The Vegvisir is one of the best-known Icelandic magical staves (galdrastafir) or bindrunes. The galdrastafir were symbols believed to have a range of powers, whose effects would be different depending on their shape. These could offer many kinds of assistance, such as fertility, guidance through a storm, and protection in battle. The most common way of pronouncing Vegvisir is vague vee seer, with the stress on the second syllable. It is an ancient Norse symbol that is also known as the Viking compass. The word Vegvisir means way finder or signpost in Icelandic and the Vegvisir symbol is supposed to give guidance and protection. Tradition has it that the ancient Norse people believed that wearing a Vegvisir symbol would help them to find their way back home safely, and Viking ships were thought to bear the Vegvisir to ensure a successful homecoming. In an ancient Viking manuscript it was written “If this sign, called the Vegvisir (way-shower, or way pointer), is carried, one will never lose one’s way in storms or bad weather, even when the way is not known”. The Vegvisir was, and is still popular today because it’s a simple, stylish image and its significance of endowing protection and a safe homecoming on the wearer, whether that would be physically or spiritually. Size and finish may vary as we always have multiple styles to choose from.
