In this chapter we will be exploring the magical side of the runes, this includes their function in magic and in divination. We will also be taking a look at traditional Anglo-Saxon magic and how the runes can be applied to it to make it a living tradition once more. So let's take a look at the magical properties of each rune.
Feoh: This rune can be used in all matters concerning money or in attracting wealth. It also acts as a foundation for any magical working. Feoh is an excellent rune to use when working with the goddess Hrethe.
Ur: can be used where there is healing to be done, be they past problems or current ones. Ur can also be used to find inner strength and vigor, especially when faced with the challenging situations in life. In a charm it can be used draw power from the past to make it more effective. In being the rune of origins it can be used to contact the eldest Wyrd sister to discover the beings of all the worlds.
Thorn: represents the inner workings of wyrd and can be used when inquiring about ones own wyrd or just to understand its immense power as a whole. Thorn can also be used in a negative working by throwing someone's wyrd back at him or her or can even be used in a curse. I would always take special care when working with its negative aspects and always remember that everything you do comes back threefold. The god Thunor can also be invoked through this rune. His raw masculine and creative energy can be tapped by working with this rune. Thorn can also be used in a protective spell, even though other rune writers have focused on its negative aspects. Since Thunor's hammer was often used in wedding it could also be used in a love charm.
Os: Magically this rune could be used for learning the runes and their proper phonetic pronunciation and an excellent rune to discover the various tones of the runes. It is the key rune in learning the art of Galdor by which incantations can be practiced. Galdor was practiced and taught by the god Wodan and this is his rune and he may be invoked using it. Although it is not the primary rune to use when exploring the shamanic techniques of the northlands it may be used to do so due to its connection with Wodan. It may also be used in a spell that might involve communicating with someone.
Rad: can be used in setting something in motion, be it looking for a job or undertaking any kind of project. It can also be used to ensure a safe journey when traveling. In a spell it is used to insure its rotation around the wheel of Wyrd so that it will come to pass they way it was intended to. Also it can be used in conflicts or court cases to help shine light on the truth. However, one has to be true of heart when working with Rad in the context of a conflict, those who try to deceive wyrd always have to pay the price for their actions. Tiw may be invoked by using this rune, since he is the god of justice and truth.
Cen: may be used when exploring the art of Seith, but as with any kind of shamanism it has to be approached with truth, knowledge and selflessness. When exploring Seith it is important to remember that the experiences are highly personal to each individual who is practicing it. This means that each person's experiences will be different and it is up to the individuals involved to keep that in mind. Cen can also be used to shine light on any idea or project that one might have and this rune can help find the right pathway to take. It is an excellent rune to be used when learning about the runes. Frija or Freyja may be invoked by using Cen.
Geifu: may be used to find balance in life. Also Geifu is an excellent rune to use when trying to understand and comprehend the inner working of wyrd, be it either internal or external. This rune may also be employed when doing a love charm or spell. Most importantly it is the rune of giving, and meditating on this rune can bring about the true meaning of this act. It may also be used to attract the Wyrd Sisters.
Wynn: is a great rune to use in a healing charm, especially when someone might be in a depressed or dilapidated condition. It may also be used when healing someone who might have a tumor or cyst on his or her skin or inside the body. I caution that, as with any illness is it always best to consult a physician. Wynn also has the power to bring joy and happiness into our lives, hence its use in blessings and weddings. The power of the Vanir or Wanes maybe invoked with this rune.
Haegl: the main function of this rune is one of curses. In a malediction it is the rune par excellence as it can cause great harm to the person and bring destruction into their lives. As with any negative working I caution the user to be aware of wyrd. This rune can be used in necromancy and also in contacting goddess of the underworld. Haegl can be used when one wants to travel to the realm of Hel but extreme caution should be taken when performing such an undertaking. The goddess Holda may be invoke by using Haegl and it can be used in any working which might involve her.
Nied: has the power to lend its help in discovering what problems might be plaguing your life. It can be used to heal oneself once the problems are uncovered and also aid in the healing process, which takes place after such a discovering. Nied can transform a person into a healthy and whole person. This rune is also mentioned in an Eddic lay as being used to conceal an affair. This was done by scratching it on a beer horn, the back of ones hand and on the fingernails. Hence its connection with something of a sexual nature, also it has a connection with ones will to change which leads to self-discovery.
Is: can be used to help discover the negative patterns in ones life and it also aids in how to over come them. It also has the power to help us discover what might be the outcome of any kind of action that might involve a major decision. In a charm it is the best rune to use to freeze or stop somebody's actions that might have a negative impact on ones life. It can also be used to cool a heated argument. It can be used to invoke Rind, who is the earth goddess in her winter mode.
Gear: can magically be used in workings of a feminine nature and moon magic. It can unlock the mysteries of time and open up new vistas and realms within the user. Gear is also used in fertility charms both personal and natural. One could make its shape out of wood or some other natural material and lay it in the garden to aid in the growth and health of plants. It also has a connection with herbal healing. The Anglo-Saxon earth goddess Hrethe can be invoked by this rune, also connected with Gear is the goddess Eostre. She is the Saxon goddess of spring and her festival is Easter, which got its name directly from her.
