A Nordic Witch's Guide to Magic and Bind Runes
Runes are not just symbols—they are ancient whispers from the gods, woven into the tapestry of fate and magic. Rooted in the old ways of the Norse and Germanic peoples, these sacred sigils have been used for writing, divination, and spellcraft for centuries. Let us embark on a journey through the mysteries of the Elder Futhark, unravel their meanings, and explore the powerful art of binding runes.

The Ancient Lore of Runes
The runes of the Elder Futhark date back to the mists of time, roughly 150–200 CE, their origins shrouded in legend. It is said that Odin, the Allfather, hung from Yggdrasil, the great World Tree, for nine days and nights, sacrificing himself to himself in order to gain the wisdom of the runes. Bestowed upon humankind as a gift from the gods, these sigils hold great power and are still used by those who walk the Old Path.
Each rune carries its own vibrational energy, a key to unlocking mysteries, guiding fate, and channeling divine forces. They were carved into wood, stone, and bone, imbued with intent and reverence. Over time, variations of the runic alphabet emerged, such as the Younger Futhark and the Anglo-Saxon Futhorc, but the Elder Futhark remains the most revered among modern practitioners.

The 24 Runes of the Elder Futhark

First Aett (Freyr’s Aett)
Fehu (ᚠ) – Pronounced: FAY-hoo
Meaning: Wealth, prosperity, abundance, and new beginnings.
Uruz (ᚢ) – Pronounced: OO-rooz
Meaning: Strength, endurance, raw power, and vitality.
Thurisaz (ᚦ) – Pronounced: THOO-ree-saz
Meaning: Protection, challenges, destruction, and regeneration.
Ansuz (ᚨ) – Pronounced: AHN-sooz
Meaning: Wisdom, communication, divine messages.
Raidho (ᚱ) – Pronounced: RAY-thoh
Meaning: Travel, journey, cycles, and movement.
Kenaz (ᚲ) – Pronounced: KEH-nahz
Meaning: Knowledge, creativity, and illumination.
Gebo (ᚷ) – Pronounced: GHEH-bo
Meaning: Gift, generosity, balance, and partnership.
Wunjo (ᚹ) – Pronounced: WOON-yoh
Meaning: Joy, harmony, and fulfillment.
Second Aett (Heimdall’s Aett)
Hagalaz (ᚺ) – Pronounced: HAH-gah-lahz
Meaning: Disruption, transformation, and chaos.
Nauthiz (ᚾ) – Pronounced: NOW-thiz
Meaning: Struggle, resistance, and overcoming hardship.
Isa (ᛁ) – Pronounced: EE-sah
Meaning: Stillness, introspection, and delays.
Jera (ᛃ) – Pronounced: YEH-rah
Meaning: Harvest, cycles, and rewards for effort.
Eihwaz (ᛇ) – Pronounced: AY-wahz
Meaning: Endurance, transformation, and protection.
Perthro (ᛈ) – Pronounced: PER-throh
Meaning: Mystery, fate, and intuition.
Algiz (ᛉ) – Pronounced: AHL-geez
Meaning: Protection, higher self, and divine connection.
Sowilo (ᛊ) – Pronounced: SOH-wee-loh
Meaning: Success, vitality, and guidance.
Third Aett (Tyr’s Aett)
Tiwaz (ᛏ) – Pronounced: TEE-wahz
Meaning: Honor, courage, and leadership.
Berkano (ᛒ) – Pronounced: BEHR-kah-noh
Meaning: Growth, fertility, and renewal.
Ehwaz (ᛖ) – Pronounced: AY-wahz
Meaning: Partnership, trust, and progress.
Mannaz (ᛗ) – Pronounced: MAH-nahz
Meaning: Humanity, community, and self-reflection.
Laguz (ᛚ) – Pronounced: LAH-gooz
Meaning: Water, intuition, and flow.
Ingwaz (ᛜ) – Pronounced: EENG-wahz
Meaning: Fertility, potential, and inner growth.
Dagaz (ᛞ) – Pronounced: DAH-gahz
Meaning: Breakthrough, transformation, and awakening.
Othala (ᛟ) – Pronounced: OH-thah-lah
Meaning: Heritage, home, and legacy.
The Witch’s Craft: Bind Runes and Everyday Use
Bind runes weave the threads of fate together, uniting multiple sigils into a singular force of magic. Carve them into wood, burn them into talismans, or draw them in sacred ink. The runes do not lie—they channel the will of the gods and the strength of your own spirit.

Using Runes in Your Home
Protection: Carve Algiz above your doorways to ward off negativity.
Prosperity: Place Fehu on your wallet or near your financial documents.
Harmony: Gebo can be drawn in shared spaces to enhance relationships and balance.
Spiritual Connection: Sowilo on your altar can help channel divine energy and success.
Runes in Divination
Runes are a powerful tool for divination, much like tarot. You can:
Draw a Single Rune: For daily guidance.
Cast Runes: Scatter them onto a cloth and interpret their positions.
Three-Rune Spread: Past, present, and future insights.
Nine-Rune Spread: A deeper dive into multiple aspects of your life.
How to Create Bind Runes
Define Your Intention: Be clear about your goal (e.g., protection, love, success).
Choose Runes: Select runes that align with your purpose.
Combine Runes: Arrange the chosen runes into a harmonious design, weaving their lines together.
Activate the Bind Rune: Empower it through visualization, chanting, or connecting it to the elements (e.g., fire, water, air, earth).

Examples of Bind Runes
1. Protection
Runes: Algiz (ᛉ), Thurisaz (ᚦ), Eihwaz (ᛇ)
Purpose: Shield against harm and negativity.
2. Prosperity
Runes: Fehu (ᚠ), Jera (ᛃ), Sowilo (ᛊ)
Purpose: Attract wealth and success.
3. Love
Runes: Gebo (ᚷ), Wunjo (ᚹ), Laguz (ᛚ)
Purpose: Strengthen relationships and foster harmony.
4. Strength
Runes: Tiwaz (ᛏ), Uruz (ᚢ), Eihwaz (ᛇ)
Purpose: Enhance courage and resilience.
5. Healing
Runes: Berkano (ᛒ), Laguz (ᛚ), Ehwaz (ᛖ)
Purpose: Foster emotional and spiritual renewal.
Runes are a bridge to ancient wisdom and a tool for modern magic. Whether used for divination, meditation, or spellwork, they offer endless possibilities for self-discovery and empowerment.
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