I encircle myself with this rod and entrust myself to Gods grace, against the sore stitch, against the sore bite, against the grim dread, against the great fear that is loathsome to everyone, and against all evil that enters the land. A victory charm I sing, a victory rod I bear, word-victory, work-victory. May they avail me; that no mere obstruct me, nor foe oppress me, nor my life turn to terror, but save me, Almighty, Son and Holy Ghost, Lord worthy of all glory, as I have heard, heaven's Shaper. Abraham and Isaac and such men, Moses and Jacob, and David and Joseph, and Eve and Anna and Elizabeth, Zacharias and also Mary, Christ's mother, and also the brothers, Peter and Paul, and also thousands of thy angels, I call on to fend me against all fiends. May they lead and guard me and protect my path, wholly keep me and rule me, guiding my works; to me the hope of glory, the hand on my head, may the host of holy ones, the company of conquering, righteous angels, be. In blithe mood I bid them all that Matthew be my helm, Mark my coat of mail, strong light of my life, Luke my sword, sharp and bright-edged, John my shield, gloriously adorned, Seraph of the roads. Forth I fare; I shall find friends, all the glory of angels, the lore of the blessed. I pray now the God of victory, the mercy of God, for a good journey, a calm and light wind from these shores. I have heard of winds rouse whirling waters. Ever secure against all fiends, may I meet with friends, that I may dwell in the peace of the Almighty, protected from the evil one who seeks my life established in the glory of the angels, and in the hold hand of the Mighty One of heaven, whilst I may live in this life. Amen. (Translation from Anglo-Saxon Verse Charms, Maxims and Heroic Legends by Louis J Rodrigues. |
Charm For a Journey- Modern English |
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updated on: July 22,
2003
