Category Archives: Norse - Page 4

First Protect then Focus

Veve of Papa Legba Tattoo

Veve of Papa Legba tattoo: This is Ironclown‘s first tattoo. This veve is from the Vudon tradition. The veve is for the loha of Papa Legba which is a crossroads deity. Legba showed up in Ironclown’s dreams when they were young, before they even knew what Vodon was or who Legba was. Ironclown eventually started picking the meaning up later in their research and different pagan traditions. It is their patron deity that Ironclown works with to this day.

Most of the tattoos Ironclown has are either protective or good-luck-based. Before Ironclown got into any of the pagan traditions that they work with now, Ironclown was Catholic. Ironclown was terrified of ghosts, spirits, and anything else which was reinforced by the church to be afraid of. The first thing Ironclown wanted to do was protect themselves from ghosts, and various things.

Kabbalah Medallion Tattoo Kabbalah Medallion Tattoo

Kabbalah Medallion tattoos: These two tattoos are from a medallion. Specifically a gold medallion which Ironclown cannot afford. The symbols are high magic from the Kabbalah. Everything in Hebrew are names of gods: Tetragrammaton, Adonaï, or Elohim. All of the names can be worked with in pieces. The medallion is meant to work by protecting from various evils, banes, and mischief. When looking at the square tattoo in any direction all the way across, it is a different name for Yahweh. Ironclown thinks there are over 99 names for Yahweh in the Kabbalah.

The tattoo on the left, below the medallion, are geomantic symbols for the planet Venus. Venus is Ironclown’s ruling sign. Ironclown is a Libra. The symbol is a draw for magic work.

Abracadabra Tattoo

Abracadabra tattoo: Abracadabra is not protective, it more to get rid of an immediate problems. Abra means Holy. Cad is one of the names of god. Abracadabra translates to holy god holy. What to do is if you have a hangover, or can’t find your keys, focus on that problem and say Abracadabra, then keep subtracting the last letter until there are no more letters left and the problem should be gone.

Solve Coagula tattoo Solve Coagula tattoo

Solve Coagula tattoo: Solve Coagula is what can be found on most pictures of Baphomet. It is Latin. It translates roughly to take apart and put back together, again.

Seal of Solomon , Triskele solar crosses, Ankh, Vodon power signs, Pentragam

Protective Tattoo. Most of these symbols are protective in nature:
The Seal of Solomon is protective in nature.
The Triskele solar crosses are protective in various cultures.
The Ankh is not protective. It is a symbol of long life or eternal life.
The smaller signs that are close to the center are Vodon power signs. That are meant for energizing other symbols, and would be used as a focus.
The Pentagram is surrounded by Hebrew letters at each point for the elements of: air fire water earth, and  spirit.

Magic Square Tattoo

Magic Square tattoo: A lot of these tattoos deal with planetary symbols. All of the numbers add up to Ironclown’s birthday. The numbers all add up to the same number around each side. To make one the person will need to really like themselves enough. The box accentuates everything about the person. This includes the stuff they don’t like. If person can handle a lot of themselves it will work out. A recommended book on this theme is called “The Magus.”

Algiz Rune Tattoo

Algiz Rune: This rune is for protection.

Latin Pentagram Tattoo

Latin Pentagram tattoo: This symbol is usually put into a ring. This tattoo is also protective, but this is more for biological protection. Energize this symbol to help.

Bo Sho Tattoo Bo Sho Tattoo

Bo Sho tattoo: The entire block is called a “Bo Sho.” Bo is one hundred and Sho is the word for long life. When China was just warring territories, the quickest way to show power was to change the way the language looked, but not the way it sounded. With that Sho can be written over a hundred different ways. This is a good luck charm that could be carved it on things and given as a gift for 100 long lives.

tibetan buddhist mudra Give Me Refuge tattoo

Tibetan Buddhist Mudra tattoo: This is Tibetan Buddhist mudra for “give me refuge.” Most mudras are a focus points when meditating. The one for protection is an open palm.

Reiki Symbol Tattoo

Reiki Symbol tattoo: In energy work, this symbol means god is here. It could be used a way to energize something.

Comanche Tattoo Comanche Tattoo Comanche Tattoo

Comanche tattoo: Ironclown is part Comanche on their fathers side, and they wanted something to represent that part of their life.

Magic Eye Tattoo

Magic Eye tattoo: Ironclown thinks eyes are excellent magical tools. This one Ironclown uses as a focus to do physic work or tarot readings.

