My love affair with Norse mythology began back in my college days, buried deep in the pages of Medieval Literature. But it was Neil Gaiman’s “American Gods,” which I devoured around 2009, that sealed the deal for me. From there, my fascination with runes as a divination tool blossomed – it was like uncovering a secret.
Runes: The Alphabet of Mystery
Runes are like the mystical alphabets of the Norse world. Each rune is not just a letter but a symbol steeped in myth, magic, and meaning. Originating from an ancient Germanic language, these symbols were used for writing, and of course only the most powerful could read.
When I started learning to read runes, it felt like tapping into an ancient well of wisdom. Each rune tells a story of the past but also invokes modern metaphysical associations. They’re used in divination in a way that’s somewhat similar to tarot – you can cast runes, lay them out in spreads, and read the messages they offer. They speak of fate, fortune, challenges, and gifts. It’s like having a conversation with the spirits of the old Norse world while digging into your inner one.
Sigils: Crafting Personal Magic
Now, let’s talk about sigils – these are the custom-made symbols of the magical world. Unlike runes, which are a set alphabet, sigils are created by individuals for specific intentions. They’re like personalized magical emblems, each uniquely crafted to manifest a particular desire or intention.
Creating a sigil is like painting your wish into the fabric of reality. You take a word or phrase that encapsulates your intention and reduce it down to a symbol. This symbol, or sigil, becomes a focal point for your will, a tool for focusing your energy and manifesting your desires. It’s a deeply personal and creative process, one that connects you directly with the outcome you seek.
A common way to do this is to write a word or sentence that relates to the thing you are trying to create or embody. Cross out all vowels and all repeating consonants (for example in the word Theatre you’d be left with t-h-r). Next, use the remaining letters to create your own symbol.
Runes vs. Sigils: The Ancient and the Personal
While runes and sigils may seem similar, they’re quite different in their essence and use. Runes are like tapping into a collective ancient wisdom; they’re about seeking guidance and understanding the forces at play in your life. They connect you to a lineage of seers and mystics, a tradition that spans centuries.
Sigils, on the other hand, are deeply personal. They’re about putting your mark on the world, consciously creating your will and desire. While runes require you to learn and interpret an existing language, sigils are about creating a language of your own.
Embracing the Magic
Whether you’re drawn to the ancient wisdom of runes or the personal power of sigils, both offer a path to understanding deeper truths. They’re tools for connecting with the universe, for seeking guidance, and for asserting your will.
Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to explore these mystical arts. Whether you’re casting runes to glean wisdom from the past or crafting sigils to shape your future, you’re engaging in a practice as old as time – the practice of magic.
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