Wayfarer's Mark

05/07/2025

Need to review the page - the YouTube posts are still up. But sadly really no more merch b

05/08/2015

Thought I'd share this from my YouTube channel:

A commenter asked - "Can i use [a rune] on its own , like on a piece of paper, and how exactly do we chant it if we are using it as a Galdr chant?"

Yes, working with a single rune is a powerful and enlightening process. Drawing the rune on a piece of paper (either once, or even grabbing a pen and filling up a page with Fehus!), and quietly meditating on its meaning can help your mind connect with its energy. Because the runes have multiple meanings, choose the one you want to focus on, and visualize the rune in your mind while quietly chanting the meaning (if you chose Ansuz, for example, picture it in your mind, and slowly chant, "Wisdom, wisdom, wisdom...").

I find this approach -- visualization plus vocalization -- brings me to a meditative state easily, but I encourage you to find what works best for you.

As for Galdr chants, I take my cues from the Havamal's Spell Songs section. I found the Old Norse words for the rune's meaning, and slowly chant that word while focusing on the shape of the rune. For example, Fehu's luck aspect would be "hamingja" (HA-mung-ya) which is "luck" in Old Norse, so I would repeat "hamingja, hamginja, hamingja..." while I meditate to connect with Fehu.

You can hear a more in-depth explanation of Galdr on Sigha Manning's YouTube channel [this video in particular: https://youtu.be/jvntjvcoO6g]. She has a lot of great information on the runes, and I encourage you to check out her videos and website as well.

The important thing to mention here is that there is no one right way, and you may need to experiment with the words and techniques to find /your/ way to connect. Some people find that they do better singing the name of the runes over and over, some don't vocalize at all - your journey may take you to some other creative outlet entirely - it's all an adventure!

If I can be any assistance as you explore the runes, feel free to contact me either here or on my website.

03/28/2015

From time to time people send me questions about runes, and I had one come my way recently that I'd like to share with you. A reader from Berlin asked about changing an Algiz tattoo into a bindrune because the Algiz rune by itself has some rather negative connotations in Germany. For the reader, the symbol was closely tied to his journey for sacred knowledge, and he wanted to preserve the meaning, but didn't want anyone to confuse it for its new negative cultural meanings.

A little background first. In Germany, the Algiz and Othala runes are closely linked with racist hate groups, and the police often link these symbols with criminal intent. Sadly what is sacred and spiritual to some is also misappropriated by nefarious groups as a way to self identify.

To keep the original meaning of the tattoo, I sent the reader a new bind rune that I call an "Initiate's Rune". It symbolizes the journey forward toward new knowledge, and the changes that can come about in ourselves as we discover more about our place in the universe.

03/21/2015

To celebrate the arrival of Spring, Wayfarer's Mark is offering a 10% discount off your entire order! Use coupon code "springrunesale" to claim your discount!

11/14/2014

After returning to Chicago after tending to a family crisis, I'm feverishly working on putting out the new "Reading the Runes" series. I hope to be finished with the premiere video on the Kindred Spread some time next week, so stay tuned!

10/24/2014

Finally finished the last video in The Elder Futhark series, Othala! It's now uploaded and ready for viewing - please pass on the good word if you enjoy the videos, and thank you all for your patience, kindness and encouragement.
http://youtu.be/1yNKsrbww3o

Discover the mystery of the Runes with Wayfarer's Mark's series, "The Elder Futhark - A Brief Guide". Othala is the rune of inheritance, tradition, and persi...

10/10/2014

I had someone ask me about doing the Kindred Spread, so here's a quick How To:

This is one of those "there is not single 'right' way to do it" kinda thing. I encourage you to give it a try, and make it your own, but here's how I start.

I typically start by sitting quietly for a few minutes (some people meditate, but your mileage may vary), and make offerings to the Kindred: ale for the Gods, oats for the Ancestors, birdseed for the Nature Spirits.

The next part is a bit free-form, and helps the Kindred know what you're expecting from the reading. At its most basic, you can simply state (aloud or silently), "I wish to know the will and wisdom of the Kindred."

I have a set of wooden runes I use, so I try to empty my mind as much as possible before pulling the first one out of the cloth bag. The first rune represents the wisdom of the Gods. Usually this is a "big message" kind of rune - big life goals or problems.

The second rune represents messages from the Ancestors, and here the issues typically center around relationships, family, and home life.

The third rune I pull represents messages from the Nature Spirits (land wights), and these typically focus on our interaction with the worlds around us, both seen (environment) and unseen (the mysterious, the unknown).

Once I have all three runes pulled, I think about each, and record my readings (very important!), and state my thanks to the Kindred for Their wisdom.

04/03/2014

I've decided to jump feet-first into Tumblr, and have started doing daily runecastings which debuts tomorrow morning. Check it out, and see what the day will bring!

http://wayfarersmark.tumblr.com/

Runic Arts inspired by the lands of the North

12/31/2013

The latest video, #23 - Dagaz, is now uploaded and ready for viewing!

I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who supported my videos in 2013. It means a lot to me that you took time to watch, share and comment on these, and I hope I've helped answer some questions about the runes.

Thanks again, and may 2014 be your best year yet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9aE-la2T8w

Discover the mystery of the Runes with Wayfarer's Mark's series, "The Elder Futhark - A Brief Guide". Dagaz is the rune of revelation and subtle yet powerful...

12/22/2013

Although I probably won't use these as regular business cards (this was a test to of The Magical Druid's laser cutter), I love the way these turned out. I'm hoping to introduce a line of wooden rune cards in the new year on a variety of media!

12/05/2013

Happy Yule, Gleðileg jól, and blessings of the season to all!