Hagalaz (ᚺ) is the ninth rune in the Norse Futhark runic alphabet and represents the sound H. It also represents the concepts of hail and hailstones.
Hagalaz is also the first 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 rune represents both destruction and transformation. Hagalaz represents sudden and often violent disruption, which can feel like a storm ripping through your life. While it is painful, the storm is ultimately nourishing and allows for significant breakthroughs and growth.
The Hagalaz rune is linked with Thor, the god of thunder and storms. While Thor is the protector of mankind, he is also infamously fickle, known to act on temper and pride, causing destruction out of nowhere. In this way, he represents the two sides of power, the power to build but also destroy. This is also a reminder that destruction is often a precursor to transformation.
Hagalaz 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 Hagalaz rune.
Norwegian
Hail is the coldest of grain; Christ created the world of old.
Icelandic
Hail is gold grain and shower of sleet and sickness of serpents.
Anglo-Saxon
Hail is the whitest of grain; it is whirled from the vault of heaven and is tossed about by gusts of wind and then it melts into water
The poems represent the danger of hail in an agricultural age when it could destroy crops, resulting in periods of famine. But while hail is destructive, it also contains the seed of something new as it melts into the ground and fertilizes new growth.
Hagalaz in Divination
In divination practices, the Hagalaz rune can have several meanings:
- Disruption and Unexpected Change – Hagalaz is often a harbinger of change that promises to be disruptive and challenging. While it will likely be painful, the rune reassures that there is light and new growth on the other side.
- Trapped Energy – The rune can point towards stuck energy that is causing disruption and needs to be released for you to move forward. This can often lead to emotional release and healing.
- Fate – Hagalaz can be a reminder that while you control your life, the world moves forward according to its own rules, and your fate is tied up in that motion. Some things can’t be avoided, so rather than right, adapt and make the most of the hand you are dealt.
The position of the runestone in relation to the reader influences the reading:
- Upright: The Hagalaz rune warns of major upheaval. It cannot be avoided; the rune is warning you so that you can brace for impact and adopt the best possible attitude.
- Merkstave (reversed): The Hagalaz rune is one of the runes not typically read in reverse because it appears the same both in an upright and a reversed position.
- Sideways: In this case, the Hagalaz rune can be in place to push you towards change; you yourself could be the source of the upcoming upheaval.
How it should be read also depends on where it falls in relation to other runes.
- Combined with Fehu – a sudden loss of wealth, such as a market downfall or an unexpected expense
- Combined with Wunjo – a loss of joy, potentially the loss of someone close to you
- Combined with Isa – a cold crisis, which feels like a standstill but is still wreaking havoc on your life and your future
- Combined with Thurisaz – can indicate an open conflict that disrupts your life
Hagalaz Associations
Scorpio – a sign that needs to be in control and struggles when it is lost, and is a reminder that most things tend to come with a cost, or a burning sting
Eighth House – governs transformation, death, rebirth, and shared resources
Uranus and Pluto – the first is linked with sudden shifts and awakenings, while the second points to deep transformation and rebirth
The Tower – a warning that catastrophic or disastrous change is on the horizon that you can’t stop, but you can rebuild from the ashes
Five of Cups – suggests that you are feeling pessimistic about the future because of the past, and that it is time for a mindset reset
28 October-13 November – a time of confusion or catastrophe that you will have to get through, and then rebuild stronger than before
Hagalaz in Magical Rituals
Use the Hagalaz rune in magical rituals for controlled destruction, but with the warning that spells often have unexpected outcomes.
- Combine the Hagalaz rune with a white candle for candle magic spells to banish negative energy, obstacles, or bad habits.
- Write down something you need to break free from on a piece of paper and draw the Hagalaz rune on top, meditate on the image, and then burn or submerge the paper. Use the ash or water to feed spells for new growth.
Use the Hagalaz rune sparingly as it can be too unpredictable for every day challenges.
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