The title, as it occasionally does, tells the tale. I found this little gem – yes dammit pun intended – at my favorite local metaphysical shop, The Crystal Raven. Do stop in sometime if you’re ever in Jonesborough, TN.
The Viking Compass?
The symbol is of course what many call the “Viking Compass”, or Vegvisir. I actually have an aversion to calling things “a Viking whatever”, due to the misapplication of the name of these fine, Scandanavian fellows when referencing the Elder Futhark Runes.
The Vegvisir, or “way shower” if translated directly (according to Life in Norway) is a symbol that is variously said to “show the way” or “prevent one from losing the way”. It is used by some as an amulet to aid in physical navigation.
This symbol was first encountered in a document written in Iceland by Geir Vigfusson in 1860. It appeared alongside other magical symbols and included the following explanation:
“Carry this sign with you and you won’t get lost in storms or bad weather, even in unfamiliar surroundings.” – Geir Vigfusson in the Huld Manuscript
This is the earliest appearance of the symbol that can presently be verified. Perhaps something older will come to light. It seems at least possible the Vigvisr could be a Neo-Viking symbol that is much younger than the Valknut or Swastika.
Here’s Why the Origins of Vigvisr Don’t Matter
As a nerd I am always interested in the origins and lore of symbols, names, etc. However I am rarely upset to find out a concept, technique, or symbol turns out to have a different backstory than what is presented by the mainline magical culture.
First of all, in this case, it cannot definitively be said that the Vigvisr is not of Viking origin. Geir Vigfusson was a devoted scholar whose contributions to academia are relevant in 2024 and he had a genuine interest in folklore and magic.
Perhaps he even practiced. l this I cannot say but I am inclined to speculate that indeed he was more than a researcher and was, at the very least, an armchair magician.
With access to old documents and verbal traditions, he may well have drawn the symbol from much older sources. This is definitely possible and yet, as this section heading suggests – it’s not the origin of a symbol that matters in the end.
Give me Efficacy or Give Me a Beer!
I am no scholar, nor even a wizard. I am but a simple conjurer.
The thing that matters most to me about a thing that is alleged to be magical is whether or not that thing can actually be applied magically in a manner that consistently and reliably provides affirmative results for me.
This, you see, is efficacy. Whether or not it applies to Vegvisr we soon shall see, for that was the thing that compelled me to pay the merchant’s fee.
Can Vegvisr help me navigate the next steps on my path? This piece has a resonance that instills some optimism.
Let’s Talk About the Green Aventurine
The symbol was available on rose quartz, red jasper, amethyst, and a few other stones. I chose the green aventurine because of an affinity for the mineral that I suspect arises from my astrology. I am a child of Venus, Taurus rising, Libra sun, and much Libra in the planetary scheme.
Green aventurine tends to like us. I know it also loves the Mercurian children.
Our modern lore holds that when aventurine is green the following traits (and more) are often seen.
- friendship
- healing
- safe travel
- good luck
- not limited to but especially pertinent to gambling endeavors
- manifesting
- abundance and luxury
- comfort
- removal of energetic blockages
- synchronicity
- joy and happiness
- gratitude
- energy and enthusiasm
- motivation
For the English majors and New Age experts in our midst I shall clarify that when I say “traits are seen” here’s what I mean:
(We think)
Crystals and gemstones emanate subtle energy fields, each mineral producing a field particular to its own nature. These charged fields of crystals and related materials then affect other subtle energy fields in their environment.
In some cases the emitted field counters ambient energies and in other situations it enhances the frequencies present. The magician who uses a crystal, then, will seek to rid himself or herself of undesirable tendencies, feelings, spirits, etc. or increase his or her own experience of certain traits, empower specific actions or conditions, etc.
For instance, the green aventurine possesses and energetic frequency that is like the energy patterns conducive to or present within amicable interactions between people. The manifestation of this can be friendship or at least improved compatibility.
This is a fair guess of how crystals might work in metaphysical terms.
Having said that, when we consider the terms for traits generally attribute to green aventurine. it’s not hard to find a pattern or direction, a confluence of currents that represent an overall disposition or energetic proclivity.
Green aventurine is a “life force” crystal used by practitioners or reiki, yoga, tai chi, acupuncturists ad other esoteric initiates to attune to and increase awareness of the vital energy that animates living things. It is inherently happy, optimistic, and positive.
Look at the list of concepts and energies this crystal is in harmony with.
What better carrier of the symbol to help find the way?
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