Wunjo – The Joy Rune

Wunjo is the eighth rune in the Elder Futhark. Wunjo is phonetically, “w.” Wunjo is the Freyja’s Aett, which is the first Aett. It’s the last rune in Freya’s Aett. It may be connected to earth element. My guess is this most connected to Freyja.

Wunjo is the joy rune. From Norse it would mean joy or bliss. That or being without hardship.  With the Norse most things did not come easy, so happiness would need to be worked for. Wunjo would be the energies that help with that focus. Thurisaz, a rune associated with hard work, looks much like Wunjo. This might be why.

Old English or Anglo-Saxon Poem:
Who uses it knows no pain, sorrow nor anxiety,
and he himself has prosperity and bliss, and enough shelter.

Another version:
Joy is had by the one who knows few troubles,
pains or sorrows, and to him who himself has,
power and blessedness, and also the plenty of towns.

Face up in a reading:
Could be like a drug
Purpose
Have to do, can’t escape
Anything you do, may forget everything else.
Absolute joy
This is the one thing you need in your life
What is joy? It can be fleeting and can change
Deep rooted contentment
It is hard to know what will make you happy
Most people spend more time looking for joy, then having joy

Face Down:
Unhappy
Lack of fulfillment
Misery
Hate yourself
Pull eject lever

Freyja is the herder of cats. My neighbor, who had fed a bunch of feral cats, moved out. I was meditating and had the thought that I needed to check on these cats. All of their food was gone. I went to Walmart, and found 20 lbs of cat food for $3.50. I believe Freyja was helping guide me to take over the feeding of this herd of feral cats. I may be proven wrong by the end of the month.

Myrmidon’s True North

Cross Of Lorraine Tattoo

Cross Of Lorraine tattoo. A symbol Myrmidon used for the last military unit they were in. Myrmidon was in special forces as a warrant officer. Myrmidon’s unit was in the ground invasion and also carried on missions in Iraq. Myrmidon’s unit wanted an emblem to rally behind. The symbol is called the “Cross Of Lorraine” and it has a skill on top.  This was Myrmidon’s first tattoo.

Ægishjálmrm (Helm of Awe) Tattoo Norse Compass Tattoo

Ægishjálmrm (Helm of Awe) and Norse Compass Tattoos. The Helm of Awe is the protection against evil. The other is a compass, some say to true north. It will help point you to the true way you need to go.

Valknut Tattoo

Valknut Tattoo.  This is for Odin’s Slain.

Trojan Horse Tattoo

Trojan Horse tattoo. This is the tattoo for the unit Myrmidon was in for the majority of their military career: Tenth Special Forces Group. The Trojan Horse was their symbol. The green background denotes the special forces, and each group has a different color background.

Love Endorse Norse Runes Tattoo

Love Endorse Norse Runes tattoo. Myrmidon’s partner has the same tattoo. The tattoos spells out Love Endures using the Elder Furthark. It was found from a pendant. The pendant was found in ancient times with a couple embracing. They wanted it because it symbolizes the trials and tribulations from their past relationships. They both look forward to having true love in their lives. It’s a good mantra to have for any married couple. Love Endures, no matter what else happens in your lives.

Gebo – The Seventh Rune

Gebo is the seventh rune in the Elder Futhark. Gebo is phonetically ‘G”.  Gebo is in Freya’s Aett, which is the first Aett. Gebo is said to be connected to Gefion or Gefn. It is also noted as an air element so could also be connected to Odin. As Gefion is the goddess of agriculture, and connected to Frigga. I will at first lean towards her. I may be proven wrong at the end of the month.

Gebo is said to be the gift rune. The Norse idea of gifting was more of an exchange. A ring could be given as a gift. Accepting the ring noted that you were loyal to the giver. However it would not be required to be equal value. An easy way to see this is with a pot luck. It was understood that giving meat was of higher value, while bring what you could is what is expected. Asatru is about connecting, not separating. What you give is what you get.

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem:
Generosity brings credit and honour, which support one’s dignity;
it furnishes help and subsistence
to all broken men who are devoid of aught else.

In readings it could mean. Please note this is all based on the question asked:
Face Up:
balance your people
self sacrifice
fair exchange
what is it worth
you will get something out of it
It could be about the relationship connection
you will get something back

Face down:
Friend not worth time
not getting what you deserve
you are being taken advantage of
this will not be easy, of course it could be really easy also.

End of month:
I will say I really enjoyed Gebo. Was really interesting I got this in December. Very much a balancing rune. Truly what you give is what you get. It will help enforce a balance.
 

