How To Make Rune Staves

Introduction

Normally, when people talk most runes, they recall of casting the runes in order to go a view into the potential hereafter. The image of the Volva (seeress) sitting in a night cavern with a fire, throwing downwardly the runes, and telling a young adventurer whether his side by side quest will be profitable (or even survivable), carries with the states, even into today.

However, when the Vikings were at their height, the use of runes in magic didn't accomplish just to the concept of divination. In fact, there are very few references to "runic divination" in historical literature.

Runic magic, does extend into the concept of "active" magic, where one but didn't try to see into the time to come, merely attempting to have an touch on on it. A common practice was to combine a series of runes into a blueprint that asked upon the gods for a given result. This outcome could be a blessing, or it could even be a curse.

While we don't focus on this practice today, it's actually still very common.

Here we're going to talk a little bit most "Active" magic in the Northern European Traditions, a fiddling bit nearly ethics of practice, and and so we'll finally get to bind runes, the process of creating them, and how to effectively use them.

On the Nature of Magic in the Northern European Traditions

Magic in many heathen practices (and Northern European traditions are no dissimilar) often times is expressed as focusing our will to have an bear on on the events that will transpire in the time to come. Nosotros desire a given result, and hope (or expect) that through a given series of actions, these events will happen. Many times in that location is very niggling particular with respect to why these practices work, we just believe they exercise.

Ane could write an entire volume on various magical beliefs, and where the "power to change things" comes from. But I'll leave that to someone else. In fact, I'1000 not going to talk significantly about the technical details of where the power of Northern European magic comes from because honestly, I don't retrieve anyone is absolutely sure.

Withal, what we tin can say is this:

Northern European philosophy rests highly on the concept of self-reliance.          
The gods don't bless united states because we're needy, they bless us considering we've shown them that we're productive,          
and are striving to brand life better on our own.          
Simply with our ain hard piece of work volition the blessing of the gods come.

In short, "The Northern European gods assist those who help themselves."

This ways that in order for any magical do to work, we must non only ask them for their help, we must also strive to change the time to come ourselves.

Information technology'southward through own will, and our actions, that we begin the magical process, every bit our will to change things "starts" the gods of the North have discover, and give their blessings if they deem it appropriate.

Bind Runes can exist a critical piece to this process. They serve as a visual cue to ourselves of our intent, and the process through which nosotros create them, and brandish them is a sign to the gods that nosotros're striving for a given set of events, and are asking for their assistance.

So, when creating a bind rune, it'due south e'er important to remember that the creation of the bind rune is not the end, it's the beginning. The bind rune is the beginning of a magical (and possibly mundane) procedure that may last weeks, months, years, or even decades.

A Petty Bit on Northern European Ethics

Many pagan belief systems hold that 1 should "harm none," or they strive to achieve a "peaceful utopia." Many traditions hold an ethic that magical practices should never be used against another, and perhaps even shouldn't be used on unwilling person at all.

The historical practice of Northern Europeans, both in their day to day activities, and their magical practices doesn't hold that any use of ambitious magic against or on an unwilling participant is bad. In fact, history has shown that the use of magic aggressively can be extremely effective.

In the Saga of Egil Skallagrimsson we encounter that Egil was at war with King Eirik Bloodaxe. The state of war had taken many lives. Egil placed a "Nithing Pole" (A series of runes carved into a pole with the intention of causing a curse upon someone) with the following curse:

"Here I place this "Nidstang" ("curse-pole"), and turneth it confronting King Eirik and Queen Gunnhild          
- turneth I this against all the gnomes and little people of the land, that they may all be lost,          
not finding their homes, until they drive King Eirik and Queen Gunnhild out of the country."

Some time information technology transpired that the Male monarch and Queen fled to the British Isles.

So nosotros run into, that historically, the use of magic, even extremely aggressive magic, might be ethically appropriate.

This isn't to say that one should go about "casting" aggressive magic without thought. One must presume that if one has an ethical standard that allows for such actions, that the 1 is using the magic on may reasonably utilize the same practices on y'all.

And so, while the Northern European traditions certainly don't have the "damage none" philosophy, and as well don't have the concept of only using magic on those who are aware of it, nosotros are too cognizant of the responsibility (and potential repercussions) of that philosophy.

A little More on "Them" and "The states"

It's also important to retrieve that Northern European tradition has a strong sense of family unit, hearth, and community vs. "everyone else." Ones obligations to ones family unit and customs are extremely different from those obligations ane has to the earth as a whole. This doesn't hateful that everyone else is "bad" or we don't have any obligation to them (hospitality indicates otherwise), but the obligations are indeed different. I would wait that one would never (or nearly never) appoint in aggressive magic with respect to a family unit member without their knowledge, or consent.

