Galdr: Rune Magic & Chanting

BY NICOLE LAU

Introduction to Galdr

Galdr (Old Norse galdr, plural galdrar) is the practice of rune magic through vocal incantation, chanting, and the power of sound. Derived from the Old Norse verb gala meaning "to crow" or "to chant," galdr represents the active, conscious dimension of Norse magic—the deliberate use of voice, breath, and runic formulas to shape reality.

For modern practitioners, galdr offers a powerful method of working with runes, raising energy, and manifesting intention through the ancient technology of sacred sound.

What is Galdr?

Galdr encompasses several related practices:

Core Elements

• Rune chanting - Vocalizing rune names and sounds
• Incantation - Speaking magical formulas and spells
• Breath work - Using breath to direct energy
• Conscious magic - Active, willed magical working
• Sound vibration - Using voice to create energetic effects

Historical Galdr

Literary Evidence

Galdr appears throughout Old Norse literature:

• Hávamál - Odin describes learning eighteen powerful galdrar
• Skírnismál - Skirnir uses galdr to compel Gerd
• Gróagaldr - The dead völva Groa chants healing galdrar for her son
• Saga literature - Numerous references to magical chanting

Galdr vs. Seidr

Galdr and seidr represent complementary approaches to Norse magic:

• Galdr - Active, conscious, masculine-coded, Aesir-associated, uses voice and will
• Seidr - Receptive, trance-based, feminine-coded, Vanir-associated, uses ecstasy and vision
• Both are valuable and can be combined
• Galdr is more accessible for beginners

The Runes and Galdr

Each rune has associated sounds and chants:

Rune Names as Galdr

The simplest galdr is chanting the rune name:

• Fehu - "FAY-hoo" for wealth and abundance
• Uruz - "OO-rooz" for strength and vitality
• Thurisaz - "THOOR-ee-sahz" for protection and power
• Ansuz - "AHN-sooz" for wisdom and communication

Rune Sounds

Each rune also has a phonetic sound:

• Fehu - "F" sound
• Uruz - "U" sound
• Thurisaz - "TH" sound
• Ansuz - "A" sound

These can be extended into long, vibrating chants: "Fffffffffff" or "Uuuuuuuuu"

Basic Galdr Techniques

Single Rune Chanting

The foundational practice:

1. Choose a rune for your intention
2. Stand or sit in a comfortable position
3. Visualize the rune
4. Take a deep breath
5. Chant the rune name or sound on the exhale
6. Feel the vibration in your body
7. Repeat 9, 18, or 27 times (sacred numbers)

Rune Formulas (Bind Runes)

Combining multiple runes:

• Create a bind rune for your intention
• Chant each component rune in sequence
• Or chant them as a combined formula
• Example: For prosperity, combine Fehu + Jera + Sowilo

Galdrastafir (Magical Staves)

Icelandic magical staves often include galdr formulas to activate them through chanting specific sequences.

The Three Levels of Galdr

1. Physical Level

• Vocal vibration affects the body
• Breath work energizes and centers
• Sound resonates in specific body areas
• Creates physiological changes

2. Energetic Level

• Sound raises and directs energy
• Vibration affects the aura and energy field
• Creates energetic patterns aligned with intention
• Connects to the rune's archetypal force

3. Spiritual Level

• Invokes the rune's divine essence
• Connects to Odin and the rune mysteries
• Shapes wyrd through spoken word
• Manifests intention in reality

Galdr Practice Methods

Standing Galdr

• Stand in rune posture (stadha)
• Embody the rune with your body
• Chant while holding the posture
• Combines physical, vocal, and energetic work

Walking Galdr

• Walk in a pattern while chanting
• Trace runes with your steps
• Build energy through movement and sound
• Ground the working into the earth

Seated Galdr

• Sit in meditation posture
• Focus on breath and visualization
• Chant runes for inner work
• Ideal for contemplative practice

Breath Work in Galdr

Breath is the vehicle for galdr:

Basic Technique

1. Inhale deeply through the nose
2. Hold briefly at the top
3. Exhale slowly while chanting
4. Empty the lungs completely
5. Pause before next breath

Advanced Techniques

• Sustained tones - Long, continuous chanting on one breath
• Rhythmic chanting - Pulsed or staccato sounds
• Whispered galdr - Subtle, breath-based chanting
• Shouted galdr - Explosive, powerful projection

Odin's Eighteen Galdrar

In Hávamál, Odin describes eighteen powerful galdrar he learned:

1. Healing and helping in battle
2. Healing the sick
3. Binding enemies
4. Breaking bonds
5. Stopping arrows in flight
6. Turning curses back on sender
7. Quenching fires
8. Calming strife
9. Stilling storms at sea
10. Banishing harmful spirits
11. Protecting friends in battle
12. Reviving the hanged
13. Blessing newborns
14. Knowing the thoughts of gods
15. Knowing the power of all runes
16. Knowing songs of elves and dwarves
17. Winning love
18. The eighteenth he will not reveal

Modern practitioners work to reconstruct these through rune study and practice.