 

Old Man Finds a Wanderer

Uruz Tattoo

Uruz Tattoo

Ansuz Tattoo

Ansuz Tattoo

Eihwaz Tattoo

Eihwaz Tattoo

Gothi was in the army until almost age 30 without any tattoos. Gothi was in the infantry as a combat arms MOS. Their job was to kill people and blow shit up. Not having a tattoo is rare in this group. Gothi resisted getting one for a long time, because there wasn’t a good reason. Gothi knew many people that were inked for reasons with no real meaning behind it, and some just because they liked the idea of having a tattoo. Gothi did not want to be that guy. Then, one day, Gothi started looking into the runes. Gothi had been involved in esoteric/mystic stuff as a teenager. For some reason after 8 years of being spiritually dead in the water in the army, the runes spiked Gothi’s interest. Gothi decided to get some runes tattoos.

Gothi settled on the runes Uruz, Ansuz, and Eihwaz. For Gothi, these stand for body, mind, and soul. Gothi admits this is kind of simplistic. Uruz for the body, Ansuz for mind, and Eiwaz for soul. Gothi ended up getting them tattooed from a kid in the barracks, because it was a cheap and simple design. After Gothi got these done, they did feel different. Gothi says, “everything I read said the runes work by themselves. The runes have power on their own without your involvement.”

Gothi went to airborne school because they got into special operations. Gothi was moving into a whole new mindset. One of the requirements was Gothi had to go to jump school. During this time, Gothi was reading about the runes. Gothi said “In order to understand the runes you should understand Norse mythology. You have understand the Norse gods because they are linked with the runes. The best way to find that knowledge is from modern practitioners.” Gothi figured there was a wiccan coven somewhere that was dedicated to the Norse. Gothi stumbled across Asatru, Steve McNallen, the AFA, and Edward Thorsson. Gothi read about the whole spectrum of politics. That is all Gothi did during airborne school. Gothi did airborne school during the day and read about Asatru in the evening. The idea of connecting to Gothi’s ancestors became a primary concern. This connected everything Gothi cared about: spirituality, toxic masculinity, war, and being better then the other guy. Killing the enemy and drinking their blood. There was a way to fit all of that in Asatru. It fit there. It was not a bastardized version of hermetic or Christianity where Gothi was supposed to turn the other cheek. There was a purpose behind it all and it all came together. The idea stuck. Gothi started meditating everyday at airborne school. Gothi would wake up 2 hours early before anything else to mediate and think about the gods.

Ægishjálmr (Helm of Awe) Tattoo

Ægishjálmr (Helm of Awe) Tattoo

Vegvisir (Norse Compass) Tattoo

Vegvisir (Norse Compass) Tattoo

Ægishjálmr (Helm of Awe) and Vegvisir (Norse compass) tattoos. Gothi got these tattoos because they wanted the effects. Gothi believed in the power of the runes. Even without a deep understand of what the runes meant. “I have it a little better now, but at the time I did not.” Gothi had accepted the idea the runes would work even without fully understanding them. Gothi stated “I did not have to power them. The power was inherent.” Once again, after getting the tattoos, Gothi felt different. Things changed. Gothi came home and within 3 days of me being stationed at home, Gothi started meditation again regularly. Gothi then reached out to Odin. Gothi always had a feeling if they called out to one of the Pagan gods they would answer, unlike the desert god, who is to big and ephemeral to deal with petty human concerns. When Gothi called to Odin there was a presence, and Gothi was not alone. It was real and Gothi was scared. What if Gothi had fucked up what if this is not the old man, Gothi had no way of checking ID. After a bunch of thinking and soul searching, and reaching out, Gothi determined they had in fact gotten the attention of the old man. Everything changed after that. Gothi accepted the presence that was there waiting everyday. Gothi felt a power they had never experienced before.

Valknut Tattoo

Valknut Tattoo

Shortly afterward, Gothi got the Valknut tattoo with the rune ring. Once again they felt different.

Thor's Hammer with Ravens Tattoo

Thor’s Hammer with Ravens Tattoo

Thor’s hammer with ravens tattoo. A year later, Gothi move to North Carolina. Gothi’s buddy’s wife was giving tattoos in exchange for donations. Gothi got a Thor hammer with two ravens. It is the least spiritual tattoo they have.

