Power of Nordic Bindrunes: Tradition, Magic, and Personal Symbols

What Are Bindrunes? Love, Strength, Hope and other Runic Symbols

What Are Bindrunes?

What is a bindrune? Bindrunes are symbols created by combining two or more individual runes into a single, unified design. Each rune in the bind rune contributes its own unique meaning, and together they form a powerful symbol with focused intention.

In ancient Norse and Germanic cultures, bindrunes were used to:

- Invoke protection, strength, love, or healing
- Create personal amulets for guidance or good fortune
- Conceal messages or meanings in a symbolic, almost secretive way
- Cast spells or magical intentions in daily life.

 

What is the purpose of a bindrune?

The purpose of a bindrune is to amplify and carry intention through symbolic design. By combining two or more individual runes into a single unified symbol it becomes a powerful personal or magical tool.

Today, bindrunes continue to serve as deeply personal symbols—reminders of one’s inner strength, values, or spiritual path. Whether in jewelry, tattoos, or textiles, they connect the wearer to a tradition that blends art, magic, and meaning.

What is the difference between runes and bindrunes?

1. Runes are individual characters from ancient alphabets, each with symbolic and phonetic meaning, while bind runes are artistic combinations of these runes that create more powerful and personalized symbols. Runes and bindrunes are both part of ancient Norse and Germanic symbolic traditions, but they serve different purposes and forms.

Runes are individual characters from ancient alphabets, such as the Elder Futhark. The word rune comes from an Old Norse term meaning a secret letter that was used for casting spells. Each rune represents both a sound (phonetic value) and a symbolic meaning—such as protection, joy, strength, or transformation. Runes were used in writing, divination, and magic. They could be inscribed on tools, weapons, stones, or amulets.

2. Bindrunes are ancient symbols formed by combining two or more runes into a single, cohesive design. Used throughout Norse and Germanic history. In ancient Norse society, bindrunes were used to cast spells and invoke spiritual power, create protective amulets and conceal messages in symbolic form. The belief was that combining runes intensified their symbolic energy. For example, a bindrune for love might include runes that represent partnership, joy, and harmony—all blended into a single symbol meant to attract or protect that energy in the wearer’s life. Each rune carries its own meaning, and when combined in a bindrune, their energies merge to form a new, more complex symbol tailored to a specific intention.

Today, bindrunes continue to carry deep meaning. They can be worn as jewelry or tattoos, used in spiritual or meditative practices and also appreciated for their artistic, historical, and symbolic value.

Original silver bindrunes by Alrún Nordic Jewelry

What is Love and Strength Bindrunes and other symbols?

Nordic Bindrunes are selected and formed with care to match intention with symbolism.

The most powerful bindrune is probably Love. Love symbolizes our deepest and most personal emotions. A symbol for the passionate, the devoted, and the selfless. The Icelandic word Ást simply means love and it sentiment expresses the most heartfelt emotions – affection, devotion and passion.

Strength, To face challenges. The Icelandic word Magn can mean strength, magnitude or intensity. For empowerment. Magn symbolizes the desire for intensity or inner strength to overcome emotional, intellectual, or physical challenges. A unifying symbol of empowerment and resilience.

The 12 Bindrune Symbols of Alrún Nordic Design

The bindrune symbols continue a Nordic bindrune-making tradition more than a thousand years old. In ancient Norse society, bindrunes were used to cast magic spells, conceal secrets, and to create powerful personal amulets. They were also common in other aspects of everyday life and were a clever method of relaying messages. The ancient Norse believed that a bindrune could intensify the meaning of a personal message and invoke its power in their lives.

Nordic bindrune wool blankets and throws. Bind runes symbols

At Alrún Nordic Design, each of the 12 unique bindrune symbols is inspired by individual rune meanings and rooted in a thousand-year-old tradition, combining ancient language with modern intention. Designed in Iceland these symbols connect past and present—honoring Norse heritage while offering personal meaning for today’s world. These symbols are more than decorative—they carry deep symbolic meaning and are designed to resonate with the wearer's personal journey. All Alrún Nordic Design symbols can be viewed here

These bindrunes are available across Alrun´s product lines:
Nordic Jewelry: Pendants, bracelets, dog tags necklaces, earrings studs and hanging, each carrying its own unique intention.
Icelandic Wool Capes and Blankets and Throws: Wearable and home-centered bindrunes that provide not only warmth, but spiritual significance.

Transforming Nordic tradition
Bindrunes were used to cast magic spells, conceal secrets, and to create powerful personal amulets. They were also common in more mundane aspects of everyday life and were used as brands for livestock, signs of ownership, and were a method of relaying messages.  The ancient Norse believed that a bindrune could intensify the meaning of a personal message and invoke its power in their lives.
Alrun Nordic Design signifies dreams and aspirations, carrying a special meaning for everyone.  Choose the piece that speaks to you, and share something unique about yourself! 

 

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