The Book of Norse Magic

Cerridwen Greenleaf

Introduction: Ancient Magic for the Modern World

  • Definition of Norse Magic: Magic deeply rooted in old ways, allowing for personal paths while honoring ancient practices for modern living.

  • Purpose of the Book: An all-inclusive guide to Norse magic practices, bridging from basic Wicca to Nordic magic for spiritual adventurers interested in the mystical.

  • Unique Characters: Emphasis on individualism paired with spiritual community, reflecting on the connection to heritage and lineage.

  • Content Overview: Includes history, rituals, charms, spells, and methods for transformation, engaging readers in a practice of crafting unique spells and rituals.

Light and Shadow: Creating Your Nordic Altar

  • Altar Creation: Choose symbols like white, crystals, and items from nature (e.g., frozen lake representations, birch branches).

    • Ideas for altar items: fossil, lichen, acorns, snow globe, art projects reflecting seasonal changes.

Dusk is Divine: Altar Consecration Ritual

  • Items Needed:

    • Balsam fir incense, one purple candle, one white candle, matches, single white feather.

  • Ritual Steps:

    1. Light the candles and incense, fan incense with feather.

    2. Chant:

    • "I welcome positive inside of me, I know my deepest wish is real and right… Spirits of the heavens—bless this space with all due grace. So mote it be!"

Runes and Divine Divination

  • Significance of Runes:

    • Key symbols for the Norse, crucial for divination and enhancing rituals.

  • Historical Context: Originated in primal paganism among Germanic tribes.(e.g., Goths, Vandals, Lombards)

  • Runes Used:

    • Rooted in the runic alphabet—distinct writing system indicating speech sounds and cultural beliefs.

  • Personal Connection: Author discusses ancestry through genetics and the empowerment drawn from heritage.

The Wisdom of Runes

  • Runic Alphabet: Example sets include Elder Futhark, Anglo-Saxon runes, Younger Futhark, etc.

  • Personal Affection: Anglo-Saxon Futhark chosen by the author for its appearance and historical significance.

Rune Meanings

  • Ansuz (A): Sign of communication, inspiration, or wisdom. Reversed suggests closed-mindedness.

  • Berkana (B): Represents fertility and growth. Reversed indicates familial anxiety.

  • Dagaz (D): Relates to innovation and awakening; it cannot be reversed.

  • Ehwaz (E): Movement and teamwork; its reverse indicates restlessness.

  • Eihwaz (EI): Spiritual transformation and endurance; has no reverse.

  • Fehu (F): Wealth and prosperity; reversed may indicate loss or greed.

  • Gebo (G): Represents exchange and balance; potential for excessive self-sacrifice when reversed.

  • Hagalaz (H): Represents irreversible change; has potential for disruption but also learning.

  • Isa (I): Symbolic of delays; it's a waiting period without reversal.

  • Jera (J): Harvest and gratitude; no reversal.

  • Kenaz (K): Fire and light; idea of enlightenment and creativity; reversed represents creative blocks.

  • Laguz (L): Water and healing; warns of confusion when reversed.

  • Mannaz (M): Humankind; signifies collaboration or loneliness when reversed.

  • Othala (O): Inheritance and ancestry; reversed may suggest neglect or bad luck.

  • Perthro (P): Associated with change and destiny; reverse denotes hopelessness.

  • Sowilō (S): Power of the sun; no reverse.

  • Tiwaz (T): Represents justice and leadership; reversed denotes struggles and failures.

  • Thurisaz (TH): Represents conflict and danger; reversed suggests treachery.

  • Uruz (U): Symbolizes strength and hard work; reversed denotes weakness.

  • Wunjo (W): Represents joy and harmony; reversed indicates sadness.

Rune Blessing Bowl Rite

  • Storage of Runes: Recommended to keep runes in a bowl on an altar for portability and cleansing after readings, possibly using sage or Palo Santo for smudging.

  • Affirmation for Cleansing: "These runes are a tool I use for good…"

Creating Your Runic Altar

  • Altar Essentials:

    • Black and white fabric squares, runes in a bowl, sage bundle, candles (both black and white), and mirror for divination.

  • Ritual Setup: Lay fabric, place runes, smudge with sage, position candles, and recite empowerment statements for clarity and knowledge.

The Ancient Art of Rune Casting

  • Technique: Focus on a precise, open-ended question; environment should be peaceful, facing north.

  • Casting Methods:

    • Simple Casting: Entire bag of runes cast on cloth, interpreting the faces up.

    • Seven Rune Casting: Layout for past influences, current variables, advice, and conclusion.

    • Nine Rune Casting: Learn the fate through a nine-rune spread.

Crafting Your Own Runes

  • Materials Suggested: Stones, wood, clay, or ethically sourced bones.

  • Inscribing Process: Carving or painting and consecration rituals should be performed to align intentions with the runes.

  • Rune Magic Utility: Runes can be used in daily life beyond rituals—people can draw runes symbolically for healing, protection, and consistency in magic.

    • For healing: Draw runes on body areas needing relief (Laguz, Uruz, Kenaz).

    • Daily Practice: Select a rune each morning for energy focus.

DIY Rune Charms

  • Materials Needed: A small piece of paper, herbs, and a glass bottle for charm making.

  • Process: Write rune, roll up with herbs, place into bottle; charm can be worn or carried for daily empowerment.

Conclusion: Living a Charmed Life Each and Every Day

  • Weekday Associations with Gods:

    • Sunday (Sun): Rituals for energy.

    • Monday (Moon): Nighttime rituals for emotion and dreams.

    • Tuesday (Tyr): Action and boldness.

    • Wednesday (Odin): Focus on leadership and self-esteem.

    • Thursday (Thor): Favor for money and prosperity-agnostic rituals.

    • Friday (Freya): Focus on feminine energy and friendships.

    • Saturday (Saturn): Weekend for harvest and planting rituals.

Index

  • Runes, deities, rituals, herbs, and more are thoroughly indexed for reference.