Eoh: is used to expand ones consciousness when practicing the art of shamanism. When in an altered state Eoh can be seen as a representation of the world tree, thus enabling the soul to transverse the upper, middle and lower realms. If used in a curse it can be visualized as an arrow and can then be shot at an enemy. In a working this rune can be used to invoke the gods Wodan and Wuldor.
Peorth: is used whenever one might need guidance or a risk needs to be taken. It is the prime rune to use when getting ready to do divination. When preparing for such a task as divination Peorth should be meditated on in order to open the mind to the energies of the universe to receive direct guidance from the gods. It can also be used in a boasting match. One might even want to use it to provide a victory when playing such games as chess, cards or dice. Peorth can be used to invoke the primal goddess Night when wanting to discover the origins of creation.
Eolh-secg: should be used for all matters concerning protection. It is an excellent symbol to wear and it absolutely works. One could make a representation of it and put it over windows or doors to ensure the over all protection for house and family. Eolh-secg should be used to invoke the Idisi or other protective goddess.
Sigel: is used to help light our way down any path we might choose be it work related or spiritual. In being a rune of enlightenment it will help us to find our true calling in life. Also in any working we can use Sigel's solar energy to aid in charging a talisman or sigil. It is an excellent rune to help melt away past blockages that might be hindering any seekers spiritual development. The sun goddess Sunna is connected to this rune.
Tiw: can be used in any situation that requires the truth to be known, such as court cases or disputes between friends. It is an excellent rune to use in a journey charm as it has very strong protective qualities. Tiw can also put us into contact with our ancestors and also has a connection with the dead. Since this rune is connected to the god Tiw, it can also be used to restore order into ones life by halting chaotic forces.
Beorc: is closely connected to the Germanic earth goddesses. It has strong connotations with herbal healing since in ancient times it was the women who were the healers of the tribes. It has also been suggested that this rune may be used to aid in childbirth. Beorc is definitely the rune of the fertile earth. It can be used to bring peace and plenty to ones life. Beorc can also be used in personal blessings as well as increasing fertility.
Eh: main magical function is that of omens and foresight. This rune can be used foresee and connect events in ones personal life as well as in the outside world. It has close connections with the knowledge of shamanic healing. Wodan is the main god of this rune but it also has connections with the god Ing or Frey. Eh can also be employed in astral travel by envisioning it as a horse and then transverse the nine worlds. It can also put us in touch with ourselves and help us in our personal relationships.
Mann: can be used in any situation that involves relationships. It can be used in a charm to help mend a broken friendship. Mann also puts us in touch with the importance of friendship and family. It also connects to our ancestors and can be used magically to ask in their aid in times of need. The gods that may be invoked with this rune are Mann, the ancestor god and Tiw or Tuisto, the father of the human race.
Lagu: is used to gain access to the astral plane. It is the prime rune to use in any kind of magic that might involve the other worlds. It can be used in a charm to restore positive emotions, but it can also be used in a curse to bring about negative ones. Also in a curse it may be employed to muddle someone's thinking or to drown his or her emotions. Lagu is a great healing rune especially in the context of shamanism. Those who would want to be healers should work with this rune, as it will teach them the secrets of the Leech. Lagu may invoke the gods and goddess of the Vanir, since it is they who are the keepers of the magical practices of the northern healers.
Ing: is connected to the god, who bears the same name as the rune. This rune can be used in fertility rituals and also in invoking the powers of the earth. It can teach us to be eco friendly and to live in harmony with our surroundings. The cult of the Vanir is expressed in this rune.
Ethel: is used to ground any magical practice by bringing the energies down to a focal point. It can also be used in a charm to restore peace in one's home. It can also function as the northern pentagram by which it represents the sacred enclosure to contain energies. Ethel may also be used to create a sacred place where one may wish to practice and perform magical acts. Ethel is sacred to all the gods and goddess of the northern pantheon.
Daeg: can be used to create a sudden change in ones life. It can also be used to add power to a charm or spell. The Wyrd Sisters are closely connected with this rune and it can be used to further understand the power that they hold. Daeg can also be used to inspire or enlighten ones mind in times when thoughts seem to be jumbled. Besides the Wyrd Sisters being connected to this rune, its main god is Dag; he is the god of the day.
Ac: is a very powerful rune and it should be approached with care and respect. The immense power that it contains can be potentially dangerous if not used wisely. Ac can be used to create growth and sudden changes in ones life. In a charm it can be used to assist one in getting out of a stagnant situation. As a reinforcing rune it can be used to add immense power to other charms in order to make them more effective. In it are contained the creative and destructive powers of the universe, so this rune can be used to create nearly anything magically possible. Its ruling god is Thunor and it is strongly advised to seek his assistance when working with Ac.
Aesc: can be used in the practice of Seith. It is directly related to the rune Os and thus to the god Wodan. It may also be used in shape shifting and correct breathing which is need in the practice of Seith. The goddess Frija is connected to this rune also. Its magical aspects are similar to Os and that rune should be referenced for additional meanings, since the magical properties of each rune may be interchanged.
