MEANING: Devotion to Odin, found on old Norse stone carvings. Also called Hrungnir's heart and the Knot of the Slain; Suggestive of the Nine Fates of the Norse. To the followers of the Asatru faith, it demonstrates a willingness to join Odin's chosen warriors anytime He calls.
Another aspect of this symbol is the numbers three and nine. Three has been a common symbol in many cultures and religions, as is itself multiplied...the number nine. In Norse mythology, nine is significant because of the nine worlds that are united by Yggdrasil (the World Tree). The nine points of the Valknut could symbolize the nine worlds and their interconnected nature.
THE CARVING: Our carvings are single pieces of western red cedar, designed and carved to be wall hangings. Each carving begins as a 1 X 12 inch cedar board. While we use power tools (Scroll Saw, Rotary shaft Tool, handheld detail sanders etc.), we use no lasers, CNC machines or computer operated cutting machines. All work is done with our hands and eyes…
We cut the 2 dimensional blanks with scroll and jig saws (double-sized custom orders have to be cut with jigsaw). Carving is done with rotary shaft tools and disc grinders. The 80 grit sanding is the final phase of the carving process, removing the nicks and gouges from the carving tools, and finishes the shaping of the weave. The next 2 sandings with 120 then 220 grit finishes the smoothing and polishing. They are finished with Clear Danish Oil to seal the piece, bringing out the grain and the color.
