Runic Vortices – Aegis-helms
In our previous discussions we mentioned that Runic Magic, by its nature, is inherently directional: its actions are narrowly focused and therefore highly effective.
However, among the approaches of Galdr there is one that possesses a different — vortical — nature: the art of creating “Helms of Awe,” or “Aegis-helms” (Ægis-helm, ægishjálmr).
Legend traces the name to the mark on Fafnir’s helmet, which Sigurd acquired (“He had a helm–terror (“cegishjalm”), which all living things feared”). Because of that mark Fafnir inspired dread in any attacker and was therefore practically invulnerable; Sigurd had to hide in a pit so the power of the helm would not affect him and he could pierce the dragon’s heart.
“The I always wore the helm of terror,
lying upon the gold;
stronger than all
I thought myself,
whomsoever I met”(“Words of Fafnir”)
Moreover, the “Helm” itself appears to have helped Fafnir maintain his dragon form. The Völsunga Saga records that the “Helm” became part of the Nibelung treasure. Later, Helms of Awe came to denote helmets with half-masks bearing symbolic images, worn by warriors.
The Old Icelandic literal expression “to wear the Helm of Awe over (before) someone,” denoting the use of the Aegis-helm’s power, is usually translated as “to intimidate someone.” In later Icelandic the phrase “to have the Helm of Awe in the eyes” appears, meaning to carry a magical, awe‑inspiring power in one’s gaze.
Thus, Aegis-helms protect their bearer because they instill in any attacker a feeling of dread. In other words, the impulse of aggression coming from the attacker is transformed by the Aegis-helm and redirected at the aggressor, instilling fear. In short, the task of these symbols is to suppress the opponent’s will.
The Aegis-helm is essentially a martial object; it is both shield and sword. The art of making Aegis-helms, like any Runic art, relies largely on inspiration. Warriors did not merely paint Aegis-helm symbols on their helmets; they drew them on the brow with coal, with spittle, or even with a finger before battle. Thus they did more than “terrify” enemies — it was believed that some Aegis-helms were so active that their wearers became invisible to foes, removed from perception. Some accounts claim Aegis-helms could help a person remain unnoticed by pursuers.
Aegis-helms possess such capability precisely because they serve as focal points for the corresponding “protective” vortices. An important point is that Aegis-helms were always worn on the brow. It was believed that they were nourished by a special, so‑called “serpentine” power emanating from there; it is this that gives the symbol the ability to form a protective vortex.
It is well known that Aegis-helms are constructed on the basis of a cross composed of four Runes Algiz. In the same way, the cross gives rise to the eight-pointed star (also known as the “heavenly star”), a symbol widespread in medieval Europe: it adorned stone buildings and rural wooden wares, and was often used in church plate. This symbol is believed to surpass all previous ones in the quality of protection it provides; many modern authors call it the Cross of Invincibility.
It is Algiz, “the elk dangerous when enraged,” that constitutes the active element of the Aegis-helm. Pointing in all directions, this reflecting impulse creates a typical quaternary vortex endowed with the appropriate intention. This base is supplemented by other runic symbols that complement and modify the central idea.
Although the primary purpose of Aegis-helms is active protection, it is believed that these signs can be created for any purpose. Their general property is the reflection and redirection of vortices, so when properly made they will not only protect against another’s will but can “ward off” any other destructive vortices aimed at the operator. The Scandinavians, for example, believed that an aegishjalm would reflect all “negative” sorcery directed at its owner and send it back to the sorcerer or witch.
The vectors gathered into a vortex form an unusual vortex — sharp as a blade, precise and mighty. Therefore the Aegis-helm magic requires great care and attentiveness in its creation; otherwise the sign will reflect beneficial influences as well as harmful ones, and can even harm those directing their will toward the operator — including the operator’s loved ones who send good intentions: reflecting them, the Aegis-helm harms the operator, and it can turn to the operator’s harm.
Very interesting. How would you advise making them and when is the best time to wear them? I understand it’s not all the time with you…
The practical use of Agishjálmur, like all Magic, is individual and depends on the specific operator.
Cool! It’s interesting what would happen if two operators, armed with Agishjálmur, exchanged negative impulses? Would the impulses accumulate in space infinitely, until a protection failure or deactivation, or would they dissipate, or does Agishjálmur not reflect an impulse reflected from another Agishjálmur? And also, are the methods of drawing in fig. 4 safe?
