This is a clean version since I was too lazy to roughen it up in Illustrator. For some reason the program determines the level of distortion based on the size of an element, which means long lines and large symbols get jagged while smaller details are barely touched. When I have time I'll go through and give it the appropriate level of distressing.
The staves, or runic sigils, are the most visually striking elements of Norse magical practice. I plan on working up a small library of re-interpreted versions for use on items and documents.
So what is this going to be on? A manuscript? Are you going to be doing some runic inscriptions?
ReplyDelete@ gndn
ReplyDeleteI'm planning on using this design for a spirit compass. The Vegvisir will be engraved on an ivory plate inside a wooden protective case.
I actually prefer the clean version. People can roughen them up as they see fit, but its hard to find a good clean version.
ReplyDeleteI recall you do indeed like these kinds of involved graphics from one of your older posts:
ReplyDeletehttp://propnomicon.blogspot.com/2012/04/hurt.html
I was really surprised to see how much interest there is on the web with this design and had not idea it was well known. Previously I had been working around a bit about doing a post about the Huld Manuscript trying to gather up verifiable information, but have been hampered by a lack of decent scholarly articles and English translations.
A sterling version pendant: http://whirlingsun.com/?product=vegvisir-icelandic-rune-stave-silver-pendant
A box on Deviant Art: http://luthiensecrets.deviantart.com/art/Vegvisir-little-wood-box-353939648
A magnificent piece of art http://brentberryarts.com/bjork_art/knotwork_vegvisir_.htm
http://brentberryarts.com/bjork_art/vegvisir_.htm
@ Zero Mostel
ReplyDeleteI agree. Plus, you know, I'm lazy.
@ CoastConFan
One of the symptoms of my OCD is a love of orderly, geometric patterns. I suspect that a lot of ancient "magicians" had the same condition.
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ReplyDelete@ Propnomicon: I think we are drawn to symmetry and order as a species. I don’t mean mirror symmetry, but to completeness and to rationality and a belief in processes. Maybe that’s why we find the Golden Mean or the Fibonacci Spiral is so pleasing to the eye. What may initially appear as chaos, might just indicate you only see a section of a fractal picture.
As far as human perception and experience goes, disorder itself can be seen in only within our framework of reference. Besides, nihilism is really just too easy, isn’t it – lazy and easy. Then again, to quote Frank Zappa, “Without deviation, progress is not possible.” Or to quote General Patton, “If everybody is thinking alike, then somebody isn’t thinking. Funny that two completely different persons and personalities can have the same thought. You just keep doing what you do best and stay true to yourself.