Web Of Wyrd Tattoo

Web Of Wyrd Tattoo

Web Of Wyrd Tattoo

Web Of Wyrd Tattoo

Web Of Wyrd tattoos: About a year after that, Gothi entered the seiðr trance. Gothi found out they were going to be a seiðr whether they liked it or not. Gothi placed their hands in the Web of Wyrd. Gothi knew what they were doing and what was happening. Gothi commemorated this with the Web Of Wyrd tattoos on each of their wrists. Both as a reminder of what they had done, and as a focus for when they do it again.

Gungnir with Hagalz, Othila, and Mannaz Tattoo

Gungnir with Hagalz, Othila, and Mannaz Tattoo

Gungnir with Hagalaz, Othila, and Mannaz tattoo. With in a week Gothi felt they were marked. Gothi said they were hanging by the tree. Gothi felt they had been marked by the spear and would never again be the same. This started without Gothi’s choice. Gothi does not always like it, it was scary. Gothi got this tattoo with Hagalaz, Othila, and Mannaz. Hagalaz was to commemorate the death of what Gothi was. Mannaz was to point out what Gothi is going to become. Othila was for the path Gothi is going to take to get there, inline with their ancestors.

Teiwaz Tattoo

Teiwaz Tattoo

Teiwaz tattoo. Shortly after that during Gothi’s daily mediation, Gothi experienced the seiðr trance for the first time with none of the usual preparation it takes to get there. It has not happened like that may times, as it normally take effort and intention. Gothi was shown a lot of things. Gothi was offered a choice. When Gothi was offered this choice they took an oath. The oath was very heavy, and had very significant consequences. In order to commemorate the oath and to remind themselves of what it is they agreed to, Gothi got the Tyr rune tattoo. This if for Githi to remember what they agreed to and to draw power from that agreement.

Pagan and Heathen Podcasts

During a moot I attended, It was noted there were not many Pagan and/or Heathen Podcasts. I started naming a couple I enjoy. I was asked to list them out, so here goes:

Heathen Podcasts
*https://tac.podbean.com/
The Asatru Community Podcast. This is a female couple where one is a Heathen, and the other is a Druid. I enjoy this as they keep things a little light. Good information, however sometime they can get chatty.

*https://giftsofthewyrd.podbean.com/
Gifts of the Wyrd. This is a male couple. They do some interviews. It’s worth checking out if you are looking for heathen podcasts.

*https://www.northernmyths.com/
Northern Myths: I have not listened to this one as much, as they are REALLY LONG. I did enjoy them, I just don’t have the time, and there are other things I want to listen to. I did enjoy the couple I have been able to sit through.

*https://anchor.fm/whatinthewyrd
What in the Wyrd: This is a Heathen/Animist. It is short which I really like. It’s a biweekly view of the runes how they effect the current month. The podcaster is located somewhere in NC.

Pagan Podcasts
*http://www.pagangumbo.com/
Pagan Gumbo: It’s ok. Worth checking out.

*https://player.fm/series/down-at-the-crossroads-music-magick-paganism
Down at the Crossroads: This one is long. I will normally stop enjoying the podcast somewhere in their interview. However, I truly enjoy the music they add in between the interviews. I will often just skip to the music.

Honorable mention
*https://www.mythpodcast.com/
Myths and Legends Podcast.
I enjoy the stories. He does some heathen stories, and stories from all around the world. You may not enjoy his take on the story, but then you can delete it. Take it as you will.

Let me know what you think, or if you know of any I should check out.

Kenaz – The Sixth Rune

Kenaz is the 6th rune. Kenaz is phonetically ‘K.” Its rune name may come from the old Germanic word “kien”, which means pine or fir tree. Since it means torch, the element for this rune is fire. Kenaz is the in Freya’s Aett which is the first Aett. It is often connected to the god Heimdall. I think the connection to Heimdall may come from the story that Heimdall brought the runes to man.

Kenaz is most often connected to mean torch. However it may also mean creativity, or revelation. The kenaz rune may also be the symbol for physical or spiritual enlightenment. This coming to know or understand. As the torch to guide you in the darkness.

Poems:
Old Norwegian
Ulcer is fatal to children;
death makes a corpse pale.

Old Icelandic:
Disease fatal to children
and painful spot
and abode of mortification.

Anglo-Saxon:
The torch is known to every living man
by its pale, bright flame; it always burns
where princes sit within.

In a reading it means:
torch
contained fire
knowledge
that “aha” moment
the thing that allows you to see
the coming to know
Fire can cook meat, and burn your house down

Face down:
You don’t know
You are asking the wrong question
What you can not see yet
You already know the answer
You do not have the knowledge to get there.

