In The Saga of the Volsungs, where the aegishjalmur is directly mentioned. You'll often hear long-time practitioners say that you really don't need such tools beyond a certain level, which is true, once you are able to control your mind such that the logic doesn't override the imaginative side, you no longer need a physical focus.Īlong these lines, let's look at the aegishjalmur above: So you give the left brain something concrete to deal with (runes, ritual tools, etc) to essentially occupy it while the right brain is allowed to work. The right side of the brain is more effective in encountering and conversing with the gods and wights, and Otherworld travels, the left brain tends to override and block this. We discussed this is another thread where we talked about using all of the brain, not just the logic center. They are 'charged' by the creator of the rune (often with their blood) and are used as a focus for the will. Runes, in and of themselves have no power. The furthark or course representing the runes that Odin sacrificed himself for on Yggdrasil. The nine points are the nine worlds which Odin walks at will, and his shamanic wanderers can follow. For me, the three triangles represent the three 'frenzies' given by Odin - the berserkrgang (battle frenzy), the altered state of the inspired poet and the altered state of the shaman or world-wanderer. I'm rather partial to the style of valknut surrounded by the futhark. Not every one of them will be (or has to be) a berserkr, nor does it mean they will die a violent death (though they may seek out dangerous professions in order to be battle-slain and go to Valhalla as an Einherjar). These days, the Valknut is a symbol for those dedicated to Odin. So yes, they tended toward violent deaths. They would often be used by Jarls as their corps of shock troops - sent into the teeth of the enemy to break formations and kill as many as they could. The valknut was mostly worn by those dedicated to Odin, and most often by the berserkr - men given to fits of rage in battle where anything less than an instantly fatal blow could not stop them, and they would go so far as to not be able to tell friend from foe, and cut down everyone they saw. Regarding wearers of the Valknut being prone to violent death, you must understand the times and culture being spoken of. Odin's followers have a tendancy to die violently, so wear this symbol at your own risk! I do not recommend this symbol as a tattoo and include it here primarily as a warning.' On the website the description said 'the triple triangle shown below, is one of Odin's symbols. I was wondering if the runes really bare a power, it's intriguing I was reading about the Valnott or death knot as its known to some.

Valknut tattoo offensive