Notes

RUNES MERKSTAVE: TYR’S AETT

The final family of runes is named after the god Tyr (also known as Tiwaz). This aett is different from the others in that it contains the names of two Germanic deities (namely, Tiwaz and Ingwaz) as the names of runes. This aett is associated with the world of ideas and concepts. More prosaically, these runes can be associated with the world as seen by humans, and contain meanings that take on specific significance in their relationship to mankind.

In magic, the runes of this family are associated specifically with psychological and spiritual effects, as well as emotions and human interaction more generally.

1. Merkstave Rune: Tiwaz (http://imgbox.com/YXoPaNhM)
Tiwaz’s Merkstave stands for the opposite from its standard meaning: injustice, imbalance, and irrationality. The standard rune Tiwaz is used today by Aurors, judges, city officials, diplomats, and even historians looking to maintain impartiality. It is not commonly used to enchant objects or enhance certain spells, although a piece of jewelry may inspire its wearer to remember the cause for which they are fighting.

2. Merkstave Rune: Berkano (http://imgbox.com/cWgsmu4g)
Berkano’s Merkstave may be used to represent (or cause) strife, infertility, and stagnation. In short, with the right combination, merkstave Berkano can tear families apart while upright it may bring them back together. Due to its nature, Berkano is rarely used as a merkstave and when it is, it is typically used by the vengeful and the vindictive looking to render a hole in a particular family unit, whether their own or otherwise.

3. Merkstave Rune: Ehwaz (http://imgbox.com/VPPMEead)
Ehwaz’s Merkstave represent recklessness, discord, and unwillingness to work together. Historically, the standard rune Ehwaz has been found on Viking ships to promote teamwork amongst prisoners responsible for rowing the ships.

4. Merkstave Rune: Mannaz (http://imgbox.com/4aya5L2U)
Mannaz’s Merkstave represents the worst of humanity. Apathy and mortality are both characteristics of merkstave Mannaz. More than any other rune, the standard rune Mannaz will tell you what is in your soul. When written, this rune will be charged with whatever true intent lies in your heart, and it will respond to intelligence and self-reflection. This is not a rune for the impulsive user; rather, Mannaz asks for patience and thought.

5. Merkstave Rune: Laguz (http://imgbox.com/8CBZpx6r)
Laguz’s Merkstave stands for madness and fear, as a consequence of trusting false intuition. The standard rune Laguz is useful in magic that attempts to discover the unknown such as amulets and charms intended for truth-seeking. It is a rune well-loved by Slytherins for its association with the element water and many claim that wearing jewelry with the rune Laguz aids them in fulfilling their potential. Another use for Laguz is in healing, especially with regard to mental illness, where it can be used by therapists to help a patient understand the underlying or subconscious elements that may be contributing to their situation. It can also be used to discover hidden talent, particularly when it comes to magic. It is rumoured that the admissions registry at Hogwarts, which lists all the students to be newly admitted in the following school year, is imbued with the magic of Laguz on every page.

6. Merkstave Rune: Ingwaz (http://imgbox.com/WjIbmOxH)
Ingwaz’s Merkstave signify sloth and unfairness, as well as a warning against too narrow a focus on details.

As the standard rune associated most closely with the Earth, as well as with common sense and hard work, it is not surprising that this rune is a favourite of Hufflepuffs. It can be found all over the Hufflepuff Common Room, and embodies the virtues so cherished by Helga Hufflepuff in her students.

7. Merkstave Rune: Dagaz (http://imgbox.com/8aBRNdyr)
Dagaz’s Merkstave stands for endings and completion (like the end of the day), as well as hopelessness and blindness. Rowena Ravenclaw made use of the standard rune Dagaz in the Ravenclaw Common Room, as it is known to encourage creative thinking, and it can also be used in memory charms. Similar to Laguz, it can draw out knowledge and ideas that have lain hidden, and for this reason is also often used as a decorative element for brainstorming sessions and in research environments to encourage breakthroughs and new discoveries.

8. Merkstave Rune: Othala (http://imgbox.com/Sg5Gwpbn)
In its merkstave form, all of its positive values are turned to their extremes, leading to intolerance, prejudice and clannishness, as well as unwillingness to help others, particularly when they are different. The standard rune Othala cannot be used for an individual, which can make it a dangerous rune; curses that target a whole family or clan are often powered by the use of Othala. Salazar Slytherin himself used it to strengthen the community spirit here at Hogwarts, and in turn used the community spirit to bolster the defences of the castle through Othala. Whether for right or wrong, Othala works by uniting a community against those outside it.