#12/3/2018 Update:
After a month of Kenaz: Kenaz shows you what is there. You may or may not want to see it. It will show you.
I also now better understanding of these poems. They are talking about seeing things they may not have wanted to see.
A true path is not always pretty until you get to the end. Kenaz keeps your view real, and not the dream. Once this is understood, you understand how to make the path clear in advance.

Additional Note: This is connected to Heimdall because of what you see.

Raido – The Fifth Rune

Raido is the fifth rune in the Elder Futhark. Phonetically this is the “R”(or “Z”) sound. The Raido basic meaning is ride or cart. It also could mean “to ride.” Rad is the old German word for wheel. Diana Paxton states that reidhi is the Norse word for wrath. I am not sure if this has any connection to the meaning of Raido. Raido is the in the first Aett, which is Freya’s Aett. It looks like a “R.”

Icelandic Poem:
Riding is the joy of the rider
and a speedy journey,
and the labor of the horse

Norwegian Poem:
Riding is said to be worst for horses
Regin forged the best sword

Anglo-Saxon Poem:
Riding is in the hall for the warrior
soft more strenuous when astride
a great stallion pounding the log mile paths

The interesting idea for the Norwegian poem is sword may be the right time to act.

In a reading it can mean:
A journey
It could mean the path
Travel
Astral Projection
Movement
Change
Journey through life

Update: Oct 28 2018

After a month of connecting with Raido, I would say this is the rune of change, and travel. I will not say that thisey have been fun. It is the ride through life. Raido will create some change. It is also the travel or adventure rune. Wearing this for a month, you will find some adventures. When wearing this runic necklace, it’s a good idea to have a purpose.

 

Ansuz – the fourth rune

Ansuz is the fourth rune in Elder Furthark. Phonetically, it means, “A.” Ansuz literally means god or chieftain. It is in the first Aett, which is Freyja’s Aett. It is in the shape of an “F” pointed down. It can also look like a tree with branches hanging down. It is said to be connected to Odin. I have seen a couple of places that connect this rune to Loki. Its element is air.

The Norwegian Poem is:
River mouth is the way of most journeys,
but a scabbard of swords.

I am having a hard time finding stories about this rune where it stands for anything else besides Odin, but I feel a strong Loki connection.

Some of the meanings of Ansuz include:
The breath that comes when you speak
Singing wise songs
Seeking wisdom to the point of madness
Being heard
Knowledge
Wisdom
Speech
The power of magic
The ability to communicate
Thought

09/22 Update:
Ansuz. I had to take this one off more the the others. Ansuz may be where the word answer comes from. One of my favorite martial arts thoughts is where there is a hole there is always a weakness. When you focus through Ansuz it will not guide you, more it will allow you find AN answer. There are stories where Odin and Loki are blood brothers. In the stories also Loki is movement to change. Odin is the wisdom behind these changes. Be careful what you wish/ask for.

Thurisaz the Third Rune

Thurisaz

Thurisaz is the third rune in the Elder Futhark. Thurisaz phonetically is, “Th.” Its literal meaning is “giant.” Its elements are air and fire. It’s in the first Aett, which is Freyja’s Aett. Its shape is a Thor’s hammer protecting us from the giants. I really like the quote from runesecrets, “Thurisaz represents the warrior that combines consciousness and wisdom with matters requiring force.”

Old Norwegian Poem:
Thurs (“Giant”) causes anguish to women,
misfortune makes few men cheerful.

Old Icelandic:
Thurs (“Giant”) is torture of women and cliff-dweller
and husband of a giantess Saturn’s thegn.

Anglo-Saxon:
The thorn is exceedingly sharp,
an evil thing for any thegn to touch,
uncommonly severe on all who sit among them.

Right now, I am not sure how these poems connect to Thurisaz. I may figure it out by the end of the month.

Here are some of the meanings of this rune in divination:

  • Take wild strength and focus.
  • Will Power
  • Tool
  • Hard Work
  • Element of Danger
  • Hard Work pays off
  • It is normally a good sign in a read.
  • It is not a good sign in a relationship question.

Aug 19 2018: Update

Thurisaz was so far the most fun rune. It has a dedicated energy of focus. You can lose everything around you.

Personal Note: I do not really connect to Thor. I did get a connection to Vidar during this month of the Thurisaz. This may be a couple of reasons. Vidar’s the son of Odin and the jotunn Grider. Thurisaz means giant so it connects with this. I could also see the symbol as Vidar standing up in Fenrir’s mouth. Vidar is also the god of leather work, which requires the dedicated focus. This is of course my opinion. I am sure someone will tell me that it must only connect to Thor, and I doing it wrong.