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 Eihwaz rune, you’re curious about what it means.
The Eihwaz rune is associated with endings and regeneration. It is the thirteenth symbol of the Elder Futhark alphabet. The Eihwaz sign is ruled under Hagal’s aett. The Eihwaz symbol also relates to endurance and the cycle of life and death.
That’s a brief idea of the Eihwaz 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 Eihwaz Rune?
Eihwaz is the thirteenth symbol of the Elder Futhark Runes. You pronounce it as eh-waz.
The whole elder futhark alphabet is split into three lots of eight. A Norse deity rules over each set as an aettir (family).
Eihwaz is the fifth symbol of the second (Hagal’s) Aett. This set of runes is ruled by Heimdall, the Norse god of perception and foresight.
Hagal’s aett represents runes that encourage action with self. They bring about introspection and fortitude. These runes help to navigate the hardships of being human and encourage us with the will to push forward.
The Eihwaz Rune represents the journey of you recognizing outdated knowledge or behaviors. Then sacrificing these to allow you to grow as a person.
In addition to Eihwaz, the other symbols in this Aettir include the:
What is the Meaning of the Eihwaz Rune?
In a general rune reading, Eihwaz symbolizes death or endings of old ways to allow the rebirth of changes.
The translation means ‘Yew Tree.’
In ancient times the Yew tree was mighty. It is associated with death as its leaves and berries can poison humans and animals.
In Norse Mythology, the Tree of Yggdrasil, the central and sacred tree of life is a Yew. It has an energy flow to remind you always to be truthful and humble.
Eihwaz reminds you that stagnation of learning or the quest for knowledge will be your death. Don’t think you ‘know it all’; there is always something new for you to learn.
The Yew tree also symbolizes the strength and longevity of Eihwaz. It encourages using your energy wisely. You cannot give back if you are consistently low energy or overworked. Being flexible and resilient will keep you protected in hard times.
Eihwaz is a rune of transitions. Any loss can be frightening, but trust the process because the results will be liberating.
Eihwaz Keywords:
- Death
- Regeneration
- Transition
- Rebirth
- Transformation
How to read the Eihwaz Rune
Rune divination starts with you having a question or intention in mind. Drawing the Eihwaz rune can bring answers to that which you seek guidance.
We’ve already discussed the general meaning of the Eihwaz rune. Yet, you may find this doesn’t really relate to your intention or question.
Eihwaz 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 Eihwaz 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 Eihwaz.
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 Eihwaz be reversed?
The Eihwaz rune cannot be reversed. That’s because the symbol looks the same in upright and reversed positions. Therefore, it’s impossible to know which one is intended.
Although the Eihwaz rune doesn’t have a typical reverse (merkstave) position, it can ‘lie in opposition.’
Some rune casters will assign a negative meaning to Eihwaz in a sideways position.
Negativity may also be evident from other runes that have been cast.
A negative Eihwaz reading can signal the worsening of a situation without hope. You are unwilling to let go of old ways which continue to hold you back.
You are experiencing stagnation in your life. The message is that you have to keep learning to move forward. You may uncover the knowledge that flips your life upside down.
You may choose not to consider Eihwaz lying in opposition as a meaning. But, you could be missing an important message from the Divine.
Eihwaz For Love
Upright
An Eihwaz rune in a love intention can indicate a shift. You and your partner are now changing old toxic behaviors in your relationship.
The Eihwaz may symbolize a new phase in your relationship that has changed your identity. Becoming a parent or a spouse can lead to the loss of your name. It’s a period to navigate a new part of your identity.
In Opposition
Drawing negative Eihwaz for a love intention signals that you are unwilling to change your ways to improve your relationship. Continuing on this path will likely spell the end of your relationship.
Eihwaz in opposition can also represent unresolved issues. This is a topic you have swept under the rug and never addressed. You cannot move on until you work through these issues.
If you are single, a reversed Eihwaz may indicate you are unwilling to let go of a past love. Until you do, new relationships cannot blossom.
Eihwaz for Family and Friends
Upright
When Eihwaz is drawn for matters of family and friends, it’s often linked to a separation. This is likely due to someone physically moving away or being unavailable rather than the relationship ending.
When you lose someone from your support circle, dynamics will shift significantly. You will also need to consider navigating a hard time without their presence if they were a big part of your network.
In Opposition
A negative Eihwaz usually signals resistance to change with your family and friends. This may be because they are not accepting the changes that you are trying to make in your life.
Issues cannot be glossed over or left unresolved. If you attempt this route, it will undo your relationship with family or friends.
Eihwaz in opposition, can also indicate the death of a loved one.
Eihwaz for Health and wellbeing
Upright
Eihwaz drawn for health can be scary to see, but it does not necessarily represent literal death. In health intentions, Eihwaz is conveying that your health is improving and you are on the road to recovery.
This is a rune that relates strongly to spinal health and mental and emotional health.
The upright Eihwaz for health is extremely positive. Your physical health is transitioning for the better. Even if you still feel ill, keep a positive outlook; this is only temporary.
In Opposition
Drawing a negative Eihwaz can often relate to denial of a health issue. This may be that you are not complying with treatment. Or perhaps you are resisting seeking medical review.
Without addressing your health issues, your condition is likely to deteriorate. An issue that can be addressed now may become irreversible and contribute to an early death.