A 10 minute guide to the Runes

Understanding the runes, and their pregnant in depth is a form (and a lifetime practice) in and of itself. If you're unfamiliar with it, beginning with Introduction to Rune Reading every bit its disquisitional that one understand all the runes, and their meaning.

Here'southward the "short cut" guide to the runes and their meaning. If yous're unfamiliar with the runes, it can go you lot started:

Freyr/Freya's Aett

— Fehu — "Fay – Hoo"

Domestic Cattle/Wealth

Fehu represents wealth earned or won through luck. Fehu is usually used in a Bind Rune when one is concerned about a concern, gaining wealth, or future financial prosperity.

— Uruz — " ooo – rooze" every bit in "Moo" Auroch, a wild ox.

Uruz represents untamed concrete force and speed. If one is low on free energy, or has started working out at a gym, Uruz may be used to assistance yous focus on developing your "physicality."

— Thurisaz — "thur — ee — saws" as in "Th." Thorn or a Giant.

Thurisaz represents a force of destruction and defense or conflict. Thurisaz tin can be used to "interruption downwardly" barrier or things that are blocking yous. It could also be used against someone to create a negative touch.

— Ansuz — "awn — sooze" as in "Awning" The As, ancestral god, i.e. Odin.

Ansuz represents a bulletin, or unexpected insight. If yous're trying to increase your own "metaphysical" or psychic knowledge and understanding, this would be a good rune to employ. If you're studying the runes, and desire a bind rune asking for Odin's assistance, this would also work.

— Raidho — "Rye — Though" Railroad vehicle or chariot.

Raidho represents travel, either in a physical sense, or in terms of lifestyle. If yous desire blessings during a trip, or want help "going somewhere" Raidho is a skillful rune to use in a demark rune.

— Kenaz — "Cane — Awes" Buoy or torch.

Kenaz represents cognition and technical ability. For those going to higher, Kenaz is an excellent one for purposes of helping with studies, and remembering. If you're about to take an exam (though at that point it may be too late) Using a Kenaz on your palm with other runes might help.

— Gebo — "Yee — Boo" Gift.

Gebo represents gifts of generosity and the obligations they bring. It can be used in a bind rune to hope for unexpected gifts (though as always, remember "a gift demands a gift.") Information technology can also be used on behalf of a charity, hoping that they receive gifts.

— Wunjo — "Woon — Yo" 'Joy.'

Wunjo represents joy and condolement. If you're looking for a happier life for yourself (or someone else) Wunjo is an splendid one to use. Using Wunjo and Fehu in combination can provide a approval of "Wealth, happiness, and joy."

Heimdall'due south Aett

— Hagalaz — "haw — gaw — laws" 'Hail.'

Hagalaz represents uncontrolled destructive forces. Hagalaz in a bind rune may exist used as an endeavor to gain control over bad things that are happening. Or alternatively, Hagalaz tin be used to bring about destructive results.

— Nauthiz — "at present — these" 'N: Need.'

Nauthiz represents filibuster, and frustration due to lack of progress. If live is going to fast, and y'all need to slow it down, Nauthiz tin exist used. Once could as well use it in combination with other runes to endeavour to speed up progress.

— Isa — "eee — saw" 'Ice.'

Isa represents a complete lack of progress. If you're needing stuff to "cease" one can use this rune. For case, If bad things are happening that are destructive in your life, you could take Hagalaz, so identify Isa on acme of it, hoping to stop the bad stuff from happening.

— Jera — "yare — awe" 'A year, a good harvest.'

Jera represents the harvest, the rewards of difficult work. If y'all've been working on a projection, and want a good upshot, Jera is a potential rune to use.

— Eihwaz — "eye — was" 'Yew tree.'

Eihwaz represents the sturdiness, strength and dependability of a tree. If yous're finding the need to exist emotionally strong, or need emotional strength, Eihwaz would exist a good rune to include in a demark rune.

— Perthro — "perth — row"

'Lot cup, vagina.'

Perthro can stand for subconscious things or mysteries. If one is exploring "surreptitious things" or things magical (such every bit Seidhr) Perho might be a good rune to use in a bind rune to help you with your studies in that surface area.

— Algiz — "all — yeese" 'Elk, protection.'

Algiz represents protection, like a shield. If you are looking for assist in protecting something (such every bit yourself, your family, or your house) Algiz is an fantabulous rune to employ in a demark rune.

