IF he was Christened the sign of the cross is made - so where is the lightning bolt play in?

There is historical precedence for using runes as tattoos. If you are of northern European heritage, there may be a tattooed Nordman or Viking in your genetic past.

I often am asked what runes or runic charms to use as tattoos. My first advice is to try out whatever symbol you choose as a temporary tattoo first! There are several reasons for this.

Aesthetics - Make sure you like the design before you commit your skin to a permanent adornment (or disfiguration).
Safety - Runic are powerful. If invoked or created incorrectly, or for the wrong reason, they can be dangerous. The mere creation of a runic charm may invoke the charm, even if this was not intended.
Henna works well for a temporary tattoo. It is used in the middle-eastern countries to draw designs to adorn women's fingers and hands, as well as for hair dye. Powdered henna can be obtained at beauty supply stores, sometimes even in the nail-polish section of your local drugstore, or can be ordered online. It comes in several shades, from red to black. A design drawn on the skin in henna will last about two to four weeks depending on how long the paste is left on the body.

If you want a magical charm, the only ones I really recommend are the "Aegishjalmur" ("helm of awe"), or the "Vegvisir" (runic compass), which is a variant of the Aegishjalmur. These are very ancient charms and totally benign to the bearer. Algiz (Elhaz) is the primary rune in use in both, although there is a structural formula at work also. The Aegishjalmur's purpose is 'protection and irresistibility in battle'. I encourage you to read more about this charm on Brad Lucas' web page: Aegishjalmur, which explains what this charm is and how it is constructed. There are numerous variations of this charm.

There are some other aesthetically pleasing and relatively benign runic charms found on the charms page of this website. (Heed the warning above and use at your own risk.)

Here's how to use the rune charms on this webpage. The easiest method is to print this page and cut out the charm or charms you want to use. The charms will last as long as the piece of paper. (Do not laminate the piece of paper. You could, however, make several copies and consecrate all at the same time.)

If you can only print in black and white, trace each symbol in red ink or red marker while concentrating on the symbol's purpose. If you print in color, tracing the symbols with your finger will do. (Traditionally one would stain the charms with one's own blood. See more about this below.)

If you want to make more sturdy talismen, carve and paint the symbols onto pieces of wood, Fimo or ceramic clay, or other materials.

CONSECRATION
Pray or do a personal ritual to consecrate each individual charm to charge it with its purpose. If the charm symbol is not charged, it is merely an interesting design, not a talisman. I have described a consecration below, but you may create your own ritual.

Call upon the power of God/dess, the Universal Life Force, or whatever is appropriate for your beliefs. Invite also your lineal ancestors, especially those who worked magick in their own lives, your power animal allies, local land spirits or any other wights you may wish to have present.

Visualize and verbalize the purpose of the charm. Giving image, sound, and words to your desired outcome puts the magic forth into the realm of reality and loosens the power of creation. Never use "no" or "not" in the verbalization. (Capriciously the gods and our subconcious minds do not hear the words "no" or "not" and will implement the opposite!) Verbalize the intent in positive words. Say it aloud! Sent it forth!

Put several drops of blood from pricking your finger with a sterilized needle or lancet and mix it with red ochre, acrylic paint, or red India ink. Draw over the symbol with the blood as you verbalize the charm's intent. (For the squeamish, leave out the blood and just symbolically "blood" the runes with henna, ochre, paint, ink or a marking pen.)

Correct me here (changing subject a bit)In the hospital wing there has been no "runes" used to heal? only potions??

Invite also your lineal ancestors, especially those who worked magick in their own lives,

Put several drops of blood from pricking your finger with a sterilized needle or lancet and mix it with red ochre, acrylic paint, or red India ink. Draw over the symbol with the blood as you verbalize the charm's intent.

Safety - Runic are powerful. If invoked or created incorrectly, or for the wrong reason, they can be dangerous. The mere creation of a runic charm may invoke the charm, even if this was not intended.

Sowilo: Success, goals achieved, honor. The life-force, health. A time when power will be available to you for positive changes in your life, victory, health, and success. Contact between the higher self and the unconscious. Wholeness, power, elemental force, sword of flame, cleansing fire. Sowilo Merkstave (Sowilo cannot be reversed, but may lie in opposition): False goals, bad counsel, false success, gullibility, loss of goals. Destruction, retribution, justice, casting down of vanity. Wrath of god.

Ehwaz: Transportation. May represent a horse, car, plane, boat or other vehicle. Movement and change for the better. Gradual development and steady progress are indicated. Harmony, teamwork, trust, loyalty. An ideal marriage or partnership. Confirmation beyond doubt the meanings of the runes around it. Ehwaz Reversed or Merkstave: This is not really a negative rune. A change is perhaps craved. Feeling restless or confined in a situation. Reckless haste, disharmony, mistrust, betrayal.

Eihwaz: Strength, reliability, dependability, trustworthiness. Enlightenment, endurance. Defense, protection. The driving force to acquire, providing motivation and a sense of purpose. Indicates that you have set your sights on a reasonable target and can achieve your goals. An honest man who can be relied upon. Eihwaz Reversed or Merkstave: Confusion, destruction, dissatisfaction, weakness.

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Safety - Runic are powerful. If invoked or created incorrectly, or for the wrong reason, they can be dangerous. The mere creation of a runic charm may invoke the charm, even if this was not intended.


I'm wondering if this is what happened. Maybe she was so desperate that she did it wrong or made it just a tad too powerful?

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Invite also your lineal ancestors, especially those who worked magick in their own lives,

Well, Petunia is definitely family. Lily invoked the power of her family and her blood, which Petunia shares. If this is right, then that explains why DD had to deliever Harry to Petunia

I can't imagine Lily making a mistake about anything. Maybe she didn't have time to complete it. Or ...... Well it could have been a number of things.

LV has that blood now too.

Luna has been looking at them upside down too. I stood on my head for a week, but I just can't figuare out the Runic puzzle that JKR created.  Maybe I need to dig that thread up again.

Anyway, what you posted reminded me of something that we were talking about in Cursed Scars in Magical Theory.  So you might post your article there too, because it's interesting.

The Dark Mark on Harry?

It is not exactly the Dark Mark, but something more powerful, to the extent that it has saved Harry several times. So, Dumbledore had the idea that it was Harry's mother who had protected him with her love. It seems obvious, but what seems even more so is that by protecting her son, she has also protected Voldemort from total anihilation. The mark on his forehead is the unifying link. Other factors come into play, their wands being so similar, and also Parseltongue.
Everything leads us to believe that Harry and Voldemort have much more in common than just a scar. The mark goes much deeper, exposed to unexplained phenomenon. How else can one justify that Voldemort's presence is felt as a phsical pain by Harry?

It seems obvious, but what seems even more so is that by protecting her son, she has also protected Voldemort from total anihilation

I was referring to the discussion that was going on earlier about the scar being a chink in Harry's armor and perhaps LV has a 'counter-scar.'