The power of fascination or enchantment is one of the more commonly given powers associated with practitioners of magic. Yet, it seems to be the least mentioned ability in many books dealing with magic. The only sources that I have yet to find that deal with it are Agrippa (in his classic 3 books) Paul Huson in Mastering Witchcraft, and Jason Miller in the Sorcerer’s Secrets. It is such a useful technique; it is surprising that so many people seem to ignore it.
For myself, I have found that the aegishjalmur, or the helm of awe (or terror), is a most useful symbol in working this kind of magic, both in a general way and in working with the specific application when interacting with a specific person. I also combine the aegishjalmur with the ideas and techniques presented by the three authors above, so it makes it a pretty effective tool in my bag of tricks.
When you are first starting out, I highly recommend actual putting the aegishjalmur on your forehead. A method described in the galdrabok indicates doing so with your own spit, so work up a good mouthful of saliva (you’ll need it) and using your left index finger, put the aegishjalmur on your forehead. It’s not going to be perfect, so don’t try to make it that way. When you are finished, press your index finger into the center of the symbol and say:
“The helm of awe is upon my brow. Let all strife be stemmed, let all wrath be run away, Let all people look upon me with favor, as the Lady looks upon the Lord with favor and may the world and land be gracious as friends.”
Channel some ond into the symbol and then continue on about your day. You could also use an appropriate condition oil to put the symbol on your forehead, but I find that makes me break out, and having facial blemishes doesn’t really help one in social interaction.
This is the basic set-up for working with the aegishjalmur and using it for persuasion and influence. When it comes time to work on someone specifically, well, you should already have done this. When you find yourself entering into a situation where you want the influence of the helm, start channeling ond into the figure on your forehead. Feel it light up with energy, and start glowing, and that glow starts to wrap itself around you. As you continue to power it, you should also start to feel it acting upon the third eye and perhaps feel ond flow into the subtle channels of the eyes from there. I find that with fascination, eye contact is important. The ond that will radiate from the eyes will carry emotions and desires with it, and for it to “hit” it needs to meet the eyes of the desired target. So, make eye contact. Often times the eye contact will instantly get the attention of the target once it is made, because in this day and age it seems eye contact is something that many people avoid. Depending upon how you want to influence the target, try and keep your face relaxed but following the general intention, i.e., try a subtle smile (practice it) if you are trying to entice the person, and do a subtle frown or tighten your jaw a little if you’re trying to intimidate the target.
Once you have the target’s gaze (even if for a second) then continue to move forward. Play a game of cat and mouse, where you are present, but just out of reach. Talk to them briefly, but then indicate you need to go elsewhere (to friends, refresh your drink) to give them space, but then return after a few minutes. If you find the opportunity presents itself, give them an acceptable and friendly touch. The touch should also be charged with ond and your intention, whether it is a handshake or an “accidental” tap with the elbow against their elbow or arm. Of course, if all is going well, they should be paying rapt attention to you, and find ignoring your difficult. If your goal is to get into close contact/quarters with the target, once that occurs, start delivering ond with your breath, your gaze and your touch, all channeled through the helm of awe.
RUNEWORKER 