Runes and the Interworld

Encounters with the Interspace are not only inevitable for every person but also a highly problematic reality, and it is wrong and dangerous to ignore. No one can avoid the postmortem bardo, nor the dream and other intermediate states. Accordingly, any being seeking to conserve and increase its energy faces the pressing question of protection against the adverse consequences of such contacts.

The Magical Tradition has evolved several tools that make intermediate states more constructive: the cultivation of vedogons, portal magic, and, of course, Runic approaches — both galdr and sejt.

Runes themselves are a product of the Interspace: their discovery by Odin and any subsequent use are accompanied by a moment of instability, and therefore they actively interact with the Interworld.

Recall that, from this perspective, Runes (more precisely, Runic signs) include not only the symbols from futhark sets (the Runes proper) but any other signs derived from the Ninefold Matrix that serve as vector realization symbols — support for the operator’s intention.

Long ago, magi first discovered empirically and later justified the distinction between the approaches that succeed against the two classes of predators in the Interspace: just as vortical magic of vortices — the sigils and seals — is effective against the “ministering” spirits, vector rune magic is effective against the “earthbound” inhabitants of the Interworld. The general rule is: if a being’s mind is dominated by mutually interdependent cycles of aspiration, it is closer to a vortical nature and is more sensitive to sigil magic; if, however, it is dominated by a limited number of drives, it is “stretched” into a line and therefore susceptible to vector influences.

Indeed, the defining characteristic of elementaries is their “unidirectionality” — the hunger that drives them is not a metaphysical struggle of forces, as is typical for demons, but a mere lack of resources; consequently, the very basis of elementaries’ minds is partially vectorial. Of course, those elementaries that have (or have retained) a body of desires rely on telesma vortices, yet their “empty,” “hungry” nature renders their minds so unidirectional that they effectively stretch into a vector — a vector of feeding drive. Similarly, elementaries detained in the Interspace by intense experience or by “force” also largely “linearize” their minds. From a Kabbalistic point of view, one can say that if the flow of mind is born of the antagonism between י and the first ה — that is, if the basis of the mind is the search for realization — then its nature is a whorl; if י opposes the second ה — that is, the basis of the flow is the search for support, a resource — then it is vectorized.

From this perspective, it becomes clear why peoples who practiced galdr and other forms of vectorial Magic tended to have contacts with the “earthbound” inhabitants of the Interworld, while in cultures focused on vortices, the interactions were directed at the “ministering” forces. In other words, just as special intricate techniques are required to “expel demons” with runes, using seals against an elementarie requires extra effort. By understanding the nature of the force one faces and choosing the appropriate means for it, one can save considerable time and effort in protection and countering it.

Of particular interest in this regard are agis-hjálms, which combine both natures and are therefore especially effective protection against “secondary” vortices — both elemental and “larval” in character.

Overall, studying and applying individual Runes, runescripts, band-runes, and galdrstaves to optimize contacts with the Interworld can be an invaluable aid. That is why the modern magus seeking versatility in their practice should be familiar with both fundamental approaches and should not try to use the wrong tool where more suitable tools exist.