ICELANDIC MAGIC

Many people are familiar with these magical signs but they may not be knowledgeable about their history or how to use these signs with confidence. BWC shares with you some basic information on this magical system, so to inspire you to research further, and find a suitable magical sign for your current magical desire.

Discussing Modern Icelandic Magic

Contemporary practices of Icelandic magic have seen a revival and transformation, as modern practitioners seek to connect with traditional roots while adapting to current spiritual landscapes. Here are some key aspects of how Icelandic magic is being practised today:

Neopaganism and Ásatrú

Ásatrúarfélagið: This organization is one of the most prominent groups promoting the revival of Norse paganism in Iceland, known as Ásatrú. Practitioners honor the old Norse gods and goddesses, engage in traditional rituals, and incorporate elements of Icelandic magic into their spiritual practices.
Rituals and Blóts: Modern practitioners often conduct blóts (sacrificial offerings) and sumbels (ritual toasts) to honor deities, ancestors, and spirits. These rituals may incorporate elements of galdr (spell-casting) and the use of runes for blessings and divination.

Runes and Divination

Use of Runes: Runes remain a central tool in contemporary Icelandic magic. Practitioners carve or draw runes for various intentions, such as protection, manifestation, or guidance in decision-making. Rune casting is a common form of divination, similar to tarot.
Creative Interpretations: Many modern practitioners create personalized rune sets, incorporating unique meanings and associations. This creative approach allows for individual connection to the symbols.

Nature-Based Practices

Connection to the Land: Iceland’s stunning landscapes, geothermal features, and natural elements play a significant role in contemporary magic. Many practitioners honor the land and its spirits through rituals and offerings, recognizing the animistic qualities of nature.
Working with Nature’s Cycles: Many contemporary practitioners align their magical practices with natural cycles, such as solstices and equinoxes, emphasizing the importance of nature in their spiritual work.

Folk Healing and Herbal Practices

Revival of Folk Remedies: Practitioners often draw on traditional Icelandic herbal knowledge, using local plants for healing purposes. This can include creating tinctures, teas, and ointments, often infused with magical intentions.
Integrating Modern Herbalism: Many contemporary practitioners blend traditional Icelandic herbal practices with modern herbalism, exploring the healing properties of both local and non-native plants.

Ancestor Work

Honor and Commemoration: Contemporary magic often includes practices focusing on ancestor veneration, where practitioners seek guidance and support from their lineage. This could involve creating altars, conducting offerings, and storytelling to keep their heritage alive.
Family Traditions: Individuals may incorporate family traditions and stories into their practices, blending personal history with broader Icelandic magical traditions.

Eclectic Practices

Fusion with Other Traditions: Many modern practitioners blend Icelandic magic with other spiritual systems, including Wicca, druidry, and shamanism, creating layered and diverse practices. This eclectic approach allows for personal customization of rituals and beliefs.
Emphasis on Personal Experience: Contemporary practitioners often prioritize personal experiences and intuition, allowing for a fluid and evolving form of practice that resonates with individual beliefs and lifestyles.

History of Icelandic Magic

Icelandic magic, often associated with the traditional practices of the Icelandic people, encompasses various forms of folk magic, rituals, and esoteric knowledge that have developed over centuries. This magic is deeply rooted in Iceland’s history, Norse mythology, and the natural landscape. Here are some key aspects of Icelandic magic:

Svartálfar and Hidden People

Huldufólk (Hidden People): In Icelandic folklore, there is a belief in the existence of the Huldufólk, or “hidden people,” who are said to live within the landscape, particularly in rocks and hills. Many Icelanders express respect towards these beings, sometimes seeking to coexist with them or invoke their aid in various matters.
Svartálfar (Dark Elves): These beings are linked to magic and the earth. In some traditions, they are believed to possess knowledge of secret arts and natural magic.

Galdr and Rúnar

Galdr: This refers to a form of magical chant or spell. Galdr was often performed to achieve specific goals, such as protection, healing, or divination. Practitioners would chant specific verses imbued with magical intent to manifest their desires.
Runes: Norse runes are an important aspect of Icelandic magic. Each rune holds symbolic meanings and is often used for divination, protection, and spellwork. Runes can also be inscribed on objects or stones to imbue them with specific energies.

Seiðr

Seiðr: This is a type of Norse magic associated with shamanistic practices. It involves rituals aimed at connecting with the spirit world, divination, and influencing fate. Practitioners, often called seiðkona (shamans), would enter trance states to access other realms and communicate with spirits.

Nature Magic

Connection to Nature: Icelandic magic places a strong emphasis on the natural environment, often drawing upon the power of natural elements (earth, water, fire, air) and specific natural features like mountains, rivers, and volcanic areas.
Animism: There is often a belief that entities reside within natural features, and practitioners may seek to communicate with or honor these spirits to ensure harmony and support in their lives.

Folk Healing

Herbalism and Healing Practices: Traditional Icelandic magic includes various herbal remedies and folk healing methods. Knowledge of local plants and their properties would be combined with magical practices to address ailments or curses.

