like an odd amalgamation of letters and linear scratches. One would never think that they had magickal uses. Having worked with the Runes for almost two decades, I can assure you that those simple sigils have complex ramifications.
Most of the books written about the Runes are based on recent invention rather than tradition. Personally, I find all but a few are better used for lining the cat's litter box. The Runes which I learned were taught me by a hereditary practitioner of the Old Wisdom. Recently, I added to our horde of Runelore with some interpretations received from an hereditary Scottish witch. The amazing thing was how his ancestral interpretations tallied with ours. His family obviously received them during dealings with Saxons some centuries ago.
The Runes conceal themselves within their very simplicity. They were originally twenty-four in number, being arranged in three rows of eight Runes. The pattern of the arrangement was itself carefully contrived. Later, Norway and Denmark shortened this pattern, known as the Futhark, to sixteen Runes. The English Saxons lengthened it in some places to thirty-three Runes. In spite of these changes, Rune magicians worked with the original twenty-four Runes. They may have used later pictographs, but the Runic potencies remained the same. Any attempts to change the Futhark ordering are doomed to mislead, for the ancient order is magickally precise.
Divination is not the only use of the Runes. Runes are used to access, control, direct and send magickal force according to the will of the wizard. Techniques for this work range from use of a single Rune to complex combinations based on number, potency, etc. The Runes can also be encoded into myriad formulae according to several methods. Though these can become excruciatingly complex, the premises on which they work are disarmingly simple. Beginners are best advised to stick to simpler methods. The simplest is to use a single Rune which fits the purpose at hand. For purposes which require a material or physical response, the Rune can be inscribed on a talisman or candle three times. Three symbolizes completion upon all planes, and thus is useful in workings of a physical nature.
Old Norse wizards used other symbols as well as the Runes. Some of these were composed of Runic variations. The other symbols tended to be more limited in scope. Most referred to a single concept or to a specific deity. One such symbol which has gained in popularity among magicians is the Hammer of Thorr. The Hammer is often worn as a pendant.
The twenty-four Rune Futhark is ordered in three rows of eight Runes. Each row is known as an Aett, or Airt. The shorter Norse Futharks are also placed in three rows. Rune magicians would use symbols of both longer and shorter Futharks as they saw fit. It was not the symbol that counted so much as the power it represented. No matter which symbols they used, they based their Runework on the twenty-four numeration.
The Rune interpretations we have given can be used for divination and magickal workings. Inscribe the Rune whose meaning corresponds with your spell's intentions on a talisman or candle. It is that simple, insofar as technique. Should your intention be a change or result of a physical nature, you can inscribe the Rune three times. Three symbolizes completion on all planes. The best way to learn the Runic potencies is to meditate on them and consider their manifestations in the world around you. For instance, Raido is seen in such activities as travel and communications. Thus, its natural action can be appreciated in such places as railroad stations, post offices, etc. Fehu can be appreciated through understanding finances, and so forth.
Making Rune stones is easy. You can mark or carve Rune shapes on wooden chips or disks, or mark them on stones. Beach stones are excellent. My oldest set of Runes are made of beach stones which I cleaned, dried, and marked with indelible markers. I have personally handpainted sets, and Audrey crocheted bags for them: they are available at Ageless Gemstones. Each Rune is painted over a scene related to the Rune's energies.
Let common sense and a sense of joy be your guides. The Runes are too simple. We hope we have provided clear guidelines for you. Rest assured that you have received traditional Runic information which has not changed much from the ancient times.
Rune divination is simple, providing detailed information about situations, events and people.. Using your Rune chips, shake the bag or can nine times. Draw three Runes from the pouch, one at a time. The first Rune represents the past, the second depicts the present, and the third reveals the future. The first Rune specifically refers to the matter at hand or the cause which set things in motion. The present shows current situations or the process from the past to the future. That future result is shown in the third Rune. hus, a simple Rune reading can tell about coming events or a particular situation. If any Rune seems unclear, draw an extra Rune to further illuminate you. The extra Rune is called an "adjective", for that is pretty much its purpose.
