Updated June 2025
Norse runes are more than ancient letters; they’re symbols with layers of historical, spiritual, and magical meaning. Whether you're just starting your journey into Norse mythology or learning how to read runes for insight or divination, this guide is for you.
Here, we answer the most common questions about runes, bind runes, and sigils with practical advice, examples, and insights from Norse tradition.
Explore rune meanings and runic symbols, learn how to make your own bind rune, use rune magic and see how modern spiritual practitioners incorporate these ancient symbols into their daily lives.
WHAT ARE RUNES?
Runes are the letters of the ancient Germanic alphabets, most famously the Elder Futhark, used by Norse and Viking cultures from around the 2nd to 8th centuries CE. Each rune represents both a sound and a symbolic meaning, such as Fehu (wealth), Algiz (protection), or Tiwaz (justice).
Today, runes are used in historical study, spiritual practices, and magical work. Those curious about how to read runes for divination often start with understanding each rune’s meaning and interpreting their arrangement in a spread.
WHAT ARE BIND RUNES USED FOR?
Bind runes are symbols created by combining two or more individual runes into a single design. They’re used for:
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Practical purposes (historically as abbreviations or signatures)
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Decorative art (like inscriptions on jewellery, weapons, or tattoos)
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Magical intent (as talismans for protection, love, healing, and more).
Bind runes are threefold. Firstly, there are “practical” bind runes. These are abbreviations, names, initials and things of that nature. Then there are “decorative” bind runes and finally “magical” bind runes. They can all be combined to create new meanings and symbolism.
For example, you can combine a decorative bind rune with a magical bind rune, which is what most tattoo bind runes are.
Bind runes also come from three periods of history. Viking-age bind runes are usually practical bind runes with a bit of magical intent. There are also 14th-17th century Icelandic esoteric bind runes, which are more esoteric magic than bind rune magic but still considered magical nonetheless. Finally, you then have the modern variation, which is bind runes for personal art, divination, inspiration, empowerment and magic in a modern context.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A RUNE AND A BIND RUNE?
A rune is a single character with its own meaning. A bind rune combines multiple runes into one symbol, blending their meanings.
Think of a bind rune as a custom rune spell: you choose the runes that reflect your goal and merge them into a single mark to carry or inscribe.
The runes begin with the 24 Elder Futhark, which is an alphabet. Each rune has a magical meaning but is also a phonetical letter. When you combine these runes and “bind” them together, you get bind runes. Combining these runes into bind runes amplifies their meaning, creating unique uses and concepts.
A perfect ancient example of this is the Triple Tiwaz. On its own, the Tiwaz symbolises justice, strength and honour, but combined, the Triple Tiwaz is now used to signify a sense of permanence in the world, for example, houses, ships and swords.
ARE BIND RUNES NORSE?
Yes, in the traditional meaning of Norse, i.e. coming from Northern Europe. Bind runes appear in historical Norse inscriptions, primarily for practical uses. Their magical applications became more prominent in later Icelandic traditions, especially in the form of Galdrastafir (magical staves), though these staves belong to a different magical tradition of a more esoteric nature.
DID THE VIKINGS USE BIND RUNES?
In the Viking Age, bind runes were rare but not unheard of. Runologists believe that when runes were combined on monuments, it was often done for efficiency (to save carving time or space) rather than following strict magical formulas.
Modern “Viking bind runes” often blend historical inspiration with contemporary spiritual symbolism. While there are some Viking-age bind runes, the main ones are either Icelandic, from the Middle Ages, or modern.
ARE BIND RUNES REAL?
Yes — historically and spiritually. And for many people, they hold the same kind of power and meaning as tarot cards. If you put meaning and purpose into them, they function in the same way that other types of spiritual and religious symbolism do. Bind runes are practical magic, and when applied for practical guidance and divination, they can boost one’s purpose in life.
Bind runes also exist in ancient inscriptions and are a legitimate part of Norse writing.
LEARN THE RUNE SYMBOLS AND THEIR MEANINGS
TYPES OF BIND RUNE DESIGNS
There are several ways to construct a bind rune. The two oldest forms of bind rune are the linear configurations:
STACKED BIND RUNE (LINEAR OVERLAP STYLE)
Each rune is placed vertically, one on top of the other, often sharing a common central line. In practice, this often means placing two (or sometimes more) runes on top of each other along a vertical line, merging their shapes into one cohesive glyph.
In practice, this technique is used to amplify or fuse energies since the meanings of the runes literally overlap. It’s a favourite method in magical practice when the intention is to condense power or focus symbolic meaning into a single sigil.
The Kylver Stone (c. 400 AD) may be the earliest known stacked bind rune: a “spruce-like” rune with multiple branches, interpreted as several Tiwaz runes stacked to magnify Tyr’s protective influence.
STAVE BIND RUNE (LINEAR SEQUENTIAL STYLE)
All the runes are arranged along a single central line (the stave), one above the other. Essentially, the runes are meant to be read in order, intertwining through a shared backbone, often spelling out a word or name. This style is more structured and traditional and is particularly well-suited to runes with strong vertical elements, like Isa, Tiwaz, or Eiwaz.
Historically, this method aligns with rune inscriptions on stone, wood, or metal, where space allowed for a more linear presentation. These were commonly seen in memorial stones, talismanic carvings, and name inscriptions.
A stave bind rune is ideal if you want to spell out a specific concept (like JOY or PROTECTION) using rune meanings while keeping the symbolism neat and linear.
