If you are starting out with Elder Futhark divination readings, you’re probably still getting to grips with their meanings. So if you’ve drawn the Ehwaz rune, you’re curious about what it means.
The Ehwaz rune is associated with loyalty and trust. It is the nineteenth symbol of the Elder Futhark alphabet. The Ehwaz sign is ruled under Tyr’s aett. The Ehwaz symbol also relates to teamwork and journeys.
That’s a brief idea of the Ehwaz symbol, but if you want to know more, keep reading. This guide will tell you everything you want to know about this rune symbol.
You’ll also learn how to use it with divination and energy work.
Let’s get started.
What is the Ehwaz Rune?
Ehwaz is the nineteenth symbol of the Elder Futhark Runes. You pronounce it as eh-wahz.
The whole elder futhark alphabet is split into three lots of eight. A Norse deity rules over each set as an aettir (family).
Ehwaz is the third symbol of the third (Tyr’s) Aett. This set of runes is ruled by Tyr, the Norse god of law, order, and justice.
Tyr’s aett represents experiences that challenge our progress from primal to the divine self. They bring about the development of your full potential. These runes help to navigate the human condition and broader issues of society.
The Ehwaz Rune represents the journeys we need to take to move forward. We must collaborate with others and even our higher guidance to reach our goals.
In addition to Ehwaz, the other symbols in this Aettir include the:
What is the Meaning of the Ehwaz Rune?
In a general rune reading, Ehwaz symbolizes faithfulness. This may be to your own goals or to those you care for.
The translation of Ehwaz is a horse.
This description relates to the relationship between a horse and its rider. There needs to be a high degree of trust and reliability between them. The horse plays a vital role in taking the rider on a journey to new territory.
The Ehwaz rune harnesses the energy of accountability. It’s a rune of marriage, partners, and friendships. It focuses on relationships at a one-to-one level.
Ehwaz can also relate to your personal responsibilities. There are standards that society sets for us to live in harmony. As humans, we have a duty to make an effort to live up to these standards.
Consider Ehwaz as the journey you take to make the necessary changes to improve your life. It highlights the importance of close support networks to get there.
Taking the road less traveled can be scary, but not when you have the support of a trustworthy companion. It will lead to bigger and better things in the long run.
Ehwaz Keywords:
- Trust
- Loyalty
- Teamwork
- Accountability
- Journey
How to read the Ehwaz Rune
Rune divination starts with you having a question or intention in mind. Drawing the Ehwaz rune can bring answers to that which you seek guidance.
We’ve already discussed the general meaning of the Ehwaz rune. Yet, you may find this doesn’t really relate to your intention or question.
Ehwaz is not a chief rune for some intentions. On its own, it doesn’t always give the depth of answer you need.
When you’ve drawn an Ehwaz rune, it’s always better you get context from the neighboring runes. Often the order you read them will give you more details about the message of the Ehwaz.
On that note, the meanings in this guide are not set in stone. As a beginner, they may help you decipher the message’s meaning in your rune reading.
Use your own judgment and intuition to guide you through.
Can Ehwaz be reversed?
Ehwaz is a rune that can be reversed. That means a mirrored, inverted, or reversed position carries a shadow meaning (merkstave).
Reading a reversed rune is subjective. Some only consider it a merkstave rune if it falls at a position 180° flipped from upright (e.g the first rune above). Any other position is considered upright.
Another option is if a rune falls at an obscure angle, it is rotated in a clockwise direction until it reaches an upright or reversed position. This is shown in the other three examples above.
When Ehwaz is reversed, it relates to a lack of trust. This may be with yourself or someone else. You are having doubts about how honest or committed one is to their obligations.
It can also relate to changes made without much thought or consideration. You’ve not taken the time to think things through. Acting this way will not lead to positive outcomes.
You may choose not to consider a reversed Ehwaz as a meaning. But, you could be missing an important message from the Divine.
Ehwaz For Love
Upright
An Ehwaz rune in a love intention is about as good as it gets. If you are in a relationship, then Ehwaz represents that you have found your twin flame. It’s an intense connection that most lovers can only hope for.
Ehwaz is strongly linked to a happy and healthy marriage, a great sign if you are engaged or hoping for a proposal.
If you’re single, that’s about to change. A trustworthy and reliable love interest is about to come into your life. Take it slow with one another and enjoy building a solid foundation.
Reversed
Drawing a reversed Ehwaz is a sign of disharmony in your relationship. You and your partner are not in sync, and you have different goals for the future.
There is mistrust on one side, stopping you from creating a deeper connection.
A reversed Ehwaz reminds you that physical attraction is not enough to sustain a relationship. For long-lasting love, Choose a partner you connect with physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Ehwaz for Family and Friends
Upright
Ehwaz is an excellent rune representing the importance of relationships with family and friends. It highlights a particular family member or friend rather than the group as a whole.
The person you have in mind is a significant supporter and has always been your biggest cheerleader.
Ehwaz reminds you to continue nurturing this relationship. Ensure you are putting in as much as you are getting back.
Reversed
A reversed Ehwaz can signal you have conflict or disagreements with one particular family member or friend. You do not see eye to eye with this person.
Something about them annoys you, or you don’t agree with their behaviors or beliefs. Stop blaming them for your frustrations. Only you can control your reactions.
A good therapist may help you get to the bottom of long-running issues which you can push past.
Ehwaz for Health and wellbeing
Upright
Ehwaz drawn for health indicates that you have the supports to help tackle a current illness. This may be someone helping you with your physical or mental health.
It may suggest you have the right team of health professionals to provide your care.
If you are trying for a baby, Ehwaz is often linked to twin pregnancies.
