#rune binding

So the thing about runes is that they're tricky. Incredibly vague, difficult to read and also a pain to work with when you want something specific.

One of the simplest rune magics is just carving or placing a rune on an object or piece of paper. This imbues whatever the rune is placed on with its properties. For instance, viking warriors would put the Hagalaz rune on their weapons before battle.

A general use for runes is for divination. Even then it can be difficult, as the variety of meanings encompassed in one rune can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. Theres so much to cover in just one rune. (In the coming days, ill be covering each rune individually.) The best way to read runes imo is with intuition. Runes carry their own energy, so to speak, so attempting to decipher their meaning on symbolry alone would be quite difficult. Thats why when casting, remember to intuitively seek meaning from the runes. I usually do this by holding the rune and envisioning a fog and whatever comes out of the fog is what the rune is trying to say

Another use for runes is Rune bindings. Rune bindings are the combination of runes in order to achieve a specific need. For example, if I wanted to improve my strength and workout i would bind Uruz and Thuriaz. Two runes in relation to strength. To bind them i might carve them onto a charm piece or draw them on a piece of paper and slip that paper into my shoe or something. I wouldnt recommend drawing it on your skin, unless youre okay with the bind to quickly fade, which is okay in some situations. While rune bindings are useful, they wont do all the work for you. You have to put effort into your task in order to make effective use of the binding. Rune magic is a tool. Not get one free card

These are just some basic ways to use rune magic in your craft.

Rune Study

Studying the runes is a big reason as to why a lot of people dont get into it. It can be difficult to memorize them and their meaning, as it is like learning a whole new alphabet. Sources are also a big problem, since the meaning of individual runes are often heavily contested. Personally I like Arith Härger's series of runes on youtube. Although I dont think its complete, its good info.

Luckily runes, specifically the Elder Futhark which is the most common magical rune alphabet, are composed into neat groups of 8, called Aett. Each Aett has its own group of runes and specific meaning to them. The Aett are as follows

Fehu, Uruz, Thuriaz, Ansuz, Raido, Kanaz, Gibo and Wunjo

Hagalaz, Nod, Isa, Jera, Eihwaz, Pertho, Alghiz and Sowilo

Tiwaz, Berkano, Ehwaz, Manaz, Laguz, Inguz, Othala and Dagaz

The first Aett belongs to Freyr, the next Hagal and the third to Tyr.

In the coming months ill be doing more comprehensive rune magic posts and general rune study posts. I hope I could answer some questions. If you have anymore questions, please feel free to ask!

No bother at all!

-So by runes I assume sigils/bindings. My preferred method is either charging them by burning them, holding them over fire/smoke(sage,etc.), putting them under the moon/sun or simply using your own energy/intention. You can also place them with crystals/stones that correspond with your desired intention. If you plan on keeping the runes working make sure to cleanse and recharge them regularly though.

-Spells on the other hand are tricky. It depends on the type of spell, intention, etc. Spells sort of activate themself? If I'm being honest it's hard to answer this part without specifics. Best advice I can give is if you're not following a premade spell, I tend to just get all my ingredients together, do the spell, and say a prayer/blessing. It's more or less so your intention and doing the spell that activates it. Again, you can use the 'activators' I listed with the runes if needed (sage, fire, smoke, the sun and moon). You can also ask for a trusted deity/spirit's help!

I hope that answers your question!

then someone points out part of it's an Ingwaz and i couldn't see the rest of the rune due to questionable detail and now it's SO OBVIOUS