Rune Magic: Galdr, Bind Runes & Seidr

BY NICOLE LAU

Runes were never just letters. In the Norse worldview, language itself was magical—words had power, names had power, and the act of carving or speaking a rune was an act of creation. To write was to make real. To name was to call into being.

This is the foundation of rune magic: the belief that symbols, sounds, and intention can shape reality. The Vikings practiced three main forms of rune magic—galdr (rune chanting and incantation), bind runes (combining symbols for concentrated power), and seidr (shamanic trance work, sometimes involving runes). Each practice had its own techniques, purposes, and dangers.

But here's the challenge: most of what we know about these practices comes from fragmentary sources—medieval Icelandic sagas written centuries after the Viking Age, poetic references that may be metaphorical, and archaeological finds that hint at magic but don't explain it. Modern practitioners have had to reconstruct, experiment, and innovate, creating living traditions inspired by—but not identical to—ancient practice.

This is the story of rune magic: what we know from history, what we've reconstructed through practice, and how modern Heathens, Asatruar, and rune workers are reviving these ancient arts while respecting their cultural origins.

What you'll learn: Galdr (the art of rune chanting and vocal magic), how to create and use bind runes (combining symbols for specific purposes), seidr (Norse shamanic practice and its connection to runes), modern Asatru and the rune revival, and critical warnings about cultural appropriation and respecting Norse traditions.

Disclaimer: This is educational content about historical and modern rune magic practices, NOT instructions for magical operations or claims about supernatural efficacy. Cultural respect and historical accuracy are emphasized throughout.

Galdr: The Magic of Sound and Song

What Is Galdr?

The Word: "Galdr" comes from Old Norse gala, meaning "to crow, to sing, to chant." It refers to: Vocal magic (using the voice to create magical effects). Rune chanting (singing or intoning rune names). Incantations and spells (spoken or sung formulas). The power of sound, vibration, and the spoken word.

The Concept: In Norse cosmology, sound creates reality. Odin spoke the runes into existence (according to Hávamál). The gods created the world through speech and song. Words are not just descriptions—they're creative acts. Galdr harnesses this power (using voice, intention, and runes to shape reality).

Historical Evidence

Literary Sources: Hávamál ("Sayings of the High One"): Part of the Poetic Edda (13th century). Odin describes 18 rune spells (though he doesn't give the specific runes or words). Examples: "I know a second one, which the sons of men need, those who want to live as healers." "I know a twelfth one: if I see a hanged man swinging from a tree, I can carve and stain runes so that the man walks and talks with me." These are galdr spells (using runes and words for magical effects). Sigrdrífumál ("Sayings of Sigrdrífa"): Also in the Poetic Edda. The valkyrie Sigrdrífa teaches the hero Sigurd about rune magic. She describes victory runes, ale runes (to prevent poisoning), birth runes (to aid childbirth), wave runes (for sea safety), etc. She emphasizes carving, staining, and speaking the runes.

Archaeological Evidence: Some runic inscriptions include formulaic phrases that may be galdr: "I, Erilar, carved these runes" (a common formula—"Erilar" may mean "rune master"). Protective formulas ("May Thor hallow these runes"). Curses (rare, but some inscriptions curse grave robbers or oath-breakers). These suggest that carving runes was accompanied by spoken words (though we don't know the exact words).

How Galdr Works (Traditional Understanding)

The Three Elements: 1. The Rune (Visual Symbol): The rune is carved, drawn, or visualized. It's the physical anchor for the magic. 2. The Name (Sound/Vibration): The rune's name is chanted, sung, or intoned. The sound activates the rune's power. 3. The Intention (Will/Focus): The practitioner focuses their will on the desired outcome. Intention directs the rune's energy. All three must align (symbol, sound, intention) for galdr to work.

The Process: Carve or draw the rune: On wood, stone, paper, or in the air (with a finger or wand). Stain the rune: Traditionally with blood (your own or an animal's) or red ochre. Modern practitioners use red ink, paint, or visualization. Chant the rune's name: Repeatedly, rhythmically, with focus. Example: "Fehu, Fehu, Fehu..." or "Thurisaz, Thurisaz, Thurisaz..." Vibrate the sound: Let the sound resonate in your body (chest, throat, head). Feel the vibration (this is key—galdr is somatic, not just vocal). State your intention: Either before, during, or after the chanting. Example: "Fehu, bring prosperity to my household." Release the energy: Visualize the rune's power flowing into the world. Let go of attachment to the outcome.

