Brief Summary… 

• Recycled silver Shilling coin circa 1870’s – 1900’s
• Meticulously hand cut, carved and engraved
• Made using only traditional hand tools and techniques
• Optional Chain: Sterling Silver. Recommend : Finesse / Flourish
• Hairy Growler Shepherd’s Crook Necklace Catch: Sterling Silver
• Size : 24mm diameter
• Symbolism : direction in life, intuition, courage, determination, safe return, strength, protection 
• Handcrafted & Recycled in Cambridge

A little more detail…

Helm of Awe and Vegvisir necklaces – Recycled 100 year old silver shilling coin

The Vegvísir, an Icelandic magical stave whose name means “wayfinder,” is a powerful poetic symbol for guidance, resilience, and inner strength, particularly when navigating life’s metaphorical storms. While it is often incorrectly referred to as a “Viking compass,” its folklore originates from Icelandic magical manuscripts of the 19th century. The core folklore of the Vegvísir is that it helps the bearer find their way even when lost in storms or bad weather. This has become a powerful metaphor for facing life’s hardships with courage and finding a path forward despite uncertainty.

It represents the light that shines through the heaviest fog or darkest night, guiding one’s steps when all other landmarks are obscured. The symbol suggests that one must rely on an internal compass—a sense of purpose and direction—when external circumstances are chaotic and overwhelming.

The Vegvísir embodies resilience, representing the strength to persevere through the most challenging conditions and refusing to be defeated by misfortune. Beyond simply getting home, the Vegvísir’s symbolism extends to finding one’s purpose or true path in life. The eight staves radiating from the center have been interpreted as representing the eight cardinal directions and, on a deeper level, as a guide for one’s spiritual journey.

This symbol is a reminder to trust one’s intuition and inner guidance, especially when external advice is conflicting or unclear. It is a symbol for those who have lost faith in their direction and need to reconnect with their inner selves. Icelandic folklore suggests the stave was used by shamans as a spiritual compass to guide the heart in making the right choices for the future. As a magical stave, the Vegvísir was a form of protection, a visual spell intended to safeguard the bearer from the dangers of the unknown.

The intricate staves of the Vegvísir offer a sense of order and protection against the chaos of an indifferent world. It is a protective ward against misguidance and confusion, both physical and psychological. Ultimately, the symbol represents the promise of a safe return. In a poetic sense, “home” can mean a physical place, a state of mind, or a return to one’s true, authentic self. The artist often feels lost, exploring unknown territory to create something new. The Vegvísir can symbolize the internal direction that guides the poet through this creative “storm,” helping them find their way toward a finished work.

As a magical stave, it is made of runes, which had great power in Norse traditions. This links the Vegvísir to the poet’s craft, where words themselves can act as spells or magical elements, shaping new realities and revealing hidden truths The Vegvisir is a runic compass, that consists of eight magical runes, used by the Wayfinders of the Viking era as a sign post or compass for protection during travels. The design is taken from the Huld manuscript circa 1860. I have handcrafted and recycled the design from an old silver half crown coin. The only other mention of the Vegvisir is in a grimoir; a book of spells, the Vegvisir being the key component in a Wayfinders’ spell. This particular spell was supposed to bind the user to their path, to make sure the individual wouldn’t stray form their path.

Vegvisir necklace, Handmade and recycled in Cambridge, England.  If you would like a rune charm for the necklace shepherds crook hook catch please feel free to add one to your cart here : RUNE CHARM

Size : Approx 23 mm