A negative Eihwaz may also indicate a relapse of a health issue.
Eihwaz For Money and finances
Upright
In money matters, drawing the Eihwaz rune indicates that being frugal will pay off for you. You may need to let go of some unnecessary expenses.
This is a rune of saving over spending. You sacrifice giving up what you want now in order to get better things in the future.
The Eihwaz rune reminds you that learning is key to growing. At this moment, your future will benefit from the work you put into learning more about financial security.
In Opposition
An Eihwaz in opposition can indicate poor financial literacy. Despite a deteriorating financial situation, you have not changed your spending habits.
You may resist giving up something that is causing you significant financial strain. Or you are continuing to spend when you should be paying off debts.
The message from Eihwaz is that the hardship you feel will be temporary compared to the future benefits to your financial situation.
Eihwaz for Career
Upright
When Eihwaz is drawn in career intention, it signals a significant change in your current role. This may just be as simple as creating a better work/life balance to restore your energy.
Changing careers is strongly associated with Eihwaz. You’re leaving one behind that no longer serves you and starting afresh with a new career.
If you’ve been toying with the idea of moving on, this is your sign. Just know that the changes you are about to make will pay off in the future.
In Opposition
Eihwaz, in opposition, can indicate that you are staying put in your current job role due to fear of change. Often you reason that your situation isn’t great, but it could be worse.
But what if you do it could be so much better. Staying put will not give you the chance to experience that.
Continuing to give to a role that no longer serves you will only make you resentful. This will likely start to impact your physical and mental health.
Eihwaz for Personal development
Upright
Eihwaz is a rune of transition to the positive. You need to dig deep and consider what changes need to be made in your life. This process will be painful, and it won’t be easy.
Self-care is one aspect of personal development that align with Eihwaz. It’s a rune that reminds you that your energy is powerful. If you give too much of it, you will burn out.
You may need to focus on developing boundaries and learning to say no to things that drain your energy.
In Opposition
Eihwaz, in opposition for personal development, can indicate you are taking too much from others and not giving back. You are being selfish, needy, and demanding. This causes an imbalance of energy between you and others.
You must address these emotions and confront why you are acting this way. Failure to do so will likely result in losing friends, family, or romantic relationships.
Eihwaz for Spirituality
Upright
Drawing an Eihwaz rune relates to spiritual transformation. The Eihwaz rune is a direct connection with the divine. It brings the message that you can temporarily leave your physical body behind to connect to a higher level of consciousness.
A challenging time in your life has likely brought you to this point, seeking answers. Eihwaz reminds you that this time has been tough, but keep moving forward; you’re on the right path.
In Opposition
A negative Eihwaz can often indicate you have lost your connection with all things spiritual. If you’ve been through a challenging time, you may question why the higher powers would allow this to happen.
You may feel angry, resentful, and that there is nothing positive to look towards. Don’t let this be all-consuming for you. Eihwaz reminds you that the cosmos can guide you when you feel ready.
Magical uses of the Eihwaz Rune
- Strengthening Connection to the wisdom of the cosmos
- Acceptance of the cycle of life and death
- Developing endurance through hardships
- Protection spells
- Increasing personal power
Eihwaz Rune Associations
The Eihwaz rune connects with many other universal energies. These may suggest ways to incorporate the Eihwaz energy into your divination work.
Eihwaz corresponds with the following
| Animals | Eagle |
| Archangel | Azrael |
| Body | Spine |
| Chakra | Third eye |
| Colour | Dark Blue |
| Crystals | Clear quartz, Topaz |
| Element | Fire |
| God/Goddesses | Odin |
| Half month | December 28th –January 13th |
| Hour | 00.30 – 01.30 |
| Letter | E |
| Incense | Cypress |
| Number | 13 |
| Ruling planet | Venus |
| Tarot | Death |
| Tree | Yew |
| Zodiac | Scorpio |
Eihwaz Rune Poems
Anglo-Saxon Eihwaz Poem
The yew is a tree with rough bark,
hard and fast in the earth, supported by its roots,
a guardian of flame and a joy upon an estate.
There a no Norwegian or Icelandic Eihwaz Poems.
Eihwaz Galdr (Runic Chant)
Eihwaz eihwaz eihwaz e e e e e e e e e iwu iwa iwi iwe iwo iwo iwe iwi iwa iwu e e e e e e e e
Rune Eihwaz Other Names
- Old Germanic name: Ezck, Ihwaz
- Old Norwegian name: Ihwar
- Anglo-Saxon name: Yr
- Old Celtic name: Eihwaz
- Old Icelandic name: Eo
Final thoughts
Eihwaz is a rune of transitioning from old ways into new. This will be challenging, but rest assured the results will be better than your current situation.
Eihwaz is the rune of throwing caution to the wind and going after what you want. It’s about feeling the fear and doing it anyway.
As you learn from your experience, you’ll know what you have to release. That which no longer serves you needs to be left in the past.
Eihwaz is extremely protective, so know that it has your best interest at heart, even if it doesn’t feel like it in the moment.
In opposition, Eihwaz reminds us that resistance is futile. The change will happen whether you want them to or not. Your unwillingness to accept the new will only deepen the hardships you face from the situation.
Don’t be ignorant; take the time to deepen your knowledge with your intention. Even reading about opposing views can help you to grow.
Use the Eihwaz rune to harness these energies into your life and divination work.