Modern Galdr Practice

Reconstructionist Approach: Modern Heathens and Asatruar practice galdr based on: Historical sources (Eddas, sagas, inscriptions). Linguistic research (Old Norse pronunciation, poetic meters). Experimentation (trying different techniques and noting results). Community knowledge (sharing practices within Heathen communities).

Techniques: Simple chanting: Repeating a rune name ("Ansuz, Ansuz, Ansuz..."). Rune songs: Singing the entire Futhark (all 24 runes in order). Poetic galdr: Creating poems or verses that incorporate rune names and meanings. Breath work: Combining rune chanting with specific breathing patterns. Trance galdr: Chanting to induce altered states (similar to shamanic drumming or chanting).

Purposes: Protection (chanting Algiz or Thurisaz for defense). Healing (chanting Uruz for vitality or Sowilo for health). Prosperity (chanting Fehu for wealth). Communication (chanting Ansuz for clarity or eloquence). Spiritual connection (chanting to honor the gods or ancestors).

Bind Runes: Combining Symbols for Power

What Are Bind Runes?

Definition: Bind runes (also called "bindrunes" or "combined runes") are two or more runes merged into a single symbol. The runes share common lines or are overlapped to create a new, composite glyph. The bind rune combines the powers of the individual runes (creating a focused, specific magical intention).

Historical Precedent: Bind runes appear in historical runic inscriptions: Practical bind runes: Used to save space (when carving on a small object). Two or more letters combined for efficiency (not necessarily magical). Magical bind runes: Some inscriptions show intentional combinations (suggesting magical purpose). Example: Combining runes for protection, victory, or love. The line between practical and magical is blurry (as with all rune use).

How to Create a Bind Rune

Step 1: Define Your Intention Be specific. What do you want the bind rune to do? Examples: "Protect my home from harm." "Attract prosperity to my business." "Heal my relationship with my sister." "Grant me courage in a difficult situation." The clearer your intention, the more effective the bind rune.

Step 2: Choose Your Runes Select 2-4 runes that align with your intention. (More than 4 becomes unwieldy.) Examples: For protection: Algiz (ᛉ - protection) + Thurisaz (ᚦ - defense, thorn) + Eihwaz (ᛇ - endurance). For prosperity: Fehu (ᚠ - wealth) + Jera (ᛃ - harvest, reward) + Sowilo (ᛊ - success). For healing: Uruz (ᚢ - vitality) + Berkano (ᛒ - growth, renewal) + Laguz (ᛚ - flow, emotional healing). For love: Gebo (ᚷ - partnership) + Wunjo (ᚹ - joy) + Berkano (ᛒ - fertility, nurturing).

Step 3: Combine the Runes Sketch the runes separately first. Look for common lines (vertical, horizontal, diagonal). Overlap the runes, sharing common lines where possible. The goal: create a harmonious, balanced symbol (not a chaotic mess). Aesthetics matter (the bind rune should be pleasing to the eye). Experiment with different arrangements until it feels right.

Step 4: Carve, Draw, or Craft the Bind Rune Traditional: Carve into wood, bone, or stone. Modern: Draw on paper, paint on canvas, create digitally. Wearable: Engrave on jewelry, embroider on cloth, tattoo on skin (permanent commitment!). The act of creating the bind rune is part of the magic (focus and intention during creation).

Step 5: Activate the Bind Rune Galdr: Chant the names of the component runes. Example: "Algiz, Thurisaz, Eihwaz—protect this home." Offering: Make an offering to the gods or spirits (mead, bread, incense). Visualization: See the bind rune glowing with power, radiating its intention. Placement: Put the bind rune where it will do its work (above a door for protection, in a wallet for prosperity, etc.).

Examples of Bind Runes

Protection Bind Rune: Algiz (ᛉ) + Thurisaz (ᚦ): Combine the upward branches of Algiz with the thorn of Thurisaz. Creates a symbol of active defense (not just passive protection). Use: Carve above doorways, wear as a pendant, draw on protective amulets.

Prosperity Bind Rune: Fehu (ᚠ) + Jera (ᛃ): Combine the upward branches of Fehu with the angular shape of Jera. Represents wealth earned through cycles and effort (not just luck). Use: Place in a cash register, wallet, or business space.

Love Bind Rune: Gebo (ᚷ) + Wunjo (ᚹ): The X of Gebo (partnership) combined with the P-shape of Wunjo (joy). Represents joyful partnership and mutual exchange. Use: Wedding gifts, relationship talismans, love spells.