Yr: can be used in curses and shamanic traveling, but unlike its predecessor Eoh its main usage would be for curses or hunting in the astral realm. It also has strong protective qualities and can be used in a charm that might require such action. As with the above rune, Yr should be cross-referenced with Eoh.
Ior: should be used when contacting the underworld. It can be used in spells to conjure the goddess of Hel and also to contact dead volva's to acquire wisdom. These sorts of undertakings should be approached with caution and only practiced by those with the appropriate magical knowledge. For those wishing to be seers it is an excellent rune to use to teach and guide. Hel and Holda are the goddess that can be invoke with this rune. The power of world serpent can also be tapped by using this rune, but it is not recommended to do so.
Ear: is a powerful magic symbol. It represents the world tree of the Saxons. This rune can be used in various magical acts. It can be used to get in touch with the dead as well as opening up new pathways. Ear can also be used to end a situation that might have been dragging out for too long. It can also be used in the quest for knowledge of the nine worlds. The main god of this rune is Irmin; he was the sky father to the Saxons.

What was the kind of magic that the Germanic peoples practiced? To answer this question we have to first look at the various types of magic and the various uses of the runes. The most sacred of the Northern scriptures is the Havamal. It is within this Eddic lay that Wodan or Odin lays down the laws for runic magic. He asks if one might know how to carve and stain the runes, plus other various tasks when using them. There are also 18 charms in the Havamal and they have a wide variety of functions. It states that runes are used to calm seas, heal, talk to the dead, protect warriors, etc. There are many uses for the runes and the Eddas are an important source to gain not only mythological understanding but also practical magical knowledge of the Northlands. While the Eddas are from a relatively later date they contain much of the traditional Germanic lore as they are the end product of a traditionally oral society and there is no doubt that many of the lays were passed down for hundreds of years. Like in an oral society nothing is set fast and as stories are told each time they seem to change a little and are also colored by the region in which they are told. It is therefore a living tradition and the Eddas are the end product of this tradition being written down by both Heathens and Christians. Unfortunately we do not have much Heathen material written down from the time before the Eddas came into being. There are however several charms which contain traditional Germanic lore, like the Merseburg Charms and the Nine Herbs Charm. Let's take a look at the Merseburg Charms to find out what traditional lore might be concealed within them.

Looking at the first charm it is it is very similar to the third and fouth charms in the Havamal. This charm calls upon the aid of the Idisi who are goddesses very much like the Norse Valkyries and it is their function to either create or release bonds. I find it very interesting that this is not a how-to-do charm but is more or less describing what deities to call upon and for what purpose. The act of removing or placing fetters seems to be an important magical function to the ancient Germans as well as all cultures throughout the world. Even though when we look at this charm we automatically think that it is for physical bonds it can also be applied to emotional and spiritual fetters as well. A magic spell to release emotional fetters can be done by calling upon the powers of the Idisi and then by using the runes Lagu, Is and Sigel to symbolize emotions, blockages and enlightenment, respectively. Write each of these runes on a piece of paper, as each rune is being written it should be visualized and chanted. Next fold the piece of paper and then burn it all the while visualizing your bonds being released. That was a very practical magical spell and it does not require any right time of day or moon phase to work. Another charm could be used to bind somebody or to stop his or her actions. This type of spell is a little different the one above. Firstly, take a piece of wood or clay and then make a bind rune with Nied and Is. Indecently, a bind rune is when two or more runes are used together to create a desired effect. Secondly, visualize the person that you would like to fetter and while chanting the runes and visualizing the person bind the object with a red string. Then wrap it in a red cloth and put away in a safe dark place until you want to unbind the person again. Again I would like to caution anybody doing this out of ill or spite. It should only be used when warranted and only as a last resort.

The second Merseburg charm is interesting in that it makes mention to Wodan as a god of healing and magic. It also alludes to the various elements that need to be invoked during any kind of healing charm. If we look at the gods and goddess being called upon by looking at their respective elements it should become clearer. Balder simply means Lord and it is to him that Wodan comes to the aid when his horse's foot is sprained. Phol is rather an illusive and it is believed that he might be a fertility god much like Ing is. The main goddesses who help Wodan heal the horse are Sunna, Sinthgund, Frija and Fulla. These goddesses are representative of the sun, moon and earth. So it would seem that Wodan is drawing upon the healing solar energy of the sun to help speed in the healing. While Sinthgund the moon goddess is being called upon to take away the pain, which is symbolized by her waxing and waning, hence, shrinking the swelling. Frija is the earth goddess and it is from her that healing herbs come. It is well known that the benevolent earth goddess is always called upon whenever healing needs to be done. Fulla is Frija's handmaiden and is a goddess of abundance and growth again connecting her to healing herbs and plants. So we can see that fire, water, earth and air are all the elements that are needed when there is a healing needed to be done. Any kind of healing or blessing charm can be created using these forces. The runes that can be used to focus these energies would be Os for Wodan, Sigel for Sunna, Lagu for Sinthgund, Ethel for Frija and Gear for Fulla. Together these make an awesome healing talisman or amulet.