What are Bindrunes? How to create your own bindrune
If you are just beginning to learn about Nordic Runes, beyond the 24 letters, you may encounter some symbols that are not found in the standard Futhark alphabet. These symbols are likely bindrunes (also known as a bind rune).
Pious Shy Boi, an example of a bindrune
In this article, we will explain what a bindrune is and how to learn to create your own for use in personal amulets and private sigils.
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What is a bindrune?
A bindrune is a symbol composed of two or more runes. These runes are "bound" together to form a ligature, combining their meanings to enhance their power.
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Although many people attribute these symbols to the Viking Age, they actually appeared rarely during that period, only occasionally used as signatures or makers' marks on carved works.
According to archaeological evidence, bindrunes were more common in the periods before and after the Viking Age.
With the resurgence of interest in runes, bindrunes have once again become a popular way to create personal sigils or amulets for protection, bringing good luck, or maintaining health.
Types of bindrunes
Although all bindrunes are composed of multiple runes, they can be divided into different forms depending on how the symbols are arranged.
Stacked Bindrunes
Stacked bindrunes (also known as "Normal" bindrunes) are just as the name implies. They are formed by stacking two (sometimes three) runes along a common axis. A famous example is the Bluetooth logo, which is a combination of H and B in the Younger Futhark, representing "Harald Bluetooth."
The Bluetooth logo (IEEE 802.15.1), composed of ᚼ (Haglaz) and ᛒ (Berkanan) from the Younger Futhark, representing Harald Bluetooth.
The earliest stacked bindrunes can be found on the Kylver stone, a Swedish runestone from about 400 AD. On this stone, one can find the Futhark alphabet in order, followed by a "fir-tree or tree-like rune, with six branches on the left of a single trunk and eight branches on the right. This is interpreted as a stack of Tiwaz runes, or possibly a combination of six Tiwaz and four Ansuz runes, used to invoke the protection of Tyr and the gods (Æsir).
Gunnar Creutz, CC BY-SA 3.0 Kylver stone
Back of the AWNL Brecciated Jasper Bindrune Men's Necklace
Same-Stave Bindrunes
Same-stave bindrunes are a series of runes connected along a common line, which can be placed horizontally or vertically. This type of combination can spell out a word or arrange runes in a specific sequence to achieve a certain intent or purpose.
Example of a same-stave bindrune
These were also used for decorative or practical purposes, with examples of names or places found on runestones.
Radial Bindrunes
In radial bindrunes, each rune is placed at the end of spokes radiating from a common center point.
We can find examples of radial bindrunes in Icelandic grimoires written around the 1600s. These Galdrastafir (magical staves) include famous symbols such as the Vegvisir and the Helm of Awe.
Aegishjalmur and Vegvísir are radial bindrune symbols or Icelandic magical staves.
Vegvísir (Wayfinder): Literally means "road guide" or "signpost," and is an ancient Icelandic compass symbol.
Aegishjalmur (Helm of Awe): Also known as the "Helm of Terror" or "Helm of Deterrence," is an ancient Nordic protection symbol.
How to interpret a bindrune
Because many runes share common lines, interpreting a bindrune is extremely difficult. In some cases, you can deduce the runes involved and speculate on their meaning, but in other cases, it is almost impossible to know exactly which runes were used in the symbol.
This is precisely why bindrunes are so powerful, because once created, only the maker knows the true intent.
If you want to try to interpret someone else's bindrune, first break down the individual runes in the sigil and study their meanings. Consider the position of each rune and how they interact with each other. Is there a prominent dominant rune? Is there a balance between the different symbols?
AWNL Rune Necklace [Rune Jewelry Collection]
Once you have a basic understanding of the individual runes and their meanings, look at the overall symbol and think about what it might represent. Does it convey protection, strength, or wisdom? Is it related to a specific goal or intent? [Interpretation of the 24 basic runes]
Although this interpretation is ultimately personal and may not match the maker's original intention exactly, with practice, you will become better at interpreting these powerful symbols.
How to create a bindrune
Once you have the necessary basic knowledge, creating a bindrune can be a simple process. First, you need to have a deep understanding of runes. Each rune has a specific meaning, and when combined with others, can create a complex message. [Interpretation of the 24 basic runes]
Additionally, because many runes share a common axis, when combined, you might unintentionally form other runes. You need to decide whether the sigil you create still maintains the power you want.
It is recommended to first study the runic alphabet and observe bindrunes made by others to understand how they are put together and which runes are used.
Once you are familiar with the runes and have seen how other bindrunes are created, you can begin to make your own.
Step 1: Determine your goal
What is the purpose of the symbol you want to create? What do you hope this symbol will bring to you? Be very clear about this before proceeding.
Step 2: Choose your runes
Think about the goal you set in Step 1. Which runes can help you achieve this goal? If this is your first bindrune, perhaps start with a stacked combination of two runes. Once you have made a few, you can try using more runes in radial and same-stave configurations.
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Step 3: Design your symbol
Draw the runes you selected at the top of a blank piece of paper. Next, create as many combinations of these runes as you can until you find one that resonates with your goal.
Give this process some time, carefully study the designs you create, and ensure they feel right to you. Also, check for any hidden runes that might affect your results.
Step 4: Create your amulet
If you have chosen your symbol, next you need to create a special item to carry the power of your bindrune. For example, a gemstone or precious metal.
AWNL Sterling Silver Viking Bindrune Men's Necklace
For short-term goals, a piece of paper is sufficient, but if it is a long-term goal or an amulet, you will want to choose the item more carefully.
You can carve the symbol into wood or bone, draw it on a stone, or make it into jewelry to carry with you.
It is important to focus on your goal when creating the amulet.
Find a quiet space for your ritual and prepare your materials. Light a candle or incense, and do some meditative breathing to clear your mind. Stay focused while carving or drawing your design. Draw each rune one by one, and ask it to provide the help you need.
When your amulet is finished, hold it in your hand and think about your goal again. Finally, blow out the candle to end the ritual.
Step 5: Use your new sigil
A bindrune only works when you use it! It is important to think about your goal every day and focus on it. Keep the amulet you created in a place where you are sure to see it often. Stick it on the bathroom mirror, put it on your nightstand, or if it is jewelry, wear it every day.
For short-term goals, continue to do this until your goal is achieved, then dispose of your sigil by burning or burying the item.
For an amulet created for a lifelong purpose, you may want to set smaller intermediate goals. Every time you achieve a smaller goal, perform another intention-setting ritual, holding the amulet and focusing on the next step. In this way, you can break down a large goal into manageable milestones.
