Timing is all-important when doing runic magic. If the proper universal energies are lacking, doing magic can become as futile as trying to hammer a nail into a stone. On the other hand, with correct timing, magical works can spread wings of their own and really take off!

The eight divisions of the year represent the traditional yearly cycle of
Northern Europe. The best times for runic magic are the eight seasonal solar festivals. Each of these days has traditions that have been passed down through the years. For example, Beltane, or Walpurgis Night, was sacred to Freyja. On the winter solstice in Holland, the midwinter horn was blown and a flaming (solar) wheel was rolled down a hill to celebrate the return of the sun.

The Eight Days of Power
These eight days of power occur on the equinoxes, solstices, and four cross-quarter days. The following are the runic correspondences for these magical days. Remember to focus on the associated rune, depending upon the time of the year. This will make your rune magic more timely and guarantee better results.

Winter Solstice/Yule -- Dec. 21 -- Isa, Jera, Eihwaz.
Imbolc/Bridget's Day - Feb 2 -- Perdhro, Algiz, Sowilo.
Spring Equinox/Hertha's Day - March 21 -- Tiwaz, Ehwaz, Berkana.
Beltane - May 1-5 -- Mannaz, Laguz, Ingwaz.
Summer Solstice/Midsummer - June 21 -- Othala, Dagaz, Fehu.
Lughnassad - First Week August -- Uruz, Thurisaz, Ansuz.
Autumnal Equinox/Hellith's Day - Sept 22 -- Raidho, Kenaz, Gebo.
Samhain - Nov 1-5 -- Wunjo, Hagalaz, Naudhiz.

The Eight-Fold Moon Phase

The Norse people understood the natural cycles of the moon and used them in their lives. They knew the waxing moon was the time for building energy, while the waning moon was the time for releasing it. Traditionally, from the new moon to the first-quarter moon is a time to initiate and build, to clarify your intention and expectation. From the first quarter to the full moon is the time to cultivate what you have created and to gather the energy needed for its successful completion. The full moon is called the High Moon, because it is then that lunar energies are strongest. The last quarter of the moon corresponds to harvest time, when you reap the rewards of your efforts. The last quarter through the dark moon and into the new moon is a time to explore the mysteries of life, rebirth, and dreams.

When doing magic with runes, select those that correspond to the specific moon phase or day of power on which you are working. The following indicates the eight-fold moon phase cycle and how it corresponds to the eight solar days of power, together with the primary corresponding rune.

New Moon - Winter Solsitce -- Jera.
Crescent Moon - Imbolc -- Algiz.
First Quarter Moon - Spring Equinox -- Berkana.
Gibbous Moon - Beltane -- Laguz.
Full Moon - Summer Solstice -- Dagaz.
Disseminating Moon - Laghnassad -- Thurisaz.
Last Quarter Moon - Autumnal Equinox -- Kenaz.
Balsamic/Dark Moon - Samhain -- Hagalaz.