Sowilo (ᛋ) is the sixteenth rune in the Norse Futhark runic alphabet and represents the sound s. It also represents the concepts of the sun, the ultimate energetic force that brings life, success, and clarity.
Sowilo is also the eighth 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 Sowilo rune usually represents success in your endeavours. It also indicates strong positive forces in your life, which could be your own energy or that coming from people around you. The light of Sowilo can also shine a light on situations and provide clarity.
The Sowilo rune is linked with the goddess Sol, who rides her sun chariot across the sky each day, lighting the day. She is constantly chased by the pair of wolves Skoll and Hati (treachery and hatred), who are destined to catch the sin and the moon, Mani, at Ragnarok, plunging the world into darkness. It is a reminder that while the energy of the sun is strong, it is under threat. Protect your energy against those who would try to devour it for themselves.
Sowilo 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 many runes.
Norwegian
Sun is the light of the world; I bow to the divine decree
Icelandic
Sin is the shield of the clouds and shining rays and destroyer of ice
Anglo-Saxon
The sun is ever a joy in the hopes of seafarers when they journey away over the fishes’ bath, until the courser of the deep bears them to land.
These poems point to the overwhelming power of the sun and the central role that it played in the Norse world as a bringer of light, especially after the long, cold winter. The Norse also considered the sun a guide. In this way, it is linked with the magical runic stave Vegivisir. According to the Icelandic grimoires, carry the rune, and you will never lose your way, even if you do not know your intended destination.
Sowilo in Divination
In divination practices, the Sowilo rune represents positive energy, success, clarity, and illumination.
- Positive Energy – Sowilo can point to positive energy in your life, whether it be the positive energy that you project into the world, or which you allow into your life when you open your heart
- Success – the rune can be a sign that you are on the right path and that you can expect the fruits of your labour in the near future
- Vitality – Sowilo can suggest that you are full of energy, or point in the direction of things that you can find to boost your energy
- Clarity – the Sowilo rune can shine a light on things that were previously obscure
- Personal Growth – the sun gives life, and when it shines a light on you, it can be the harbinger of personal growth
The position of the runestone in relation to the reader influences the reading:
- Upright: The Sowilo rune points to growth, vitality, and success, and is always a positive sign in your reading
- Merkstave (reversed): Sowilo reversed suggests that you are misdirecting your energy and warns of burnout or becoming involved in negative thoughts
- Sideways: In this case, the Sowilo run can suggest the need to reconnect with your why and the source of your energy
How it should be read also depends on where it falls in relation to other runes.
- Combined with Tiwaz – achievement through fairness and integrity
- Combined with Ansuz – clarity of thought and successful communication
- Combined with Algiz – shielding your success from the exploitation of others
- Combined with Raidho – purposeful progress towards a goal
- Combined with Fehu – a period of prosperity and growth
Sowilo Associations
Leo – a powerful sign that suggests a person illuminated by their own internal fire
Fifth House – governs creativity, joy, play, and personal expression
The Sun – governs vitality, purpose, visibility, and self-expression
The Sun – reflects the way that energy impacts your life, positively and negatively
Ace of Wands – symbolises inspiration, creativity, and the spark of new ideas or passions
13-27 February – a period to focus on self-growth and indulging in the things you love
Sowilo in Magical Rituals
Use the Sowilo rune in magical rituals to boost your energy, encourage success, and shine a light on things that are obscure.
- Combine the Sowilo rune with a yellow candle for candle magic spells for success, personal growth, and to build energy
- Wear the Sowilo rune to protect your energy and prevent burnout
- Draw the Sowilo rune on a mirror or place it at the bottom of a bowl of water that you can gaze into as you seek clarity on an issue
- Visualize the Sowilo rune during chakra work and energy healing
Use the Vegvisir runic stave for spiritual guidance along your path.
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