“Knowest how one shall write, Knowest how one shall rede? Knowest how one shall tint, Knowest how one makes trial? Knowest how one shall ask, Knowest how one shall offer? Knowest how one shall send, Knowest how one shall sacrifice?”
(Havamal v. 145 of the Elder Edda)
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I know how to call them,
Primal powers
Linked to signs
That bind Nine Worlds.
I know how to carve them,
With blade of steel
In wood or stone,
In flesh or bone.
I know how to stain them,
Filled with blood
Red with power
Burning in black night.
I know how to send them,
Bound to branches
Bending eastward
Weaving in the wind.
I know how to hide them,
Secret concealed
In code of number
Or buried deep in earth.
I know how to read them,
With a single Eye
Twin ravens flight
And wisdom wide.
I know how to offer them,
Dissolved in flame
Pure as white ash
Dust on the wind.
I know how to sacrifice,
With mead outpoured
Nine sacred songs
The Names of all the Gods.
I the Wise One mark the runes,
Bright as Fire
Dark as Ice
Upon the Tree where Odin hangs.