The three-Rune reading can be extended by drawing two more Runes and placing them after the third Rune. The Future-Final Outcome Rune is then read as if it were the first Rune. The fourth Rune denotes the Process, and the fifth depicts the Distant Future or Ultimate Ramifications of the matter. The third Rune would be Near Future, and the fifth serves as a more distant Future. Some folks who use the extended reading will draw one or two adjectives for the third Rune. These describe both the end of the matter and the beginning of the next phase. A few people also draw adjectives for the fifth Rune.
Though people have experimented with other methods of Rune divination, the methods detailed above serve almost every need. They have proven most effective. My teacher swore by them, and my own two decades of experience affirms his faith in the technique.
A variation of the three-Rune reading involves choosing three Runes, but placing them from top to bottom. They represent Past, Present and Future, and/or Cause, Process and Effect. Then, one chooses three pairs of Runes. Each pair is placed on both sides of the original three chips, making three rows of three Runes. The original three chips denote the actions and central event. Each addition pair of Runes defines reciprocal sides of the situation: e.g: the first Rune is the past event; the additional Rune pair describes it further. The additional pair define salient aspects and ramifications of each stage from Past to Present.
A spell is a vehicle for the accessing, control, and sending of magickal force. It is geared to tap into the energy, order it according to the spell's purposes, and send it toward its goal. The technology of spellcasting ranges from simple to Byzantine in complexity. There is a basic procedure for doing the work. You must determine which type of energy is needed to fulfill the need. In the Old Norse Tradition, we generally classify magickal energies according to three classifications: the Elements, the Runes, and the Gods. Thus, if money is needed, you could access from the Fe Rune, which is the force behind wealth. You may choose to align with Elemental Earth, as finance is one of its myriad attributes. You could also invoke any of the deities whose province includes bestowing wealth and good fortune.
The most popular types of spells are those devoted to love, money, success and protection. Love spells are particularly tricky. One may cast a spell to attract a lover, but may not cast a spell on a specific individual to make that person fall in love with the spellcaster. The reason is simple: these spells have cunning ways of backfiring when used to coerce or alter the free will of another person. To attract a lover, for example, a pink candle may be inscribed with the Ing, Gyfu and Bjork Runes. A pink stone (beach stones are best; rose quartz will do) is marked with the same Runes and placed beside the candle, which is then lit. A simple charm is spoken; for instance:
"Three ladies came across the land,
Bringing love into my hand:
The first called him (or her)
The second brought him
The third bound us together" (repeat three times)
The stone is then charged to add to the spell. When the candle is finished, the stone is secreted among personal belongings.
A money spell requires inscribing three Fe Runes on a twig. The carved Runes are then colored with ink, paint, or a marker. The twig is held in the hand and charged; imagine magickal force streaming into it from your hand. A charm is spoken thrice. The twig is then carried on your person. Such a charm might be:
An employment spell would use a yellow candle inscribed with a Ken Rune, Jer Rune, and two Raido Runes. Cinnamon or sandalwood incense would be burned.
A spell for household protection requires marking beach stones with Elk Runes and placing them in a jar. The jar is hidden near the front door.
A seashore spell includes marking a symbol of your need on a beach stone, charging it, and casting it into the ocean to invoke Sea Energy. Call on Njord or Aegir and Ran, the Sea Gods.
Rune Talisman
Making a talisman is as simple as painting a Rune on an item. According to tradition, the talisman can be filled with a magickal charge to accomplish the purpose it symbolizes. This is done by holding the talisman and imaging yourself filling it with magickal force from your hands. Then, simply tell the magick what to do for you. Another way of doing this is to place the Rune talisman beside a lit candle in order to charge it. Some spellcasters put the charm in a cloth pouch with the appropriate crystal, herb, or metal. This would be carried in purse or pocket. Among these are:
Minerals
Clear quartz: good for any purpose
Rose quartz: for love and harmony
Amethyst: for wisdom and psychic powers
Aventurine: for healing and prosperity.