Reversed
Drawing a reversed Ehwaz signals that you need to reconnect with your body to maintain your health. Consider if you’ve been mindlessly eating, ignoring aches and pains, or trying to numb your mind with alcohol or drugs.
Yoga and breathing exercises are highly beneficial practices that help you to attune with your body. They bring balance and harmony between your physical and emotional bodies.
Ehwaz For Money and finances
Upright
In money matters, drawing the Ehwaz rune can signal that now is the time to work in partnership with someone. This may be a trustworthy financial advisor who can steer you in the right direction.
Ehwaz relates to stability with finances. You should not expect to gain or lose money during this time.
Reversed
A reversed Ehwaz indicates that you are making hasty financial decisions. You’re not considering the long-term consequences.
Now is the time to slow down and think about what each choice means for your future.
Don’t trust someone you don’t really know to advise you on money matters; especially if they are putting time pressure on you. Talk to others first or get feedback from previous clients first.
Ehwaz for Career
Upright
When Ehwaz is drawn in career intention, it signals a strong partnership with someone in the same field. Perhaps you are starting a business or you have been assigned to a project with a colleague. The outcome looks positive for this endeavor.
The Ehwaz rune relates to change. Now is the time to go for it if you’re considering applying for a job or changing careers. Just remember to do your due diligence first.
Reversed
A reversed Ehwaz can indicate that someone in your team is not pulling their weight. This is causing stress as you need to take on their share of the workload.
Conflict and tensions are high between you and another person, creating a bad work environment.
A reverse Ehwaz may warn you of starting a romantic relationship with someone in the workplace, as it won’t end well.
Ehwaz for Personal development
Upright
With a personal development intention, Ehwaz can relate to your accountability to yourself. You are continuing to strive toward your goals, despite there being challenges along the way.
Ehwaz signals that traveling may be on the card for you. You’re likely to do this with a friend or partner you know is trustworthy and reliable. If it’s something you’ve always wanted to do, then grab the opportunity with both hands.
Reversed
Ehwaz reversed indicates that you are lacking momentum to reach your goals. Consider changing your habits to make your goals easier to stick to.
A reversed Ehwaz can signal that you are fearful and doubt that you can achieve your goal. You’re panicking that you’ve been over-optimistic.
Even if you work slower, you still do better than if you did nothing. Use your support networks for motivation
Ehwaz for Spirituality
Upright
Ehwaz reversed indicates that you are on an internal spiritual journey. You are transforming into a better version of yourself.
Keep an open mind to what messages the divine is sending your way. Ehwaz represents a deeper understanding of yourself, making you more trusting of your intuition.
Ehwaz can also relate to starting a spiritual journey with a partner or close friend.
Reversed
A negative Ehwaz often indicates that you are trying to take the easy road to avoid challenges. You’re trying to ignore the work you have to do.
Are you overworking, using substances, or mindlessly scrolling Instagram and tik tok? Instead, use this time to connect to the spiritual.
Be wary of a romantic relationship forming between you and a spiritual advisor. This is an abuse of power, and Ehwaz warns you to proceed cautiously.
Magical uses of the Ehwaz Rune
- Facilitation soul travel
- Imparting trust and loyalty in relationships
- Facilitation quick changes
- Awakening the inner mind
- Bringing harmony to relationships
Ehwaz Rune Associations
The Ehwaz rune connects with many other universal energies. These may suggest ways to incorporate the Ehwaz energy into your divination work.
Ehwaz corresponds with the following
| Animals | Horse |
| Archangel | Raphael |
| Body | Spine, back |
| Chakra | Heart |
| Colour | White |
| Crystals | Smoky Quartz |
| Element | Air |
| God/Goddesses | Odin, Freya and Frey |
| Half month | March 31st – April 14th |
| Hour | 06.30-07.30 |
| Incense | Grapefruit |
| Letter | E |
| Number | 19 |
| Ruling planet | Venus |
| Tarot | The Lovers |
| Tree | Ash |
| Zodiac | Gemini |
Ehwaz Rune Poems
Anglo-Saxon Ehwaz Poem
The horse is joy to princes in the presence of warriors,
A steed in the pride of its hooves,
when rich men discuss it,
it is ever a comfort to the restless.
There are no Icelandic or Norwegian poems for Ehwaz.
Ehwaz Galdr (Runic Chant)
Ehwo ehwo ehwo Eeeeeehwoooo Ehwu ehwa ehwi ehwe ehwo ehwo ehwe ehwi ehwa ehwu eeeeeehwoooooo
Rune Ehwaz Other Names
- Old Germanic name: Eys
- Old Norwegian name: Ehol, Ior
- Anglo-Saxon name: Eh, Eoh
- Old Celtic name: Eirich
- Old Icelandic name: Eh, Eol
Final thoughts
Ehwaz is a rune of partnership and teamwork, and how this help to support us through life’s journeys.
This is a rune of trust and loyalty. Holding on to these values makes us accountable to others and ourselves. Forming solid bonds for support through the challenges.
Ehwaz reminds us of the duality of life. That we always have choices to make. If we make these decisions slowly and steadily, we can bring harmony and balance to our lives.
Connection and communication are vital with Ehwaz. Once you iron out misunderstandings, the journey becomes more straightforward.
Clarity and focus are gained when you listen and collaborate with others and your divine guidance.
In the reversed position, Ehwaz reminds you to be on high alert for dishonesty and mistrust. Not everyone has your back. This is a challenge for you to face, but the lesson is worth its weight in gold.
Take the time to listen to your intuition and work on getting to the root of challenging issues.
Use the Ehwaz rune to harness these energies into your life and divination work.