Yes, impulses will accumulate until one of the vortices fails.
In the drawing are symbols that have been checked many times. But can we say that they are safe? A spear that was used by a thousand people can very well kill the one thousand and first if handled carelessly. In Magic, there is nothing absolutely safe; everything requires attention and caution.
What do you say about other possibilities – protection without protection? Instead of accumulating impulses. To make oneself transparent and invisible to negative impulses? Or transparent and accessible, accepting them but not retaining?
To defend oneself and to be protected are indeed different things. But how to achieve a state of being protected is the question, and everyone answers it in their own way.
Thank you for the article. I would like to order from masters Agishhyalm made of silver. What do you recommend: to buy a ready-made work or order the production from a master using my own material (silver scrap)?
Thank you.
Agishyalms are better not to invent yourself, but to use those that are indicated in the literature. But… if you see subtle energies, then it will be easier for you, and if not, then you must definitely consult with someone who can see them. One of the unwritten Laws of Magic states that everything a Mage created manually has greater potential than what was made for them by others, even if they are good masters. Why silver? Wood or leather is much better. Of course, if for you the appearance is the main thing, then certainly. But otherwise, wood and leather are better. I personally use only wood and leather. Sometimes – copper and bronze. Good luck.
Agishhyalms are dangerous, I recently drew two and just carried them with me on paper, after a few days I felt something was wrong, some negative processes began to occur within me, and I wanted to isolate myself from the entire world. I could not understand what was happening, and then I remembered, took out, and cut the paper with Agishhyalms into small pieces; after that, I felt better……………..It is necessary to think very carefully about them, to feel them, to question their necessity… only if there is absolute and unshakeable confidence that the Agishhyalm is drawn exactly as needed and is truly necessary for a person to carry it or give it to another person.
In my experience – it is quite difficult to accomplish something with runes that contradicts the world order, the system into which they are included. And wishing based on oneself now, there is a probability of encountering amusing things, with a mismatch of one’s desire with the world – for example, often those who are just getting acquainted with magic immediately try to solve some material issue, and I had an amusing case when a person was told from all sides and multiple times a day “I have a million-dollar deal for you”, instead of actually receiving money, as he desired. And this is neither bad nor scary, these are little ones coming out of the sandbox and trying the world’s reaction to their desires. There is also such a thing as the correspondence of one’s own energy or bandwidth of the energy of the runes used.
And even just applied to the hand one by one – they lead to serious internal processes, to transformation.
About the self-made helmet of horror – it somehow turned out by itself, and as it turned out later – I needed it for some time, at the moment of wearing, people from me were running away. Just passersby, not all, but on average a couple of times a day. I tend to check and recheck everything – they were indeed running away from this, it felt probably like a panic attack. And at the same time – two Tajiks, builders who worked near the office, greeted something behind my back with a mad look.
Before studying runes practically, I did not experience such special effects.
I think that about the symbol you want to order – you need to know everything, probably this is the most important thing.
Thank you for the answers. I really thought about it and realized that one should be cautious with such runes. Maybe I will order the solar sign (kolovrat, kolyadnik), and of course study the subject of this talisman.
I’ve made Agis many times. For myself, and once for an acquaintance. The first applications (I drew it on my arm) evoked very violent emotions; I literally lashed out at people, and they ran away from me as from a dog. I was nervous, even angry.
Over time, everything settled, they work like clockwork, even when I sketch quite clumsily/make small blunders. Without consequences. There was a time when I wore an amulet on a wooden plate for a month. It was easy with it 🙂
My friends suggested that I make a gift – a silver decoration. They proposed to engrave a certain symbol. I began to choose and Agishyaalm unexpectedly appealed to my heart. I sat down to study information about it and stumbled upon your site. In other information sources, it was stated everywhere that it is very useful, while here it is said that it can be harmful. Can this symbol be harmful if ordered from a master who specializes in making such products?
How can I secure or “charge” this symbol for myself?
To use the power of Runes oneself, one must study them a lot and for a long time.
If the master is genuine – he must explain everything.
Not everyone can carry the Agiszhyalm. They can’t handle it.
Greetings. I want to know – is the six-pointed ‘snowflake’ an agis’halm? Because it has, unlike the described, a base of rays that is not 4 or 8, but 6 identical algiz runes, originating from the center. And what is the difference from the ‘real’ one? Because here, there are still 2 algiz going up and down.