Eihwaz (ᛇ) is the thirteenth rune in the Norse Futhark runic alphabet and represents the sound ae or eo. It also represents the concepts of the yew tree, which embodies resilience and transformation.
Jera is also the fifth rune in the second aett. The Norse runes are divided into three eight-rune families, which represent distinct themes. The second aett is ruled by Heimdall and represents challenge, transformation, and disruption.
In divination, the Eihwaz represents the challenge of standing tall when the world is in chaos around you. It shows you deep roots allow you to stand firm and experience transformational growth. It is a reminder that death is the first stage in rebirth, and while rock bottom can feel hard, it is a place to grow from.
The Eihwaz is linked with the world tree Yggdrasil, that acts as the backbone of the Norse cosmos, with the nine realms tucked among its roots and branches. Yggdrasil may have been a yew tree, though this is nowhere definitely established. That Yggdrasil is also described as being constantly in pain as the creatures that live in it are always eating its leaves and gnawing on its bark. Nevertheless, Yggdrasil stands tall and flourishes.
Eihwaz Rune Poems
Our understanding of the Old Norse runes comes from rune poems, which provide explanatory stanzas for each letter. There are Norwegian, Icelandic, and Anglo-Saxon poems for the Eihwaz rune.
Norwegian
Yew is the greenest of trees in winter; when it burns, it sputters
Icelandic
Yew is bent bow and brittle iron and Farbauti of the arrow
Anglo-Saxon
The yew outside is a rough-barked tree, but strong and firm, guard of fires, by deep roots upheld, joy to the home
These poems highlight the innate strength of the seemingly humble yew tree. English longbows were made from yew and were tough enough to penetrate the plate armor of knights. The deep roots of yew trees indicate a connection to the past, considered highly important among the Norse, who believed they shared part of their soul with their ancestors.
Eihwaz in Divination
In divination practices, the Eihwaz rune can have several meanings:
- Endurance and Resilience – it can be a reminder to stand tall in the face of adversity because you can weather the storm
- Transformation – the Eihwaz rune is a reminder that you can rebuild from destruction, just as new saplings grow from the seeds of burnt yew trees
- Establish Deep Roots – remember that success needs to be built on a strong foundation, so water your roots and pay attention to your fundamentals so that you can grow strong
- Connection – remember that you are connected and need to feed your important relationships, but don’t feed the relationships that sap you of positive energy
The position of the runestone in relation to the reader influences the reading:
- Upright: The Eihwaz rune encourages you to trust yourself to stand tall in times of adversity and remember that you can build yourself back up after challenges
- Merkstave (reversed): The Eihwaz rune reversed suggests that you are trying to build something strong on weak foundations and need to make changes there before you continue to grow
- Sideways: In this case, the Eihwaz rune can point you towards connections that need attention
How it should be read also depends on where it falls in relation to other runes.
- Combined with Algiz – a connection or guardian who provides you with protection
- Combined with Perthro – challenge that puts you on the path to a new fate
- Combined with Jera – the need to plant new seeds to allow you to grow
- Combined with Isa – a stagnant period during which you are focusing on your foundations to allow for future growth
- Combined with Sowilo – a coming triumph over trials
Eihwaz Associations
Scorpio – a Strong exterior with intense emotions just beneath the surface
Eighth House – governs transformation, shared resources, and the occult
Pluto – the planet of transformation, death, and rebirth
Death – is a harbinger of change, but is a reminder that endings are also beginnings
Nine of Wands – symbolizes resilience, persistence, and the readiness to face challenges despite setbacks
28 December-13 January – a time to be resilient in the face of challenges
Eihwaz in Magical Rituals
Use the Eihwaz rune in magical rituals for protection, endurance, strength, and transformation.
- Combine the Isa rune with a white candle for candle magic spells to promote strength or a green candle to aid in transformation
- Wear the Eihwaz rune as a protective talisman or to enhance your inner strength
- Draw the Eihwaz rune on entrances to spaces to dispel negative energy
- Use the Eiwaz rune to anchor yourself during astral projection of spiritual communication
The Norse carved the Eihwaz onto funerary goods to mark the transition into the next life.
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