What is Vegvísir?

The Vegvísir is an ancient symbol in Icelandic culture that is supposed to protect the wearer from natural forces such as storms and strong winds.

It is often associated with magic and Nordic spirituality.

It is first mentioned in a 17th century Icelandic manuscript called "Galdrabók", which contains incantations and spells. The design of the Vegvísir is generally considered to be a combination of eight intersecting arrows surrounded by a circle. Some believe that the symbol represents the eight cardinal directions and that it helps to orientate the wearer.

According to Icelandic oral tradition, the Vegvísir was a symbol used by the ancient Icelandic navigators to orient themselves on their sea voyages. It is said that the symbol gave them the ability to find their way even in extreme weather conditions or when they got lost. This belief is supported by the fact that Icelanders have been great navigators throughout history, travelling great distances at sea despite difficult conditions.

Over the centuries, the Vegvísir has become a popular symbol of Icelandic culture, used in various contexts such as jewellery, tattoos, clothing and interior decorations. It is often used as a symbol of protection and guidance, and is considered particularly useful for travel or stressful situations.

It is also often associated with the practice of magic and incantations in the Nordic tradition. The incantations used in the Galdrabók, where the Vegvísir is first mentioned, are intended to protect the user from malevolent forces, evil spells and harmful influences. This reinforces the idea that the Vegvísir is a symbol of protection in Icelandic culture.

It is important to note that the Vegvísir is not an official religious symbol in modern Iceland, but rather an expression of folk culture and tradition. It is often associated with the Nordic pagan religion, but it is also valued by people of all faiths or no faith who seek protection or spiritual guidance.

What is Vegvísir?

Comments ()