Icelandic magic appears to have been the folk magic of the underclass, of poor crofters, servants and field-hands. The aims of the workings in the grimoires are overwhelmingly prosaic, dealing mainly with mundane concerns of day-to-day survival and prosperity. There are spells for healing humans and livestock, for exposing thieves, for love and seduction, for getting a good harvest of hay or a good catch of fish, for luck and popularity; in short, the eternal and ubiquitous preoccupations of thaumaturgy. Even the spells intended to harm by magic or to protect against such harm can be counted as ‘mundane’ in a world where no clear distinction was drawn between the ‘natural’ and the ‘supernatural’.

The spells could be used by any who had access to them. There was, with some few exceptions, no evocation of demons or even of angels to carry out the errand of the magician, except where – occasionally – the Devil, Satan or Beelzebub are called upon. Nor was there any need to cast a protective circle, for the magician does not appear to have felt threatened by the forces that he evoked.

What really counted in magic was his own will, on occasions brought into alignment with the forces of the cosmos by virtue of timing, location and direction of movement, but mainly augmented and transmitted by combination with a magical stave and a well-crafted piece of incantation.

Icelandic magic relied heavily on the carving of staves, and most of the tools relate to this practice.

The tools used for magic in early modern Iceland were usually simple in the extreme. Very rarely was anything required that might require elaborate preparation – there is no mention of special clothing, of casting of circles, or of wands, swords or pentacles. In most cases, in fact, nothing is required that could not readily be found among the everyday equipment and belongings of the average farmer.

Magical signs were often carved with the sorcerer’s own eating-knife or scratched with an ordinary awl, but some operations might specify that they should be carved with something more specialized such as an awl of lead or silver or a copper knife. Such tools would have had no place in an ordinary household. Human bone was sometimes used for carving in spells of malign intent.

Is timing important?

The Icelandic magician would try to align the timing of his operations with the motions of the sun, the moon and the tides, with certain days of the week and with certain feast-days. Very few of the spell suggest the importance of timing, and if one does then you would consider that as important and apply it to your specific Ritual.

Magical Staves

In Icelandic magic, several magical staves (or symbols) were commonly used, often referred to as Sigils, Runes, or Staves. These magical symbols held various meanings and were employed for protection, divination, and other purposes. Here are some of the common staves and symbols found in Icelandic magical practices:

1. Helm of Awe (Ægishjálmur)

Purpose: A powerful protective symbol believed to confer invincibility and intimidation upon its bearer. It was often carved onto weapons or shields.
Description: The design consists of eight arms radiating out from a central point, symbolizing strength and defense.

2. Völva’s Staff (Völvaskeið)

Purpose: Used by völvas (prophetic seeresses) during rituals and for divination. It served as a tool to connect with the spiritual realm and access wisdom.
Description: Typically a decorated staff, sometimes adorned with symbols, representing the völva’s power and connection to the gods and the ancestors.

3. Runes

Purpose: The runes of the Elder Futhark served as both an alphabet and a set of magical symbols. Practitioners used them for divination, spell-casting, and inscribing wishes or protections on objects.
Commonly Used Runes:
- Algiz (ᛉ): Represents protection and defense.
- Fehu (ᚠ): Represents wealth and prosperity.
- Thurisaz (ᚦ): Symbolizes protection and the force of giants.

4. The Wolfcross (Vargkors)

Purpose: A sigil used for protection against enemies or for negative influences. It is often associated with banishing harmful energies.
Description: The symbol may vary in form, but it typically resembles interlocking lines or crosses, representing strength and defense.

5. Björk (Birch Stave)

Purpose: Commonly used in fertility magic, this symbol invokes the energies associated with growth, renewal, and protection.
Description: A simple representation of the birch tree, often accompanied by decorative elements that enhance its association with fertility and nature.

6. The Nine Herbs Charm

Purpose: This practice involves the use of nine powerful herbs to create a magical charm or poultice for healing or protection.
Description: While not a physical stave, the idea of combining herbs represents hold the magical properties of nature and serves as part of Icelandic folk medicine.

The Helm of Awe in Contemporary Icelandic Magic

The Helm of Awe is a glyph that is typically associated with protection, invincibility, and intimidation. It is sometimes depicted as a circular design with eight arms extending outward, making it visually striking. Each arm represents strength and the ability to invoke fear in adversaries.

Protective Rituals: In modern Icelandic magical practices, the Helm of Awe is used to invoke protection against negative energies, curses, or harm. Practitioners might draw or carve the symbol during rituals aimed at safeguarding themselves or their loved ones.
Empowerment: The Helm serves as a representation of personal empowerment and strength. Many contemporary practitioners may use it in rituals focused on boosting confidence, courage, and resilience, especially in challenging situations.
Integration with Modern Practices: Just as many practitioners blend ancient traditions with contemporary influences, the Helm of Awe can be incorporated into a wide range of rituals, spells, and artistic expressions. It can be painted, worn as jewelry, or used in meditation practices to connect with its protective energies.
Symbol in Community and Culture: As interest in Norse and Icelandic heritage grows, the Helm of Awe has also become a symbol of cultural identity and pride among those who practice or celebrate Icelandic magic. It serves as a reminder of historical roots while also fostering a modern spiritual connection.
Visual and Artistic Representation: Artists and practitioners often use the symbol in various forms of creative expression, such as tattoos, artwork, and jewelry, further embedding it in contemporary culture and personal practice.