How Vikings Used Runes for Divination and Magic
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Introduction: Runes as More Than an Alphabet
To the Vikings, runes were not just letters — they were vessels of divine power. Each rune of the Elder Futhark carried both a sound and a spiritual meaning, believed to be gifted by Odin himself.
Viking seers and wise women, known as Völvas, used runes to predict the future, seek guidance from the gods, and influence fate. These ancient practices combined sacred ritual with deep knowledge of Norse cosmology.
Runes and Norse Magic (Seiðr)
In Viking Age Scandinavia, magic was often referred to as Seiðr — a form of sorcery tied to fate and prophecy. Runes played a central role in Seiðr, serving as both tools for communication with the divine and as magical talismans.
Carving certain runes onto weapons, ships, or personal items was believed to invoke protection, strength, or victory in battle. Inscriptions on runestones sometimes carried curses against enemies or blessings for allies.
Rune Casting for Divination
One of the most well-known magical uses of runes was casting — a form of divination where rune stones were drawn or tossed and interpreted.
A typical rune casting session might involve:
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Preparing the Space – Often in a quiet place, sometimes near fire or under moonlight.
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Focusing the Question – The seeker would think deeply about a question or situation.
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Drawing or Casting the Runes – Pulling one or several runes from a bag, or casting them on a cloth.
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Interpreting the Symbols – Each rune’s meaning was read in context of its position and relationship to others.
Runes as Amulets and Talismans
Runes were not only tools for reading fate — they were worn or carried for magical protection. For example:
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Algiz (ᛉ) – A shield of divine protection.
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Sowilo (ᛋ) – A symbol of victory and success.
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Tiwaz (ᛏ) – The warrior’s rune of honor and justice.
Warriors often inscribed runes on their swords, shields, or even their skin before battle.
Using Runes in Modern Divination
Today, rune casting continues as a spiritual practice for guidance, meditation, and personal empowerment. You don’t need to be a Viking warrior or a Norse seer to connect with runes — all you need is an open mind and a willingness to listen to their wisdom.
Conclusion
For the Vikings, runes were more than symbols — they were threads in the fabric of fate. Whether cast for prophecy, carved for magic, or worn for protection, runes have always been a bridge between the mortal world and the divine.
Ready to begin your journey into Norse divination? Explore our handcrafted Norse Runestones Collection and discover the ancient magic of the runes.
Visit our Daily Runestone Drawer to get quick guidance on the go when runestones are not handy.