Cautions and Ethics

Don't Bind Runes Randomly: Each rune has its own energy. Combining them without understanding can create conflicting or chaotic effects. Study each rune individually before combining them.

Respect the Runes: Bind runes are not just aesthetic symbols. They're magical tools (treat them with respect and intention). Don't create bind runes frivolously (for fashion or decoration without meaning).

Cultural Appropriation: If you're not of Norse/Germanic heritage, approach bind runes with humility. Learn the culture, honor the gods, and don't treat runes as generic "witchy" symbols. Respect is key.

Seidr: Norse Shamanic Practice

What Is Seidr?

The Word: "Seidr" (Old Norse seiðr) refers to: A form of Norse magic (distinct from galdr). Shamanic trance work (journeying to other realms, communicating with spirits). Prophecy and divination (seeing the future or hidden knowledge). Shapeshifting and spirit work (in some accounts). Seidr was practiced primarily by women (völvas, seeresses) but also by some men (though this was considered unmanly—"ergi"—in Viking culture).

Historical Evidence

Literary Sources: Völuspá ("Prophecy of the Seeress"): The most famous Eddic poem. A völva (seeress) recounts the creation and destruction of the world. She's in a trance state, speaking prophecy. This is seidr. Eiríks saga rauða ("Saga of Erik the Red"): Describes a völva performing seidr: She sits on a high seat (seiðhjallr). She wears specific ritual clothing (a blue cloak, cat-skin gloves, a hood). Women sing a song (varðlokkur, "spirit-calling song") to summon spirits. The völva enters a trance and prophesies. Ynglinga saga: Snorri Sturluson describes seidr as Freyja's magic (she taught it to the Aesir). Odin learned seidr (but it was shameful for a man to practice it).

Archaeological Evidence: Graves of völvas have been found: Containing staffs (seiðstafr, a ritual staff used in seidr). Unusual grave goods (suggesting a special, ritual role). These graves confirm that seidr practitioners existed (and were honored in death).

How Seidr Was Practiced (Historical Reconstruction)

The Ritual Setup: The High Seat: The völva sits on a raised platform (seiðhjallr). This elevates her physically and spiritually (closer to the spirit world). Ritual Clothing: Specific garments (blue cloak, animal skins, hood). These mark her as a seidr practitioner (and may have symbolic/magical significance). The Staff: A wooden staff (seiðstafr), often decorated or carved. Used for support, as a symbol of authority, or as a magical tool. Assistants: Women who sing the varðlokkur (spirit-calling song). The song induces trance in the völva (and calls spirits to her).

The Trance: The völva enters an altered state (through the song, drumming, or other techniques). In this state, she: Journeys to other realms (the spirit world, the underworld, the future). Communicates with spirits (gods, ancestors, land spirits, the dead). Receives visions or prophecies. Returns and speaks what she has seen.

Purposes of Seidr: Prophecy (seeing the future, especially for the community). Divination (finding lost objects, identifying thieves, diagnosing illness). Healing (spiritual or physical). Cursing (sending harm to enemies—the dark side of seidr). Shapeshifting (in some accounts, seidr practitioners could change form or send their spirit out).

Seidr and Runes

The Connection: Seidr and runes are related but distinct practices. Some sources suggest runes were used in seidr: Carving runes as part of the ritual. Chanting runes to induce trance. Using runes for divination during seidr. But the evidence is fragmentary (we don't have detailed descriptions).

Modern Practice: Modern seidr practitioners often incorporate runes: Casting runes while in trance (for divination). Chanting runes to journey to other realms. Using runes as gateways or symbols during spirit work. This is reconstructed practice (based on historical hints and modern experimentation).

Modern Seidr Revival

Who Practices Seidr Today?: Heathens and Asatruar (Norse Pagans). Shamanic practitioners (drawn to Norse shamanism). Feminist witches (reclaiming the völva as a powerful female archetype). LGBTQ+ practitioners (seidr's gender-transgressive history resonates with queer identities).

Techniques: Trance induction: Drumming, chanting, breathwork, or guided meditation. Journeying: Traveling to the Nine Worlds (Asgard, Midgard, Helheim, etc.) in vision. Spirit communication: Speaking with gods, ancestors, or land spirits. Oracular seidr: One person enters trance while others ask questions (the seer answers from the trance state). Group seidr: A circle of practitioners, with one as the seer and others as singers/supporters.

Challenges: Seidr is intense and can be psychologically destabilizing. Trance work requires training and grounding. Not everyone is suited for seidr (it's a calling, not a casual practice). Cultural respect is essential (seidr is Norse, not generic shamanism).

