Eihwaz Rune
Transformation, Slow Growth, and the Connection Between Worlds
Eihwaz Rune in the Poetic Edda
Eihwaz is one of the most mystical runes, connecting the world of the living and the world of the dead through the image of Yggdrasil (the yew/ash tree). It is a rune of deep transformation through trials. Therefore, the Twelfth Spell of Odin represents the pure magic of Eihwaz: Odin’s ability to interact with those hanged on a tree, returning them to dialogue from the realm of the dead.
Hávamál, Stanza 157:
“Þat kann ek it tolfta:
ef ek sé á tré uppi
váfa virgilná,
svá ek ríst
ok í rúnum fák,
at sá gengr gumi
ok mælir við mik.”
I know that a twelfth:
if I see up in a tree
a corpse swinging from a gallows,
so I carve
and paint in runes,
that the man walks
and speaks with me.
Revival of the Dead: Odin claims that he is capable of making a dead person speak. For instance, if he sees a hanged man on a tree, he can carve and color the runes in such a way that the deceased will return to life and speak with him.
Practice of Necromancy: In Old Norse mythology, hanged men were frequently sacrificed to Odin. Consequently, this verse reflects an ancient shamanic ritual of communicating with spirits in order to learn the secrets of the other world from them or to receive advice.
Power of Runes: This stanza demonstrates the immense power of the runic art. In the worldview of the Vikings, runes were not just an alphabet, but sacred tools. Furthermore, they were capable of controlling life and death.
General Meaning of the Eihwaz Rune
The Eihwaz rune symbolizes the yew tree, which is associated with endurance, changes, and protection. It represents transformation through completions and brand-new beginnings.
In northern countries, the yew was a traditional tree growing on graves. Therefore, it is a symbol of death and eternal life, since it can reach an age of more than two thousand years.
The yew also symbolizes the world tree, Yggdrasil. Although Yggdrasil is often considered an ash tree, it is called “evergreen,” which is more suitable for the yew. In addition, the yew is called the “thorny ash.” Eihwaz symbolizes the world pillar that connects the higher worlds with the lower ones. Consequently, Eihwaz represents communication and travel between worlds.
This rune calls for the acceptance of changes and trust in life cycles. It teaches that completions should not be feared, but should instead be viewed as necessary transitions.
Reading the Eihwaz Rune
Upright Position
Transformation, slow growth, connection between worlds, interaction with otherworldly entities, rebirth.
Reversed Position
Eihwaz has no reversed form. Because the symbol is completely symmetrical when turned upside down, this rune is non-reversible.
Eihwaz Rune in Love and Relationships
In love, this rune speaks of the completion of the old and the beginning of the new. Thus, Eihwaz teaches you not to be afraid of changes.
Eihwaz Rune in Career and Finance
In career readings, procrastination will benefit you! It is much better to have slow but steady growth rather than unpredictable leaps.
