Wind Moon Magick Podcast: Episode 4 Tapping into Ancient Magic with the Elder Furthak Runes
Welcome, dear listeners, to episode 4 of the Wind Moon Magick Podcast. Today I want to share with you the magical world of runes and how they have touched my witchcraft practice.
Runes are not just symbols; they are sacred vessels that allow us to tap into ancestral wisdom and unlock profound magical potential. Their origins can be traced back to ancient Germanic tribes like the Norse, where they were intricately woven into mythologies and spiritual practices.
According to Norse mythology, the mighty god Odin sacrificed himself to gain the knowledge of the runes. This act made him the archetypal shamanic seeker and set the foundation for our connection to these powerful symbols. In modern witchcraft, runes serve various purposes, from divination to enhancing our magical workings. They represent the elemental forces and cosmic energies that bind us to nature and all living beings.
Although the spread of Christianity caused a decline in runic usage, our longing to reconnect with ancestral wisdom and explore the power of symbols has led to a resurgence of interest among witches and occult practitioners. Runes can be inscribed on talismans, tools, or even our bodies, and their casting or drawing is used for divination and seeking guidance. Let me share with you a few examples of runes and their meanings: Fehu, the rune of wealth and abundance; Algiz, offering protection and connection with the divine; and Ansuz, facilitating communication and inspiring creativity. Please remember that interpretations and uses of runes can vary across traditions, so it's essential to develop your personal relationship with them.
In Norse mythology, we encounter the concept of "Wyrd," which embodies fate, destiny, and the interconnectedness of all things. Picture it as a vast web or tapestry woven by the Norns, the three female beings who govern fate. Wyrd teaches us that our actions, choices, and events have a lasting impact on the intricate threads of destiny, shaping both our present and future. It is a reminder of the profound cause-and-effect relationships that bind all beings within the web of Wyrd.
Divination with runes is a deeply transformative practice. By casting the runes and observing their positions and relationships, we can tap into their unique energies and gain insight into our situations. Factors such as position, neighboring runes, and the question asked influence the meanings of the runes. Developing a relationship with the runes takes time and practice, but various runic spreads—like the single-rune reading, three-rune spread, and five-rune cross—offer different perspectives and guidance.
Creating talismans infused with runic magic is a delightful way to harness the energies of the runes. To do this, I carefully select a rune or combination of runes that align with my intention. Cleansing the chosen object is essential, as is carving the runic symbol(s) onto it, infusing it with my intention and visualizing the desired outcome. Sometimes, I prefer using air dry clay to fashion small runic talismans that I can carry with me throughout the day or place within a sachet of herbs and crystals beneath my pillow. It brings me comfort and a sense of connection to the ancient wisdom they hold.
Now, let's talk about the mesmerizing practice of galdr. In Norse tradition, galdr is a form of chanting or incantation that allows us to work intimately with the runes. Through rhythmic recitation of sacred verses containing runic names, sounds, or invocations, we forge a profound connection with the energetic qualities of the runes and invoke their powers. When I engage in galdr, I let the runic chants flow through me, sometimes shifting and changing the sounds intuitively. It's not about creating melodic perfection; it's about allowing the primal magic to move through us. Galdr can be amplified by using musical instruments or percussion to enhance the rhythm and induce a trance-like state. However, I must confess that finding privacy for such enchanting practices can sometimes be a challenge.
To deepen our connection to the runes, we can infuse our daily practice with their enchantments. Meditation on specific runes, creating affirmations or mantras based on their meanings, and using runes for daily guidance are all wonderful ways to invite their magic into our lives. Let's approach runic magic with patience, embracing our inner beginners, as there are different levels of skill and the runes may test and trick us along the way. Remember, we are embarking on a journey of exploration and self-discovery, gradually building a profound relationship with these ancient symbols.
If you feel called to dive even deeper into the realms of runic magic, I invite you to explore the Inner Circle's course specifically designed to unlock the power of runes and incorporate them into your magical practice. Together, we will journey through the rich history and origins of runes, delve into the intricacies of the runic alphabet, and learn about the 24 runes of the Elder Futhark. We will also discover the art of runic divination, explore runic techniques and spreads, and delve into the wondrous realm of runic magic and spellwork. Join me on this path of discovery and intention as we weave our stories within the vibrant tapestry of runic wisdom.
Links
Search the Elder Futhark Runes
New Rune Set Consecration Ritual and Invocation
Learn more about the Inner Circle
Tune in to Episode 4 of the Wind Moon Magick Podcast and thank you for joining me today and remember, the runes are calling you to embrace their ancient wisdom. Until next time, may the winds of magic carry you to new realms of enchantment and empowerment.
