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TEUTONIC MAGIC - Awaken Video

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10 TOOLS OF <strong>TEUTONIC</strong> <strong>MAGIC</strong><br />

The ritual implements of Teutonic magic are somewhat simpler in conception than those of traditional<br />

ceremonial magic, although the correspondences, materials, etc. can be elaborated upon to the limits of<br />

the vitki's ingenuity.<br />

THE SAX<br />

The most important tool used in runic magic is the sax-knife with which the runes are carved. For a<br />

skilled runic worker, this is the only tool necessary, as described in the Egil's Saga wherein the hero Egil<br />

Skallagrimson, works a number of magics at need simply by carving and coloring the runes. The sax is<br />

edged on one side only, slanting sharply down from the dull side about an inch back from the point;<br />

It is exceedingly important that this knife be kept sharp, both for symbolic purposes and for ease of<br />

cutting and shaping wood for tines, carving the runes, and drawing blood if that is the means of coloring<br />

used.<br />

The sax can be used in every case where the gandr is called for. Unlike ceremonial magic, Teutonic<br />

magic uses the knife for invoking and sending force as well as for banishing. The only magical purpose<br />

for which the knife should almost never be used is the cuffing and digging of magical herbs, because the<br />

touch of cold iron is considered to break their power. This may of course be wished in certain cases where<br />

you are breaking an enchantment (see Chapter 13, Elecampane). The point of the sax is also useful in<br />

laying pigment into the runes, although if blood is used you must be very careful about cleaning it after to<br />

avoid corrosion, Some vitkar prefer to use a thin triangle of wood for inlaying the pigment and a special<br />

carver or ristir for etching runes into various surfaces, as described in Edred Thorsson's Futhark.<br />

Fitting gods to call upon in the hallowing of the sax are Odhinn (who, as Lord of the Runes, should<br />

be called upon in all rites dealing with the runes in general), Tyr, and Freyr. In all hallowing of runic<br />

tools, it is also well to call upon Urdhr, Verdhandi, and Skuld, the three Norns.<br />

THE GANDR<br />

The gandr, or wand, is used for calling up, sending, and charging objects with runic force. The<br />

exact thickness and length will of course be the personal choice of the vitki, depending on your<br />

circumstances; if you want to carry it in a purse or a pocket, it will clearly need to be fairly small, whereas<br />

if you have a full harrow (altar) set up, it may be quite a bit bigger. Generally, the gandr should not be<br />

thinner than a finger nor too thick to wrap your hand around; a measurement often found is the length<br />

from elbow to either the tip or the base of the middle finger. It is good, if you can, to keep all of your<br />

tools in relative proportion to each other and to yourself, thinking of them as extensions of your own<br />

being.<br />

The gandr is traditionally made out of either wood or bone. Hazel and yew are perhaps the most<br />

traditional; ash and oak are also good, and if you feel a particularly strong pull to a certain tree, you are<br />

best advised to go with that rather than crippling your own magic for the sake of a system. In the case of<br />

bone, it should come from an animal that the vitki knew and considered strong and worthy or else from<br />

one that the vitki fought him/herself on equal terms: slaying a full-grown buck with a knife or a wolf with<br />

bare hands, for example. Using a gun in this case is unfitting and cowardly If you should otherwise come<br />

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