Hi, Ive been searching everywhere for an Icelandic symbol for love that actually means love. Im not too sure I trust google on meanings for this.
Galdrastafir ♡ Astarstafur ♡ Love Staves
There are many staves that relate to acquiring the love of another. The issue is what to make of the “non-consensual” nature of using magic for that purpose. The same applies to staves that make oneself more desirable.
This is all quite debatable. Firstly, what do you actually believe happens when using this kind of magic? Should you believe that something occurs to manipulate the intended target’s feelings? Or should trust that “the magic” is within yourself, making you more attractive due to your increased confidence? Does this make it closer to today’s “putting on make-up” or even minding your manners in the company of someone you have feelings for?
Furthermore, it should be remembered that these staves were mostly created and used in the late 17th -century in Iceland. Courtship and marriage were dealt with in an entirely different manner and could occur by “arrangement” without the consent of either party and in the absence of any kind of affection whatsoever. Under those circumstances, it makes a lot more sense to add some “magical sugar”.
Finally, there is nothing to suggest staves cannot or must not be “reinterpreted” in a modern context to something more acceptable. It is quite feasible to take a stave that originally had the purpose “to get a girl”, reimagine its purpose to be “to enable love”, and share it with one’s partner with mutual consent.
That said, you could just as well write the word “Love” in Old Norse language using Old Norse runes and even combine those runes into a nicely designed bind-rune. Thus, there would be no debate. It would simply become an expression of your trust and belief in the institution of love.
I have a collection of around 20 “love staves”, many of which I have remastered for my customers, and created several “love bind-runes” for sale. You are right not to trust what you find by Google search or what some people write regarding the meaning and origin of the “staves” they show. This is why I always provide images of original manuscript with any design a make.