What Are Bindrunes (and How Do You Use Them)?
✨ A Quick and Practical Guide for the Everyday Witch ✨

Let’s keep it simple, soulful, and a little spicy—just like us.

So, what are bindrunes, anyway?

A bindrune is a magical symbol created by combining two or more runes into one cohesive design. These intricate designs become powerful talismans, charms, or sigils—however you choose to use them. The key element in crafting a bindrune is intention; it is imperative to be mindful of the energy represented by each rune you are combining. If you’re not careful and fail to consider the specific meanings and energies of the runes, you might end up sending mixed signals into the universe, which is never the desired vibe.

Runes, on their own, are ancient tools used for divination and spellwork, holding the wisdom of the Norse traditions. Each rune carries its own unique vibration and significance, making it essential to select them thoughtfully based on your intentions. When you create a bindrune, you are not merely stacking runes on top of one another; rather, you are weaving them together into a tapestry that reflects your personal energy, intent, and the specific spell you wish to manifest. This act of merging symbolizes a deeper connection between the energies at play and amplifies their power.

The process of designing a bindrune can be both an art and a meditation. It encourages you to reflect on your desires and aspirations, allowing you to channel focus into a single, potent symbol. Furthermore, the visual aspect of a bindrune can enhance your connection to it; the more you resonate with its design, the more energy you can empower it with. Whether you choose to wear your bindrune as an amulet, place it in your sacred space, or use it in ritual work, its presence serves as a continual reminder of your intentions and the energies you wish to manifest into your life.

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A Little History for the Nerdy Witches (yes, we love you):

The term bindrune comes from the concept of binding multiple runes into a single symbol. Historically, they were sometimes used to abbreviate or even conceal messages in Norse writing. Though rare in Anglo-Saxon traditions, they show up most often in Viking-era inscriptions, especially on gravestones.

In Iceland, the tradition lasted much longer—used not only in written language but also in folk magic like Galdrastafir (those beautiful magical staves you might have seen floating around WitchTok or in grimoires).

Ole Worm (yes, that was his real name) studied runes back in the 1600s and wrote about bindrunes in his Latin work Runir Seu Danica. He even shared tables of bindrune combinations, showing us that this practice has always danced between the practical and the mystical.

[More detailed: The word bindrune means the binding of two or more runes. They occur intermittently throughout runic writings, however it was mostly prevalent in Norse writings and rarely so in Anglo-Saxon ones. The usual purpose was to abbreviate writing but in some cases it was used to hide what was written.Initially used during the Viking age on Norse gravestones it gradually faded out of use along with all other runic writing, except in Iceland where the tradition continued. Not only were they used there for the purpose of writing in general but they were also used in magic, including charms, spells and their Galdrastafir – magic symbols.Runir Seu Danica, O Worm, 1651, p120. Ole Worm made an extensive study of runes and wrote in Latin Runir Seu Danica a section regarding bindrunes which he calls jugationibus. He provides one example showing a glyph of the name Olafur, and later gives an extensive table of possible combinations.This demonstrates clearly how bindrunes are of two types. One being a string of several runes to be read either top to bottom or bottom to top along a single stem. The other is a more simple case of two runes using their main stem to go back to back. Not unexpectedly, the A-rune ᛆ, O-rune ᚮ and U-rune ᚢ were the most common to be used.

Bindrunes can be used for anything in life you’re looking to receive help with. Saving money, protecting your home, finding love or a new job. Whatever intent you have, a bindrune can exist for it. The materials you use will vary depending on how long you need the bindrune.For a one time ritual you can use paper or wood.For an extended use you can use wood, antler, clay or leather.For more permanent use, metal or rock.There’s many other materials you can use but these are just examples.When creating your bindrune I recommend consecrating it afterwards. Once consecrated you can use it immediately in your ritual, leave it on your altar or carry with you. There is no “right” or “wrong” time to use it, just follow your intuition. Bindrunes can also be given as offerings to the God’s and Goddesses.]

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Modern Use: Bindrunes for Real Life Magic

Bindrunes are incredibly versatile. You can create one for just about anything: be it for personal protection, attracting love, enhancing creativity, or even for setting intentions in your life. The beauty of bindrunes lies in their ability to combine multiple runes, each with its unique meaning, into a single symbol that encapsulates your desires and goals. This makes them not only a powerful tool for manifestation but also a deeply personal expression of one’s innermost wishes. By carefully selecting and blending the runes that resonate with your intentions, you can craft a bespoke talisman that serves as a constant reminder of your aspirations and empowers you on your journey.

🔹 Attracting love
🔹 Protection for your home
🔹 Manifesting abundance
🔹 Boosting confidence
🔹 Finding clarity

The material you use can depend on your purpose:

• One-time rituals: Paper, wood scraps
• Extended use: Wood, antler, clay, leather
• Permanent magic: Metal, stone, bone

Once created, consecrate your bindrune (we’ll cover that process in another post if you need help). Then use it however feels right—on your altar, worn as jewelry, slipped into your bag, or even buried as an offering. Your intuition is your best guide.

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Creating Your Own Bindrune: A Simple Step-by-Step

1. Know Your Runes
   Start with the Elder Futhark. Flashcards, apps, sticky notes on your mirror—whatever helps you learn their meanings and shapes.
2. Set Your Intention
   Be clear. Are you asking for support, protection, guidance, love, healing? Magic works best when your heart knows what it wants.
3. Choose Your Runes
   Select 3–5 runes that match your intent. Any more, and the energy can get a little muddy.
4. Sketch It Out
   Play around with combining them into one symbol. Stack, twist, overlay—whatever feels right. The one that callsto you is your design.
5. Check for Hidden Runes
   Once your bindrune is sketched, look closely. Sometimes other runes sneak their way in—especially Isa, which appears often. Take note and make adjustments if needed.
6. Mind the Merkstave (Reversed Meanings)
   Some runes, like Algiz, change meaning when flipped. Reversals aren’t always negative, but they do bring different messages. Be mindful of orientation.

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Final Thoughts from the Unconventional Momma Herself:

You don’t need a fancy setup, ancestral bloodline, or “witchy aesthetic” to make magic. You just need a clear heart, focused mind, and the courage to trust yourself. Bindrunes are a powerful tool—your tool that invites creativity and intention into your life. Use them to empower your rituals, elevate your everyday, or connect more deeply with your practice. As you explore the beautiful complexities of bindrunes, you’ll find that they can serve as a bridge between your inner desires and the universe, allowing you to create harmonious energies that resonate with your personal journey. Remember, the true essence of magic lies within you; it is your belief and actions that shape and manifest your reality, igniting the spark of transformation in the mundane aspects of life.

We’ll dive deeper into the runes themselves in the post that is linked below “Runes: Divination”.

Runes: Divination

May your bindrunes be powerful, your intentions clear, and your path supported.

Much love and many blessings,
Mrs. B

PS:

Often times after creating your bindrune you will find hidden runes within it. For instance, the Isa rune will always be within your bindrune. Check and see what other hidden runes are within your bindrune and if you need to adjust the runes.Also keep in mind there are runes with merkstave or “reversed” meanings. Merkstave meanings aren’t necessary negative but give you insight on potential warnings. The Algiz rune flipped up-side-down will hold a different meaning than it does right-side-up so be mindful of how you’re placing your runes.Very informative video on how to make and activate your bindrunes.

Want to learn how to create Sigils?

Intro to Creating Sigils