— Sowilo — "soe –wee — low" 'The sunday.'

Sowilo represents honor through achieved goals. It tin also represent good wellness. Positive changes occur with Sowilo. IF you use Sowilo in a bind rune you're probably looking for something positive to event out of "piece of work" (not necessarily paying work).

Tyr'southward Aett

— Tiwaz — "Tea — Whaz" 'Tyr, the sky god.'

Tiwaz represents vows, honor, and justice. It can be used in a bind rune regarding agreements, or upcoming legal problems.

— Berkano — "Bear — Kawn — Oh" 'Berchta, the birch-goddess.'

Berkano generally refers to fertility and childbirth. If yous're hoping to have a child, this is a good rune for a bind rune.

— Ehwaz — "Ay — Wawz" as in "day" 'Equus caballus, two horses.'

This should not be confused with Eihwaz.

Ehwaz is similar to Raidho in that it represents a Journey, equally opposed to arriving at a destination. If yous're following a "new path" or going through new experiences (or want to) Ehwaz is a good rune for a demark rune.

— Mannaz — "Man — Awes" 'Homo, mankind.'

Mannaz represents yourself, your attitude, and your attitude towards others. If yous're on a path of Self comeback, or irresolute yourself, Mannaz is a rune to utilise.

— Laguz — "Constabulary — Goose" 'Water, or a leek.'

Laguz represents the healing power of water, and the power of renewal. If you're needing regeneration, or are looking for "renewal" regarding something, Laguz is a potential rune to utilise.

— Inguz — "Ing — Goose" 'Ing, the world god.'

Inguz represents the home, family honey, and caring. If you're trying to take an impact upon your family, Inguz is a skilful rune to use.

— Dagaz — "Daw — Gawz" 'Day or dawn.'

Dagaz represents a time of change. If you're "starting your life over" or starting a new job, Dagaz may exist a rune you desire to use.

— Othala — "Oath — Awe — Law" 'Ancestral belongings.'

Othala represents wealth that was neither earned (similar Fehu) or given to you (similar Gebo). Othala represents "familial wealth." If y'all're concerned about someone "raiding the family coffers" or hoping for the family to increment their well, this may be a good one.

Designing your Bind Rune

At that place are a myriad of ways to design bind runes, from just placing them in a line similar this:

to a circumvolve similar this:

to putting them together in an prototype ready that works for y'all like this:

Any method will work, it'due south a matter of your personal preference. In fact after you've chosen your runes, y'all may try several different types, to meet which one sits with you. Over time, you'll get adapted to one type or some other. The of import matter to keep in mind is that whatsoever glyph y'all end upwardly with, it must be something that yous feel you tin can focus your will through to modify the world effectually you.

First– Determine your intent

The first step yous should have information technology sit down and think, really call up, most what it is y'all want to accomplish. Retrieve of it not merely in terms of end results, but how yous go at that place, and what y'all need to exercise, or need assist with to accomplish. This will help you not just in focusing your energy, but as well in picking your runes.

Second– Pick your runes

Examine each rune, and its meaning, think about whether it fits within your goals. Some runes will be obvious that they should, or should not belong. All the same, it helps to get through each rune individually, and explore the possibilities.

Third– Decide on your set

After you've gone through your runes, look at what yous've got. Exercise you lot have too many? (generally more than 4-5 is also many), or too few? If you have too many, your thoughts may be unfocused, If you have too few, its possible you aren't considering all the possibilities in terms of achieving your goal.

A note on runes that don't opposite

There are ix runes that don't have a mirror image (nosotros talk virtually that adjacent).

If you've got ane of these in your ready, it serves as an excellent "center" or "base" for your other runes. Some traditions have required you lot accept at to the lowest degree i of these in your gear up. This is entirely up to yous, but information technology's something to consider.

4th– Blueprint your runes

Sit down with your runes, and draw them, in several dissimilar "shapes" or patterns. Be careful not to reverse (create a mirror epitome) your runes, that may results in unintended results. Experimentation is the fundamental here, use lots of newspaper, and keep trying. Eventually yous'll come with a pattern that seems to "work" for yous.

Fifth– Look for other buried runes

Now that you've got a pattern y'all like, look for other runes that may be "subconscious" in your design. This isn't necessarily a bad thing (for example, since Isa is a straight line, it is technically "hidden" in every bind rune), only its good to be "aware" of it. Yous may likewise notice runes that you were on the fence about that yous'd discarded that reappear as you expect at your pattern.

