Triads of the Runes
It is well known that the Futhark is a cyclical system, and each Aett is, to a certain degree, analogous to the others.
If one approaches the Futhark not as a historian of the Runes, but as a practical Magus intent on drawing advantage from this very order, the benefit proves considerable.
We have already said that, within the framework of describing the Runes as imprints of the World Wheel, the place of each Rune in the overall array is not accidental; it is logical and regular. Therefore, from a practical standpoint, there are no grounds whatsoever to doubt the array of the Futhark — just as there are no grounds to reject any other constructions of the runic array, provided they are logically grounded and, in realization, effective.
Considered in this way, manipulations of the runic array itself yield additional information and an auxiliary impetus for the advancement of Power.
In particular, it is useful to consider the Aetts not only as closed wholes in themselves, but also as overlays upon one another — this makes it possible to determine how one and the same vector of Will manifests across the levels of being: the actors, the laws of their existence, and the possible connections between them.
Such a consideration proceeds from the fact that the Runes occupying the same position in each Aett describe one and the same vector, but from different angles. This approach has been known since antiquity, and dozens of generations of erils have applied it to increase the effectiveness of Galdr: for example, if the required Rune does not fit into a band-rune, it can be replaced with an analogous one from another Aett and, by taking into account the peculiarities of influence, one can obtain the desired result without the side effects that the inclusion of the “original” Rune would produce.
However, correct manipulation of the Runes requires an understanding of the system-forming factors embedded in any union, including a union of Runes. The Octonary order of the Aett precisely reflects the course of realization.
In the first place of each Aett stands the Rune of the Initial Impetus. Fehu, Hagalaz, and Tiwaz describe the vector of initial movement: unarranged energy to whose shaping the rest of the Aett is devoted. The vector created by these Runes is very strong, yet difficult to govern; at this level the forces of mind do not yet act — this is, first and foremost, an impulse of Power.
After the first blow comes its “shock wave.” Just as a comet’s tail carries more matter than the comet itself, so the second Runes in each Aett are more “substantial” than the first; they carry within them the inertia of the initial movement. Uruz, Nauthiz, and Berkana are Runes of extensive Power — Runes of might that proceeds from a significant reserve of strength.
The third step of each Aett affirms the reaction of the medium to the primary change. These are the Runes of resistance (understood not necessarily as opposition), Runes that contain, as it were, two elements — the impulse of activity (step 1) and the inertial reaction (step 2): Thor (the active principle) and Mjöllnir (the object bearing Thor’s impulse); a halt as a consequence of inertness acting upon a moving object (rime frozen upon the banks of the Elivagar); the bond of rider and horse — as the bond of spirit and body.
The fourth step marks the birth of activity in the depths of the medium in response to an active impulse applied to it. The Æsir among the gods, the Vanir among nature, human beings among earthly creatures — each on their own level realizes this vector. The Æsir, active agents of order; the Vanir, lords of the “laws of nature”; and human beings, linking heaven with earth — each transforms the cosmos within their own sphere.
The fifth step marks the beginning of one’s own activity manifesting, the reunion of principles: the road as the unification of starting point and endpoint; the yew as the axis of worlds; the waterfall as the joining of ice and flame. Læraðr 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 structure being built. The emergence of one’s own activity in the medium is accompanied by the differentiation of volitional actors; in place of a single external impulse, numerous internal volitional sources appear, and the overall picture becomes the vector sum of their collective actions. A torch may illuminate, or it may burn — depending on the skill of its application; fate may bring gifts, or it may bring blows; and quantitative changes may pass into qualitative ones.
The seventh step marks the attainment of equilibrium: the arising of a world, of an object, as the result of external activity, inertia, internal activity, and internal harmonization. Gebo, Algiz, and Othala are the Runes of the “body” of realization. Partnership as a form of social union and the Valkyries uniting the worlds; Heimdallr on guard at the Crossroads and the great unification of Power; Odin as the Allfather and form as a characteristic of individuality — all these Runes mark the stability of open systems.
Finally, the eighth step is the step out of and beyond. Each system remains in equilibrium within its own bounds, yet each system sooner or later surpasses itself, and therefore requires an evolutionary leap: the transition of an earthly warrior into Odin’s herjar ; the rejuvenation of the Sun through descent into the Nether; the replacement of Odin by Baldr after Ragnarök.
The Runes of the first Triad give an impulse; of the second — an onslaught; of the third — purposeful might; of the fourth — creative power; of the fifth — aware power; of the sixth — controlled power; of the seventh — harmonizing power; and of the eighth — enlightening power.
It is essential to understand the features of each of these kinds of power in order to apply them correctly.
Runic Orders
Levels of the Runes
Runes and Principles
Runes and the Rift
Runes as Vectors
Futharks of Sigrdrífa
Vectors and Their Supports
What Do We Know About the Runes?
Is it possible to apply the runes of a related step of all three deities to ‘enhance the effect’? If yes, then one after another?
It’s possible, but there may be no ‘enhancement’. It all depends on the purpose of the operation.
I have never thought about such an overlay of these. Quite an interesting topic if developed. One can try to replace runes in runescripts according to this system and track the change in the direction of their influence. I lead educational lectures on runic magic and will definitely try to include this topic into them.