Moonstone: for emotions, peace and love
Tiger's eye: for wealth and protection
Metals
Iron: for protection and strength
Silver: for protection, Lunar power, love, prosperity
Gold: for prosperity and protection
Tin: for wealth and honor
Copper: for love and healing
Aluminum: for travel, communication
Plants
Rosemary: for protection, love and purification
Thyme: for dreams, psychic powers, love
Coriander: for friendship, harmony, love
Peppermint: for prosperity, good fortune
Spearmint: for healing
Rose: for love
Lavender: for wisdom, blessings, love
Jasmine: for prosperity, the Moon
Cinnamon: for wealth, love, energy, healing
Norse colors:
Gold: for wealth, protection, a God
Silver: for prosperity, the Moon, psychism, the Goddess
Yellow: for healing, finding employment
Orange: for communication, messages, travel
Green: for prosperity, abundance, friendship, growth, Nature
Blue: for peace, calm, wisdom. benevolence
Purple: for wisdom, mysteries, wealth, grandeur, justice
Red: for success, strength, romance, protection
Pink: for love, friendship, healing
Brown: for houses, home, justice, Earth, permanence
Black: to absorb and dissolve negativity
White: all-purpose, blessing, purification, hallowing
(In the Norse Tradition, red may be used for gold)
Old Norse Runecraft and Spellcraft A good introduction to Rune magick, divination, talismans and spellcraft; included is a study of mythic lore and folktales.
Old Norse Spells and Enchantments A collection of spells, charm bag formulas, talismans and other goodies. A collection of various techniques. Simple and effective.
Old Norse Charms, Spoken Spells and Rhymes A gathering of old spoken spells, chants and charms from ancient times, restored to Pagan format. Good insight into processes behind magick and their application to spoken spellcraft.
Old Norse Rune Mysteries and Rune Codes Advanced study of the Runes, their meanings, and their Mysteries, plus the Futhark and its hidden codes.
The Wizard's Cupboard A guide for the use of herbs, potions, incense, metals and stones. Plenty of practical information on using household ingredients to make incense, charm bags, baths, etc. Instructions included for making a crystal wand.
Spellcraft by Candlemagick The use of candles for spellcraft, including talismans, Runic sigils, figure spells and more. Simple, inexpensive and effective.
Advanced Old Norse Runecraft Rune magick in its various forms, including talismanic work, inner focus, charging items, and more. Includes lists and codes of Runic potencies for healing. Excellent text.
Troubleshooting Magickal Problems Handling common problems attendant to magickal practice, from mundane side-effects to attacks and Astral mischief. This text explains nuances which others usually miss. Great for the dedicated magicians and magickal teacher.
Master Spellcraft Series
This Series focuses on the principles, nuances, and ramifications of spellcraft. Both individual spells and spell types are explained and compared with other methods and systems. The intention is to give readers the tools by which they can devise their own spells, as needed.
Vol I: Spellcraft: Foundation Principles and Practices Basic training, including the Elements, inner work, and access of power.
Vol II Advanced Spoken Spellcraft: Principles and Practices The use of chants, rhymes and spoken spells. Twenty Norse charms are analyzed as examples for devising your own charms. Includes contrasts with metaphysics, Ceremonial magick and Wicca. A brilliant study of spoken spells and the mental state needed for successful spellcraft.
Vol III Spellcraft of the Elements and Figure Spells Fire magick, candle work, water spells, air spells, and Earth works are discussed. Attention is given to the affects of Elemental forces on spellcraft. Included is an additional chapter on the uses of figurines and dolls in magick.
Vol IV Knotwork, Herbs, Magickal Devices and Spells for Home and Nature An arsenal of spell methods, including knot and cord magick, Witches bottles, sprite forks, occult "boobytraps" and how to defuse them, herbcraft, household spells, and the uses of nature in spellcraft.
Final Volume: Magickal Symbols and Talismans A study of the apllications of magickal symbolism and its uses in making talismans. Also, practical ramifications of talismanic magick, comparisons between Norse/Germanic, Qabbalistic and Hermetic methods, Replacement Alphabets and more.
Recovery
Hard-Hitting Heathen Recovery A great book for Recovering Pagans, explaining the program of Recovery in Pagan terms, with the focus on Pagan concerns. Not just a translation of conventional Recovery texts! This is a power-packed, insightful guide for the Pagan, Heathen and Wiccan.
Recovery for Magickal People The program of Recovery is explained in magickal terms, with clear examination of the process and the facts that lead to freedom from compulsion and obsession. Insightbful, sage advice on many things from someone who has been there.
We publishe the above monographs, along with many more publications dealing with magick, esoteric studies, and the Old Norse Tradition. We also offer The Road to Bifrost, our six-volume text on Norse magick and worship. Our specialty is Norse, and we carry the most extensive line of publications for the practice of the Norse Tradition.
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