Some of the symbols on this site are shields I designed using ancient Germanic holy symbols. Other symbols come from Heathen jewellery and wood or stone carvings from the Bronze age up through the Viking age in Germania, the British Isles, Scandinavia, and Iceland. Here are some brief explainations of their ancient meanings:

The Runes are letters used by the Germanic people for magical inscriptions and divination, for carving on memorial stones, primstaves (wooden calendars), for secret communication and other purposes. These are the twenty-four runes of the Elder FUÞARK, in their traditional order. The runic circle is used in magical rituals and provides powerful protection and concentration of energy.

Ravens are the birds of Odin, and represent wisdom, intelligence, the ability to see all, swift travel, and magic. This dark bird has associations with battle and death (as transformation). The raven is one of the most important fetch (spirit, totem) animals in the North, where it is commonly found in the art and legends. The groupings of three ravens in the shields that I designed represent Odin (Hrafntyr 'Raven God'), and His brothers Vili ('Will') and Vé (Holiness). Odin has two ravens named Huginn ('Mindful') and Muninn ('Desirous') that are His special fetches. The three ravens also represent Odin the Raven God with His two familiars.

Drinking Horns represent Odroerir, the Poets' Mead of poetic inspiration, won by Odin, and one of His greatest gifts. Horns have been important container for ritual libations since ancient times, and are used by modern Heathens for sumble and blot rituals. The horn is both a weapon and a container, which makes it both a male and female symbol. The aurochs, a giant ox, extinct since the 17th century C.E, once roamed the forests of Europe and was a favourite - if formidable - source for drinking horns.

Odin's eye symbolises willingness to sacrifice the limited self for the sake of transpersonal wisdom, because Odin gave one of His eyes as a pledge for a drink from Mimir's well of wisdom. Odin does not selfishly guard this wisdom but shares it with those who are worthy. His vast wisdom is used to preserve Middle Earth and all good wights (beings) against chaos and destruction for as long as possible. It is believed that the eye Odin left in the Well sees all that happens in the unseen worlds, as the eye He has sees all that transpires in the Nine Worlds from His High Seat Hliðskjálf.

Yggdrasil, literally, Ygg's (Odin's) Steed, upon which He hanged Himself for nine nights in order to gain the runes, is the World Tree (axis mundi, Irminsul). It symbolises the Norse Cosmos with its Nine Worlds supported by the tree's limbs and roots. Yggdrasil is most often referred to as an Ash tree, but there is also evidence that Germanic people sometimes thought of it as a Yew. Trees have always been held sacred by the Germanic (and Celtic) peoples. In Norse mythology, the first two humans were made by Odin, Vili and Vé from driftwood tree trunks on the shores of the primal sea. Ask and Embla (Ash and Elm) were their names.

The valknot (valknutr) is Odin's symbol, a powerful sign with many complex meanings. The triple knot represents the triple nature of Odin as High, Just As High, and Third, as well as the trio Odin, Vili, and Ve (His "Brothers," believed to be His hypostases by many modern Heathens). There are two kinds of valknots, the unicursal, which is one continuous ribbon knotted upon itself, and the triple version which is made by entwining three separate triangles. The triple structure of the valknot represents the three main vertical divisions of the universe along the axis of Yggdrasil: the Heaven worlds, Middle Earth, and the Subterranean worlds. Valknot means the "Knot of the Slain", representing those dedicated to Odin. The knot is symbolic of it's wearer's bond to Odin, and is also symbolic of the noose by which sacrifices to Odin were hanged. When one consciously wears the valknot, one is saying "it is a good day to die." In other words, the wearer is ready to come to Odin whenever He calls. The valknot should not be worn on the person unless one understands its (quite serious) implications, and has dedicated themselves to Odin. To give oneself to Him is not a sacrifice of free will, but an alignment with His divine intentions. Far from chaining the spirit, the Odin's bond is a symbol of ultimate spiritual liberation. There is absolutely no evidence that the valknot should be displayed point up or point down; this doesn't matter or have a positive or negative connotation as some believe of the pentagram. On Viking age memorial stones, on which we see Valknots carved, they appear in both forms.

The Thor's hammer is a symbol not of aggressive might, but of protection, creativity, and fertility. Thor is the warder and protector of human-kind, and His hammer is used to ward Middle Earth, the human realm. Thor's hammer is also used to hallow things and people, including the Bride at weddings. In its essence it means holiness, lightning and enlightenment; it is somewhat similar to the Tantric vajra symbol in meaning. This hammer is a creative tool, like a blacksmith's hammer, and is used as a weapon of war only against the forces of cosmic chaos symbolised by the Giants, against which Thor fights in many Norse myths. Many modern Heathens wear a Thor's hammer pendant to publicly proclaim their troth.

Stylised animals are the most common Heathen ornamentation motif. Each person can discover their animal fetch , a spirit guide in animal form, similar to the witch's familar, or a totem animal. Each beast has different qualities and powers that they can bestow upon their human. The most common animal totems in the North are Boar, Bear, Stag, Raven, Eagle, Falcon, Snake, Horse, Cat, Dog, and Dragon.

Scandinavian rock art from the Bronze age contains many mysterious symbols. It is not known precisely what they mean, but it is clear they represent rituals, dieties, and human activities. Scholars speculate as to the shamanic nature of these carvings, which have features in common with many other culture's petroglyphs. One can see what appears to be precursors of the Norse myths and the runes in these enigmatic rock carvings.

A great deal of Germanic symbolic jewellery from the Heathen period has been found in period graves. These exquisite works of art often take the form of ornate abstracted animal-shapes. From this rich evidence we can surmise the great importance of animal 'totem' powers to the ancient Heathens.

It is hoped these symbol shields will inspire others to create their own. Because of the past misuse of some Germanic holy symbols by miscreants, and because there is some inaccurate information about them on the net, I provide these holy signs and information in the hope of educating the public at large about their true spiritual meanings, and to inspire Norse Pagans to explore their uses in ritual context. These symbol shields are good for meditational focus, and are meant to bless, heal, and ward.

If you would like to see some of these symbols as they are used in a ritual setting, as well as magical tools, altars, and nature shrines, visit my website Heathen Harrows.

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These graphics are not clip art free for the taking. If you are interested in having a custom one made for your website, or for any other purpose, please E-mail me.
May the Old Ones smile upon you!
Óðindís