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Woden's Teaching about the Runes
Here is what Woden said about the runes
so that those in Midgard can benefit from his wisdom:
Go into the world and take up the runes;
so seize the runes and read them rightly.
Powerful magic they are,
made by the wise Vanir,
only I can teach you how to use them.
It is best not to use them often.
Making them into a game
only cheapens their use.
It is better to let things go as they shall,
than to abuse the runes for entertainment.
I can teach you a bind rune ,
no wise woman or wight knows;
it will give you confort
during times of crisis and great troubles.
I can teach you a bind rune
that will allow you to heal illnesses.
I can teach you a bind rune
to conquer any enemy;
all who seek you harm
shall find their weapons damaged,
their malice humbled.
I can teach you a bind rune
so that if you are captured
you can gain freedom.
So that no cuffs or shackles
can hold you.
I can teach you a bind rune
so that if weapons are used against you
they will miss your flesh
and not take your life.
I can teach you a bind rune
to protect you
against those who would use runes to harm you.
Whatever evil spell they cast
returns to themselves.
I can teach you a bind rune
to protect you against fire;
even if trapped in a burning house1
your enemy shall not achieve victory.
I can each you a bind rune
that will prevent your friends
from fighting amongst themselves.
I can teach you a bind rune
to prevent accidents from transportation
so that you will arrive at all destinations in perfect safety.
I can teach you a bind rune
so that when evil beings
try to cast foul spells against you they shall fail
and lose themselves instead.
I can teach you a bind rune
so that if you go to war
your companions will be protected;
victory will be yours!
I can teach you a bind rune
so that the dead will reveal their knowledge
and so that no sacrifice is ever in vain.
I can teach you a bind rune
so that any friend
you annoint with holy water
shall not fall in battle.
I can teach you a bind rune
so that what the gods know
you can also learn.
I can teach you a bind rune
so that you can tap the power,
of the singer of Power,
and become of the power of the Gods and Goddesses
I can teach you a bind rune
so that you will not be lonely
and win the love you deserve.
I can teach you a bind rune
to use with caution;
make sure you really want
the one you desire.
Bonds of magick once established
are hard to sever
once one loses interest.
I can teach a final powerful bind rune
but I will not
unless you earn it.
So Woden instructed us
in knowledge necessary for daily life
as human beings,
but worthless to harmful etins.2
Happy are they who take up the runes
and learn all
the Allfather carefully taught.
© Jim Davis
Published in: "Drunk on the Mead
of Inspiration", March 1997.
Author of "Basic
Anglo-Saxon Paganism".
Image: © John Howe, www.john-howe.com
Author´s notes:
1. It was a common
tactic to trap warriors in their halls by setting them afire. Either they burn
up or come out to fight at a disadvantage.
2. Chaos beings usually hostile to the gods, but not always. Represents forces of
nature hostile or indifferent to human beings.