Since the dawn of civilization, magic and divine powers have captivated human curiosity. Every culture has its own rituals, supernatural beliefs, and stories of people connected to forces beyond our perception. Whether through religions, pagan traditions, or personal beliefs in the unknown, humanity is irresistibly drawn to the spiritual realm, much like bees to delicious nectar. Sorcery has been central to many of these beliefs, offering a way to call upon powers to fulfill prayers and wishes. Its history is ancient and widespread, so deeply rooted that people practiced magic even at the risk of their lives. They faced persecution for something as simple as using herbs for medicine. This belief in something greater than ourselves is ingrained in our very being — in our bones, cells, and souls.

In modern times, it might seem like we’re less connected to our spiritual side than in the past, but sorcery still thrives in various forms today. People connect with nature, feel the energy of the wind on their skin, the calming scent of greenery, and the soothing sounds of trees. They carry luck charms for courage and engage in small rituals and prayers to navigate their daily lives. For some, this connection to the mystical becomes a way of life, influencing their art, profession, and personal practices.

My fascination with sorcery began when I was very young. In school, we learned about mythology, religions, and spirituality, and how Old Norse polytheism, runes, sorcery, and folklore are deeply embedded in Icelandic history, once standing on equal footing with Christianity, even though blót (pagan ritual) and sorcery was banned eventually. This early exposure sparked my curiosity, leading me to explore the history of Icelandic sorcery. I spent hours in used bookstores around Reykjavík, sifting through old volumes, and started collecting books on the subject. From a young age, I created my own magical sigils, and as I grew, my doodles evolved into more serious studies of the structure and function of magical staves.

As someone who rarely put down my pencil, it was natural that I eventually found my way to creating art. Sorcery became an integral part of both my life and my art. When I began tattooing over ten years ago, Icelandic sorcery symbols weren’t widely used in tattooing, except for the more common ones like the Vegvísir and Ægishjálmur (which you could easily find online). Because of this, I quickly became known for specializing in these symbols, drawing from 17th-century magic as well as creating custom symbols tailored specifically for each of my clients.