Nauthiz (ᚾ) is the tenth rune in the Norse Futhark runic alphabet and represents the sound N. It also represents the concepts of need or necessity.
Nauthiz is also the second 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 Nauthiz rune represents a lack or unfulfilled need, but also the strength and ingenuity that can emerge from dealing with this; after all, necessity is the mother of invention. Therefore, it can point both to hardship, but also the fire in your belly that will see you overcome that hardship.
The Nauthiz rune is linked with Odin, the god known to make big sacrifices for what he needs. He plucked out his eye to drink from the Well of Wisdom and sacrificed himself on the world tree Yggdrasil to learn the secrets of the runes. Odin was also the mastermind behind the binding of the wolf Fenrir, who represented one of the most dangerous forces in the Norse cosmos.
Odin knows this, as he is also always accompanied by two wolves, Geri and Freki (greed and ravenous). They are aspects of Odin that serve as the fire on his belly, but they must constantly be fed! Odin himself does not eat and just drinks, giving the food on his plate to his wolves. They are a source of strength, but also danger.
Nauthiz 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
Constraint gives scant choice; a naked man is chilled by the frost.
Icelandic
Constrain is grief of the bond-maid and state of oppression and toilsome work.
Anglo-Saxon
Trouble is oppressive to the heart; yet often it proves a source of help and salvation to the children of men, to everyone who heeds it betimes.
The poems point to the dangers of necessity, especially at a time when a bad harvest or a lack of clean drinking water could spell death. But they also point to the fact that wonderful things can sometimes emerge from the harshest conditions, but only if you take action. There is no point just sitting back and waiting for salvation.
Nauthiz in Divination
In divination practices, the Nauthiz rune can have several meanings:
- Hardship and Challenge – it can point to a time of necessity in the near future to prepare you to adapt to this cold winter
- True Need – we often confuse wants and needs, and the Nauthiz rune can show up to point us towards where our true needs lie
- Resourcefulness – when struggling with necessity, the Nauthiz rune can point you towards the resources that are at your disposal and help you reframe your challenges and solutions
- Self-Discipline – Nauthiz can encourage the self-discipline necessary to get through lean times
- Problem-Solving – the rune can push you to think outside the box and find creative solutions to your problems
The position of the runestone in relation to the reader influences the reading:
- Upright: The Nauthiz rune often points towards a necessity, but with a problem-solving rather than defeatist mentality
- Merkstave (reversed): Nauthiz can indicate that you are resisting what needs to be done to overcome a problem, whether that be making sacrifices or accepting help
- Sideways: In this case, Nauthiz can suggest that your priorities are off balance and you need to identify where you real needs are
How it should be read also depends on where it falls in relation to other runes.
- Combined with Fehu – financial necessity and the need to make changes to how you spend your resources
- Combined with Uruz – suggests that your strength and stamina will be tested by a period of lack
- Combined with Hagalaz – indicates a sudden crisis that will leave you wanting, such as job loss
- Combined with Kenaz – suggests that creative solutions exist for your current challenge
- Combined with Jera – you will need patience to endure hardship until the tide turns
Nauthiz Associations
Capricorn – an earth sign associated with careful planning and self-discipline
Sixth House – governs daily work, health, and service
Saturn – the planet of limitations and life lessons
The Hanged Man – reminds you that you are not always stuck and you need to think differently to overcome challenges
Nine of Wands – symbolizes resilience, persistence, and the readiness to face challenges despite setbacks
13-28 November – difficult times during which you need to pay more attention to where you are spending your energy and resources
Nauthiz in Magical Rituals
Use the Nauthiz rune in magical rituals to overcome obstacles and cultivate self-discipline.
- Combine the Nauthiz rune with a black candle for candle magic spells to banish negative energy, obstacles, or bad habits.
- Inscribe the Nauthiz rune on amulets designed to encourage self-discipline and inner strength.
- Meditate on the Nauthiz rune when looking to discover creative solutions to challenging problems.
The Valkyrie Sigrfirda told the hero Sigurd to scratch the Nauthiz rune on his drinking vessel to ensure that no witch could contaminate his drink.
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