The Norse tradition versus black book magic: Each tradition focuses on different aspects. When practicing within a specific tradition, it is crucial to follow its rules. If you choose to practice another, you must respect its guidelines, and it is generally best not to mix the two. Where these traditions cannot be integrated, it is wise not to force a blend. You must thoroughly understand both mythologies and be able to discern where they align and where they clearly do not.
The Norse tradition and black book magic rest on entirely different principles. The Norse tradition is the tradition of free individuals, a tradition of warriors who were never subjugated. In contrast, black book magic is rooted in Christianity. It is a fusion of Christianity and paganism, but more specifically, it represents the darker aspects of Christianity.
At its core, black book magic remains a form of Christianity, albeit its underground, shadow side. Because it is based on Judeo-Christianity, it stands in direct opposition to the Norse tradition.

https://youtu.be/UmGxOGo8Ugw?si=T0TMfVPA7lgzKUMZ

The runes will help you understand the place within yourself, the ancient place, that is designated for connection with your god—the force that once separated a part of itself to give rise to your consciousness.

Ksenia Menshikova
“Runes: A Warrior’s Weapon”

Have you ever found yourself in a recurring dream where you return to the same unfamiliar places, only to feel as though you’ve been there before?

In these dreams, the locations might be entirely new to you in the waking world, yet they feel strangely familiar, as if you have lived there for a long time. It's like visiting a separate dimension, where the streets, layout, and even hidden places like secret exits feel known, and each time you return, it’s as though you’re picking up right where you left off….

The "blank" rune, or "Wyrd rune," was added to the classic Futhark by Ralph Blum as the 25th rune, but it is a modern invention that doesn’t belong to the original structure. This addition is unnecessary, as the Elder Futhark is already a perfect and self-contained system. However, in modern divination, the "fate rune" has gained popularity and is sometimes used in readings.
The Northern Tradition school rejects the blank rune, as it disrupts the balanced design of the Elder Futhark, which could mislead the practitioner. For ancient Scandinavians and other pagans, belief in fate (wyrd) was absolute, and every rune in a reading was seen as a manifestation of fate. The Perthro rune already represents fate, so there’s no need for another.

Ksenia Menshikova

Remember, gaining experience in magical practices requires a significant amount of energy. If a practitioner relies solely on their own energy without drawing from other resources, their effectiveness will be much lower compared to someone who taps into the power of the elements or other forces. For instance, activating a rune stave can be energy-intensive, and if you're drained, it will be difficult to perceive the magic's true effect. This issue often arises when a beginner is caught up in the demands of everyday life—family, work, and social obligations—leaving little time for magical practice. Magic, however, thrives when it is prioritized and treated as an essential part of the practitioner’s focus.

Ksenia Menshikova
“Runes and Magic”

The runes will help you understand the place within yourself, the ancient place, that is designated for connection with your god—the force that once separated a part of itself to give rise to your consciousness. Understand what this connection does for you, what it protects you from; what it teaches you and what it points out as the lies of this world, which you personally must always combat. The runes will reveal all of this to you, but only if you are ready to accept the truth—about yourself, about this world, about this reality, about the people around you, and about your mutual and true relationships with each other.

Ksenia Menshikova

Runes are the legacy of the Northern tradition. Along with the runes, a deep pagan quality of honesty and inner strength will awaken, as well as the ability to perceive reality as clearly as one's own flesh, and, consequently, a careful and attentive attitude toward everything that surrounds you.

Ksenia Menshikova
“Runes: A Warrior’s Weapon”
Available on Amazon

The 13th night of Yule is your night complete freedom—freedom for yourself. Don’t forget this, and use it to your benefit.
It’s said that on this night, the most impossible, extraordinary, and incredible things can come true.
Even those things you couldn’t have dreamed of, or perhaps feared to think about. But maybe this year, on the 13th night, they’ll actually happen.

Ksenia Menshikova

Symbol of the month: Mother Goddesses

The Winter Goddesses of both the Slavic and Celtic traditions symbolize the life cycles of nature: the death of the old year, the rest and stillness of the Earth, and the rebirth that is assured with the return of spring. These deities are not merely figures of destruction or decay but of necessary transformation. They maintain the cosmic balance by ensuring that the cycles of life, death, and rebirth continue, holding magical power to both preserve and purify. Whether through the fierce, chilling winds or the protective nurturing, these deities remind us of the constant cycles of life in which destruction leads to creation.

The 12 Days of Yule represent a period of complete freedom, magic, and reflection on the past year. These days begin and end at different times for each of us. Some may find this cycle nearing its end, while others are still journeying through it. Yet, during this timeless phase, we all connect with a shared myth, revisiting the past to gather our results and glimpsing the future through the Yule prophecy to shape our plans.

The 13th, enchanted night of Yule is fast approaching. This night will form a bridge to guide us through the dark period. Walk with courage across this bridge, so that by Imbolc, you emerge transformed, with a clear sense of direction and a solid inner understanding of the purpose behind it all.

When this significant night arrives, burn your Yule log and keep the ashes. Reflect on your achievements and consider your plans moving forward. Ask yourself the essential question: how do you wish to shape your reality in 2025? May your dreams and intentions find their strength in this time!

We wish you clarity, inspiration, and magic as you move toward your true reality. May your plans unfold, your strength grow, and your inner flame continue to burn bright!

Sincerely,

The Menshikova School