Creating your Demark Rune

And then y'all've decided on your intent, picked out runes, created your design, and you're ready to create your bind rune that you'll save. While certainly the process of creating the demark rune is a key part of the procedure, it's important to recollect that in terms of exercising your "will" y'all've already taken several steps towards this process.

Materials

The next thing is to option materials, both what you'll draw the bind rune on, and also what you lot'll draw the bind rune with. Virtually anything will work, from paper and ink, to leather and leatherworking tools to wood and a burner. What yous exercise demand to remember is a) How long exercise yous look this to last? (Paper is good for maybe a few months, simply certainly non years or decades), and b) Where are yous going to carry or display information technology?

For example, a bind rune regarding saving money may be best put in your wallet. That way, every time you open your wallet, you lot see information technology there, and it may tell you to shut your wallet instead of spending that extra $ii for the jumbo fries. Obviously a big plaque made of wood doesn't work so well hither.

On the other hand, if you're protecting your firm, you lot may want something you can hang higher up your door (like the Pennsylvania Dutch) or over a mantle. Here it needs to be visually attractive, and reasonably permanent. Leather or wood may be a better choice.

Your selection of a "writing implement" is largely governed past what you're writing on, but you can still make some choices. Pens, wood burning kits, bodily fluids, paint, and several other fluids are available to y'all. Call up almost what your choices are, and pick one that works for yous.

The Creation Ritual

Northern European traditions tend to have less formalized "construction" to rituals, including their ritual magic. Considering of the very nature of the society existence mobile in many cases, the ability to "cast a spell" apace without concern of ritual space, engagement, etc. took a back seat.

How formal y'all want to make your cosmos ritual is entirely up to y'all. There is something to be said for creating a "highly ritualized" set of circumstances, because it provides a focus for your intent. However, information technology may also exist that you aren't in a position to do this, or wherever you lot're casting makes it inappropriate to pull out the candles, incense, statuary, and the horn that holds an unabridged canteen of mead.

It'south up to you, just recollect, when yous create this rune, it's all about focusing your intent and will into the epitome you are creating.

Start by laying out your material and taking your writing implement in mitt. Now write/carve the runes one at a fourth dimension. Information technology's important that you do each rune separately, instead of merely the shape. While we have i shape, it's a combination of runes, and your intent needs to be focused on each rune as you identify it.

Recollect about the rune and how it fits with the others, how they interconnect. I too recommend yous chant (galdor) the name of the rune equally you are creating it. It provides boosted focus and energy that tin assist in your creation process.

After y'all've completed all the runes, meditate on it. Meditate on the shape, the individual runes, and your intent.

After this, y'all can close your ritual space. I typically offering a blot to Odin, thanking him for the runes, and to whatever other gods or goddesses that I may desire to come up to my assist.

So now the spell is over, correct? Incorrect!!! We've created the foci, but the magical work continues, until nosotros've accomplished our goal.

Using your Bind Rune

At present you've got a piece of paper, a leather piece, or a plaque with a very odd looking (but hopefully at present familiar) image on it. What do you do now?

This is your focus signal for you now. Put information technology somewhere where you're going to run into it. Whether it be in your wallet, taped to your computer screen, to a higher place your mantel, information technology's upwards to you. The important thing is to put information technology somewhere where you meet it. That mode, when you see it, you'll be think to focus your intent, and too your own self-reliance on your goal. You should continue the demark rune as long equally you lot need it. Once your goals are accomplished, you may make up one's mind you desire to destroy the rune, either through ritualized burning, or some other process, it'south up to you lot. Since y'all've accomplished your goal at that point, it'southward no longer a center of energy, and then you no longer demand it.

Conclusions

Demark Runes provide a somewhat unique magical exercise. Unlike ritualized magic which has a definite start and end in "ritual space" bind runes are more a magical procedure. The procedure of creating the bind rune generates a foci of will that persists. How long it persists can exist days, weeks, months, or years. It's entirely up to the caster, their intent, and their ability to maintain the physical representation of the bind rune.

Bind runes as well provide anyone with a basic knowledge of the runes the ability to create a bind rune. One need not go through years of training, have complex materials, or meaning preparation time to practice the magic.

However, to go good at it requires more than just learning the mechanics. Its about focusing intent and volition on a situation. It'south about taking the basic steps to causing the events you lot desire to have happen to occur. The bind rune is a sign to the gods y'all are taking these actions, and they will pay attention. If you don't aid yourself, they certainly aren't going to aid you.

With that, I hope you enjoy creating your kickoff bind rune, and will find them a useful part of your magical repertoire!

—Mohnkern 03:55, eleven May 2008 (UTC)