The Vegvisir or runic compass is a Viking rune stave, a magical device used to aid in sea navigation. According to a number of legends, this apotropaic (protective) symbol was inscribed on seagoing vessels to insure their safe return. The most common depiction of the rune comes from the 17th century Galdrabók, and Icelandic grimoire.
Today, it is most commonly paired with the aegishjalmer, used as a symbol of spiritual guidance and an emblem of identification by Asatru believers. The most well-known example is worn as a tattoo by the Icelandic pop singer Bjork.
See also: Aegishjalmur
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Someone hung a symbol like this with a dead chicken attached to it over a road in our community. What is the significance of this?
Did it look more like this?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papa_Legba#/media/File:VeveLegba.svg
Wondering because you said it was over a road. Was it a crossroad?
Is there a specific WAY one should carry or hold it? which side is most important? I made one out of paper. I keep it in my back pak.Really would like very much to know? Please?
Thank YOu
This is an old question but for any others with the same question, here is an answer as I understand it. The symbol has 8 protective staves, each protecting from different bad energies and strengthening good energies. There is no north on this compass as all of these staves are protective. That being said this symbol, long associated in pop culture as viking in origin, is from Icelandic runic magick (dating mid 1800s), POSSIBLY with a deeper older origin. This is still a powerful and beautiful symbol all the same.
According to the Galdrabok, the Vegvisir must be painted onto your face using your blood.
Icelandic, yes, but probably dating back to the 1600s in origin if not in this form, and the one to be painted on your face in blood was the Aegishjalmur (Helm of Awe), according to this: http://users.on.net/~starbase/galdrastafir/galdrastafir.htm