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Nidstang means, literally, "curse pole." The nidstang (sometimes called a "Nithing Pole," or "niding pole") is an ancient Scandinavian custom of formal cursing or hexing. A wooden pole or stake was inscribed with the intended consequence and erected with a ceremony. A horse's head and hide or carcass was placed atop the pole in the facing in the direction one wished to send the curse. Today, the nidstang is more likely to be virtual- an internet curse accompanied by a virtual horse's head (I'm sure the horses are relieved).

Erecting
a Nidstang
Related Resources:
- Asatru
The customs, history, and links on Norse Spirituality on About.com. - Runes-
The Alphabet of Odin
Discover the ancient oracular alphabet of the Norse, the meanings of the Runic characters, and learn how to do a basic divination with Runes. - Asatru
symbols
Emblems of Norse religion illustrated and explained.
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