SYMMETRICAL BIND RUNES
Symmetrical bind runes are all about visual harmony — they're often mirrored along a central line, whether that's vertical, horizontal, or even diagonal. The result is a design that feels balanced and intentional, with each rune playing off the others in a unified way.
These types of bind runes show up a lot in modern magic, especially in tattoos, jewellery, and artwork. People are drawn to them because they look good and because they carry a deeper message and a sense of inner balance or harmony with the world.
In Norse tradition and wider magical thinking, symmetry often represents wholeness, stability, and the idea that energies (or forces) work in alignment. This is why these designs are often used in spells or charms to bring peace, balance, or unity.
RADIAL OR ‘SIGIL-STYLE’ BIND RUNES
Beyond the linear styles, a more visually elaborate category can be called radial bind runes or sigil-style runes. In a radial design, each rune (or rune element) projects outward from a central point, often forming a wheel-like or star-like figure. They were intended as protective or guidance sigils.
Historically, these designs are not known from the Viking Age proper. They emerged later in the form of Icelandic magical staves (Galdrastafir). Well-known examples include the Vegvísir (a compass-like wayfinding stave) and the Ægishjálmur (“Helm of Awe/Terror”) — both recorded in post-medieval Icelandic manuscripts (Huld manuscript, Galdrabók, etc.) from the 17th-19th centuries.
RUNIC MONOGRAMS
Runic monograms are one of the oldest and most historically documented uses of bind runes. These are compact combinations of runes used primarily for practical identification, such as marking ownership, inscribing names, or abbreviating words in a limited space (e.g., on stones, tools, or weapons).
Unlike magical or symbolic bind runes, monograms were often utilitarian, functioning like signatures or logos. Viking Age inscriptions, particularly those carved on runestones, occasionally feature names compressed into monogram-style bind runes, merging several characters into a single glyph for efficiency.
These monograms might not have been magical in origin, but they still hold cultural and personal significance. In modern contexts, runic monograms can be used to create unique identity symbols such as initials, family names, or meaningful words condensed into a visually striking rune form.
HYBRID/FREESTYLE BIND RUNES
Hybrid or freestyle bind runes are modern, intuitive creations that blend elements from traditional stacking, overlapping, radial, and symmetrical styles. They’re not bound by strict historical rules, which makes them ideal for personal magic, spiritual expression, and contemporary art.
In magical use, hybrid bind runes are believed to amplify personal intention because they’re handcrafted to reflect an individual’s unique spiritual focus. They're common in practices that mix Norse rune lore with modern chaos magic, intuitive sigil crafting, or eclectic pagan paths.
All styles are valid. Choose the one best matched to your intent, aesthetic preference, and spiritual path.
BUY THE RUNIC JOURNEY BUNDLE: BOOKS & RUNE STONE SET
HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN BIND RUNE (STEP-BY-STEP)
Want to craft a personal symbol for love, strength, or protection? Here’s how:
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Set your intention — What do you want your bind rune to do?
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Choose your runes — Pick 2-4 runes that reflect your goal. Use a rune guidebook to help you pick the perfect runes for your intention.
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Sketch ideas — Draw different arrangements. Rotate, overlap, or mirror runes until it feels right.
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Check the design — Make sure no accidental meanings appear from overlapping lines.
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Create the final version — Carve or draw it on paper, wood, stone, or jewellery.
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Empower it — Light a candle, speak your intention, meditate. You might dedicate it to a Norse god or simply charge it with your energy.
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Use It — Carry, wear, or display it until your goal is achieved. Then, release it respectfully.
BIND RUNE EXAMPLES AND MEANINGS
Here are a few beginner-friendly bind runes to try:
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Protection bind rune: Algiz + Thurisaz + Uruz
Combines defence, force, and strength into a protective shield. -
Wealth bind rune: Fehu + Jera + Wunjo
Invites prosperity, success, and joy. -
Love bind rune: Gebo + Berkana + Wunjo
Encourages giving, nurturing, and happiness in relationships. -
Clarity bind rune: Ansuz + Kenaz + Laguz
Supports communication, insight, and intuition.
Use these as inspiration or design your own based on your personal goals.
IS THERE A BIND RUNE LIST I CAN USE?
We’ve shared a few examples above, but for an in-depth resource, check out my book “Runes, Sigils & Bind Runes”. It contains dozens of tested combinations with explanations, including a modern and usable numeral system and various examples of bind runes, including:
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Bind runes for protection
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Bind runes for love
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Bind runes for healing
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Bind runes for family
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Bind runes for strength
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Bind runes for wealth
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Bind runes for home protection
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Bind runes for marriage
CAN ANYONE USE RUNES AND BIND RUNES?
Yes. Whether you approach them as historical art, symbols of heritage, or magical tools, runes are open to all with respect and genuine curiosity.
We recommend starting with study and gentle practice but never using bind runes to wish harm.
WELL-BOUND WISDOM
Whether you’re drawn to the runes for their historical roots, spiritual power, or artistic beauty, they offer something deeply personal. They invite you to shape your own meanings, create symbols, and participate in a tradition that blends myth, magic, and self-expression.
Have questions? Or have you made your own bind rune? Share it with us in the comments below!
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Author: Isar Oakmund, Tattooist, Norse symbolism enthusiast & co-founder of Northern Black
Northern Black offers historically grounded rune books, handcrafted divination sets, and meaningful Norse gifts. Explore our Rune Books and Divination Runes to deepen your journey.