Creating Your Own Galdrar

Formula Construction

1. Define your intention clearly
2. Choose runes that align with your goal
3. Arrange them in meaningful order
4. Create a chant combining the rune names
5. Add poetic or rhythmic elements
6. Test and refine through practice

Example Galdr Formulas

• Protection: "Thurisaz-Algiz-Eihwaz" (Thorn-Elk-Yew)
• Prosperity: "Fehu-Jera-Sowilo" (Wealth-Harvest-Sun)
• Wisdom: "Ansuz-Kenaz-Dagaz" (God-Torch-Day)
• Healing: "Uruz-Berkano-Laguz" (Aurochs-Birch-Water)

Timing and Correspondences

Planetary Days

• Sunday (Sun) - Sowilo, success, vitality
• Monday (Moon) - Laguz, intuition, emotions
• Tuesday (Tyr) - Tiwaz, justice, victory
• Wednesday (Odin) - Ansuz, wisdom, communication
• Thursday (Thor) - Thurisaz, protection, strength
• Friday (Freyja) - Berkano, love, fertility
• Saturday (Saturn) - Isa, stillness, binding

Moon Phases

• New Moon - New beginnings, Fehu, Berkano
• Waxing Moon - Growth, Jera, Ingwaz
• Full Moon - Power, Sowilo, Dagaz
• Waning Moon - Banishing, Hagalaz, Nauthiz

Galdr for Specific Purposes

Protection Galdr

• Thurisaz for active defense
• Algiz for divine protection
• Eihwaz for endurance
• Combine in shield visualization

Prosperity Galdr

• Fehu for wealth attraction
• Jera for harvest and reward
• Sowilo for success and victory
• Chant while visualizing abundance

Healing Galdr

• Uruz for vitality and strength
• Berkano for regeneration
• Laguz for flow and cleansing
• Direct energy to affected area

Wisdom Galdr

• Ansuz for divine wisdom
• Kenaz for illumination
• Dagaz for breakthrough
• Chant before study or divination

Advanced Galdr Practices

Layered Chanting

• Chant multiple runes simultaneously
• Create harmonic resonance
• Requires practice and skill
• Powerful for group work

Galdr and Visualization

• See the rune glowing as you chant
• Visualize energy flowing with sound
• Project the rune into space or object
• Combine inner vision with outer voice

Galdr and Movement

• Trace runes in the air while chanting
• Dance or move to build energy
• Combine with martial arts or yoga
• Embody the rune fully

Group Galdr Work

Chanting in Circle

• All participants chant the same rune
• Creates powerful resonance
• Builds group energy
• Strengthens community bonds

Call and Response

• Leader chants, group responds
• Creates rhythmic pattern
• Maintains focus and energy
• Traditional in ritual context

Harmonic Layering

• Different participants chant different runes
• Creates complex energetic pattern
• Requires coordination and practice
• Powerful for complex workings

Ethics and Cautions

Responsible Practice

• Don't use galdr to manipulate others
• Respect free will
• Be prepared for consequences
• Start with simple, beneficial workings

Safety Considerations

• Ground and center before and after
• Don't overextend your energy
• Protect yourself when working
• Know when to stop

Learning Galdr

Beginning Steps

1. Study the Elder Futhark thoroughly
2. Practice chanting each rune individually
3. Develop breath control
4. Start with simple, positive intentions
5. Keep a galdr journal
6. Practice regularly

Deepening Practice

• Work with each rune for extended periods
• Experiment with different vocal tones
• Combine galdr with other practices
• Seek guidance from experienced practitioners
• Trust your intuition and personal gnosis

Conclusion

Galdr is the voice of the runes, the conscious magic of sound and breath, the active shaping of reality through sacred vibration. Through galdr, we speak the language of creation, invoke the power of the runes, and participate in the ongoing weaving of wyrd.

This is accessible magic—requiring no tools beyond your voice, breath, and intention. Yet it is also profound magic, connecting you directly to the mysteries Odin won through sacrifice, to the archetypal forces encoded in the runes, to the power of the spoken word to shape reality.

The runes are waiting to be sung. Your voice is the instrument. Your breath is the power. Your intention is the guide. Chant the galdr. Speak the runes. Let your voice become the bridge between intention and manifestation, between human will and cosmic force.

Fehu! Uruz! Thurisaz! Ansuz! The runes are alive in your voice. Sing them forth!