#defensive

Abernethy Medieval Round Tower, Abernethy, Perth and Kinross

A nidding pole (or nidstang) is a type of magickal curse tool rooted in Norse tradition, often used in witchcraft for banishing, protection, or retaliation. Historically, it was a wooden pole—sometimes topped with a horse's head or carved with runes—erected to publicly shame or curse an enemy. The intent was to call upon spirits, deities, or natural forces to bring misfortune upon the target.

In modern witchcraft, a nidding pole can serve as a powerful ward against harm, redirecting negative energy back to its source. Practitioners may carve it with runes, sigils, or written intentions before placing it in the ground, often facing the direction of the intended recipient. While traditionally a tool of cursing, some witches adapt it for protection, using it to mark boundaries and repel malevolent forces.

How to Make and Use a Nidding Pole

A nidding pole (nidstang) is a powerful magickal tool traditionally used for cursing, protection, or boundary-setting in Norse and modern witchcraft. It serves as a physical and energetic warning, redirecting negativity or calling upon spirits to enact justice.

Materials Needed:

• A sturdy wooden pole (traditionally oak or ash)

• A carved or symbolic head (animal skull, wooden carving, or sigil-drawn representation)

• A knife or carving tool for runes and inscriptions

• Red or black paint/ink for enhancing symbols (optional)

• Nails, cord, or natural bindings to secure decorations

• Herbs for cursing or protection (e.g., thorn, wormwood, nettle for curses; rowan, sage, or mugwort for protection)

Instructions:

Crafting a nidding pole is an act fueled by deep emotions—rage, betrayal, and a need for justice or vengeance. It is not a casual undertaking but a powerful, symbolic gesture of dishonor and condemnation. Each stroke of the carving blade carries the weight of resentment, each rune inscribed channels fury into form. The placement of the pole, topped with a horse’s head or similar effigy, is a final, public declaration of one’s wrath and a call upon unseen forces to witness the grievance. It is both a curse and a catharsis, a way to externalize pain and transform it into something tangible, something undeniable.

Select and Prepare the Pole-

• Choose a wooden staff or branch, typically 3-6 feet tall.

• Strip the bark if desired and cleanse it using smoke, water, or intention.

Carve or Attach a Head-

• Traditionally, a horse's head (real or carved) was placed on top.

• Modern alternatives include skulls (real or crafted), animal effigies, or symbolic sigils representing the target or purpose.

Inscribe Runes or Sigils-

• For cursing, carve Nið (shame, dishonor), Þurisaz (destruction, chaos), or Hagalaz (disruption, fate).

• For protection, use Algiz (warding), Eiwaz (defense), or Tiwaz (justice).

• Write the name of the target or a statement of intent if focusing the energy on someone specific.

Anoint and Charge the Pole-

• Use a mixture of appropriate herbs, oils, or blood (symbolic or real) to anoint the pole.

• Speak an incantation or charge the pole with focused intent, invoking deities, spirits, or forces.

Erect the Pole-

• Drive the pole into the ground, pointing in the direction of the target or boundary.

• For curses, traditionally, it faces the target’s home or land.

• For protection, place it at entry points of your space to ward off malevolent forces.

Activate the Spell-

• Verbally declare your intent, such as a curse, banishment, or warning.

• Some traditions involve walking around the pole three times counterclockwise to seal the energy.

• Leave offerings to spirits if working with them (mead, bread, bones, or appropriate gifts).

Deactivation & Disposal:

• If using for temporary purposes, dismantle the pole when the work is done.

• Burn, bury, or cleanse the materials, thanking spirits if they were invoked.

• If the curse needs to be lifted, counteract it with a cleansing ritual and protective symbols.

Ethical Considerations:

A nidding pole is not to be used lightly, as it carries strong energy and consequences. Be clear in your intentions and ensure that your actions align with your spiritual and ethical beliefs. Many practitioners today use it more for protection, boundary enforcement, and justice rather than personal vendettas.