Rune Triads

This consideration proceeds from the fact that Runes occupying the same position in each Att describe the same vector from different points of view. This approach has been well known since antiquity, and erils have successfully applied it for generations to increase the effectiveness of Galdr: for example, if the required Rune does not fit into a bindrune, it can be replaced by an analogous Rune from another Att, and, considering their specific influences, achieve the desired result without the side effects that the inclusion of the “original” Rune would have produced.

However, to manipulate runes correctly, it is important to understand the structuring factors that underlie any union, including the union of Runes. Eightfold order of the Att accurately reflects the process of realization.

In the first position of each Att stands the rune of the initial impulse. Fehu, Hagalaz and Tiwaz describe the vector of initial movement, unstructured energy whose shaping is the subject of the rest of the Att. The vector produced by these Runes is very strong but poorly controlled; at that level the forces of the mind do not yet operate — it is, above all, an impulse of power.

Following the first strike comes its “shock wave.” Just as the tail of a comet carries more matter than the comet itself, so the second runes in each Att are more “substantial” than the first; they carry the inertia from the first movement. Uruz, Nauthiz and Berkana are runes of great power, Runes of force arising from a significant reserve of resilience.

The third step of each Att affirms the reaction of the environment to the initial change. These are Runes of opposition (not necessarily understood as combat), Runes that effectively combine two elements — the impulse of activity (step 1) and the inertial reaction (step 2): Thor (the active principle) and Mjölnir (the object carrying Thor’s impulse), the stoppage as the consequence of inertia acting on a moving body (rime frozen on the banks of Elivagar), the bond of rider and horse — like the bond of spirit and body.

The fourth step marks the birth of activity within the depths of the environment in response to the application of an active impulse. The Aesir among the gods, the Vanir among natural forces, humans among earthly creatures — each on their own level realizes this vector. The Aesir are active agents of order; the Vanir are lords of the “laws of nature”; and humans — linking heaven and earth — transform the cosmos within their respective domains.

The fifth step marks the beginning of autonomous activity, the reunification of principles: a road as the joining of origin and destination, a pillar as the axis of worlds, a waterfall as the joining of ice and flame. Lerad in Asgard, Yggdrasil in Midgard, Jörmungandr in the lower worlds unite the cosmos into a single system.

The sixth step introduces an element of uncertainty into the emerging picture. The rise of autonomous activity in the environment is accompanied by the emergence of distinct volitional agents; instead of a single external impulse there appear numerous internal volitional sources, and the overall picture is the vector sum of their collective actions. A torch may illuminate, or it may burn — depending on the skill in its use; fate may bestow gifts, or it may deliver blows; quantitative changes may pass into qualitative ones.

The seventh step marks the attainment of equilibrium, the emergence of the whole as the result of external activity, inertia, internal activity and internal harmonisation. Gebo, Algiz and Othala — the Runes of the “body” of realization. Partnership as a form of social union and the Valkyries that bind worlds; Heimdall on guard at the Crossroads and the great unification of Powers; Odin as Allfather and Form as the characteristic of individuality — all these Runes denote the stability of open systems.

Finally, the eighth step is the step out and beyond. Every system is balanced within its own limits, and every system sooner or later surpasses itself, and therefore demands an evolutionary leap. Such as the transition of the earthly warrior into Odin’s herjarr, or the rejuvenation of the Sun through a descent into the Low, or Odin’s replacement by Baldr after Ragnarök (Odin’s replacement by Baldr).

Runes of the first Triad give the impulse, the second — the thrust, the third — directed might, the fourth — creative Power, the fifth — conscious Power, the sixth — controlled Power, the seventh — harmonising Power and the eighth — the enlightening Power.

It is very important to understand the characteristics of each of these powers for their proper use.