Modern Asatru and the Rune Revival

What Is Asatru?

Definition: Asatru ("faith in the Aesir") is a modern revival of Norse Paganism. Practitioners honor the Norse gods (Odin, Thor, Freyja, etc.). They celebrate Norse holidays (Yule, Midsummer, etc.). They practice Norse magic (runes, galdr, seidr). Asatru is also called Heathenry or Norse Paganism.

History: Asatru was revived in the 1970s (in Iceland, Scandinavia, and the U.S.). It's a reconstructionist religion (based on historical sources, archaeology, and the Eddas). It's also a living tradition (adapting to modern contexts).

Runes in Asatru

Central Practice: Runes are central to Asatru spirituality: Used for divination (casting runes, reading their messages). Used for magic (galdr, bind runes, protective charms). Used for meditation (contemplating each rune's meaning). Used in ritual (carving runes on altars, offerings, or sacred objects). Runes connect modern Heathens to their ancestors (a living link to the past).

Reconstructionist vs. Eclectic: Reconstructionists: Stick closely to historical sources. Use only the Elder or Younger Futhark (no blank rune). Emphasize cultural and historical accuracy. Eclectics: Blend Norse practice with other traditions (Wicca, Chaos Magic, etc.). May use the blank rune or modern innovations. Prioritize personal experience over historical purity. Both approaches are valid (but they're different philosophies).

The Dark Side: Runes and White Supremacy

A Painful History: Runes were appropriated by the Nazis (especially the SS, who used runes as symbols). This association has tainted runes in popular culture. Modern white supremacists sometimes use runes (as symbols of "European heritage" or racial purity). This is a perversion of Norse culture (the Vikings were traders, explorers, and multicultural—not racial purists).

Reclaiming the Runes: Modern Asatruar actively fight this appropriation: Inclusive Heathenry (welcoming people of all races, genders, and orientations). Public statements against racism and white supremacy. Education (teaching the real history of runes and Norse culture). The runes belong to everyone who honors them (not to racists or nationalists).

Cultural Appropriation and Respect

Who Can Practice Rune Magic?

The Question: Do you need to be of Norse/Germanic descent to practice rune magic? Inclusive View: The gods and runes are available to all who approach with respect. Ancestry doesn't determine spiritual access. What matters is: Honoring the culture (learning the history, respecting the traditions). Avoiding stereotypes (Vikings weren't just warriors—they were farmers, poets, traders). Not treating runes as generic "witchy" symbols (they're Norse, with specific cultural context). Exclusive View: Some Heathens believe rune magic is for people of Norse heritage only. This is a minority view (but it exists). Most Asatruar welcome sincere practitioners of any background.

How to Practice Respectfully

Learn the Culture: Read the Eddas and sagas. Study Norse history and archaeology. Understand the worldview (not just the magic). Honor the Gods: If you practice rune magic, acknowledge the Norse gods (even if you don't worship them). Runes are part of a religious and cultural system (not just a tool). Avoid Stereotypes: Don't reduce Norse culture to "Vikings and axes." Don't appropriate without understanding. Support Indigenous Voices: Listen to Scandinavian and Germanic Heathens. Respect their perspectives on their own culture. Don't Mix Carelessly: Runes are Norse, not Celtic, not Native American, not generic Pagan. Don't blend them with unrelated traditions without thought.

Conclusion: The Living Runes

Rune magic is alive. It's not a museum piece or a historical curiosity—it's a living practice, evolving and adapting while honoring its roots.

Galdr practitioners chant the runes, feeling their vibrations in body and soul. Bind rune crafters combine symbols for protection, prosperity, and love. Seidr workers journey to other realms, seeking wisdom from gods and spirits. And Asatruar around the world honor the runes as sacred gifts from Odin, carved in sacrifice and offered to humanity.

The runes were letters. They were magic. And they still are. Respect them. Learn them. And let them teach you their mysteries.

In the next article, we'll explore the I Ching—3,000 years of Chinese wisdom, from Shang Dynasty oracle bones to Confucian philosophy to Western adoption, and why this ancient text is far more than just divination.

The runes are sung. The symbols are bound. The seeress enters trance. And the magic flows—from the past to the present, from the gods to the people, from the carved stone to the living heart. Galdr, bind runes, seidr—three paths, one tradition. The runes are alive. And they are waiting for you to speak them, carve them, journey with them. Will you answer the call?

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