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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This symbol should not be placed under “Norse” symbols. It have nothing to do with vikings and that era. Huld manuscript is written in an christian era and the symbols were used by christian farmers and they date back to 1700.. 700 years AFTER the viking age.
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?
Many prayers/spells/workings done by the Voodon use similar symbols in different combinations. It may be related to that.
Most likely a sacrifice of the chickens consciousness as an offering to power the runic effects of the symbol. I do not believe in killing life to power runes. You can power runes with your own chakra or have a friend power it for you with his own. No killing required.
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?
I think they thought they ODIN “the all father” wanted chicken ?
Dead chickens are delicious. What other significance does it need?
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
I’ve read somewhere, that ancient people draw it to the forehead of the travelling people using BIRCH ASH, so that they couldnt get lost in their travels. It sounds pretty legit explanation!
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