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 Hagalaz rune, you’re curious about what it means.
The Hagalaz rune is associated with temporary chaos and destruction. It is the ninth symbol of the Elder Futhark alphabet. The Hagalaz sign is ruled under Hagal’s aett. The Hagalaz symbol is also related to change and sudden transformations.
That’s a brief idea of the Hagalaz 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 Hagalaz Rune?
Hagalaz is the ninth symbol of the Elder Futhark Runes. You pronounce it as ha-gah-lahz.
The whole elder futhark alphabet is split into three lots of eight. A Norse deity rules over each set as an aettir (family).
Hagalaz is the first symbol and mother rune 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 endurance. These runes help to navigate the hardships of being human and encourage us with the will to push forward.
The Hagalaz Rune represents crisis times in life that force you to change old patterns.
In addition to Hagalaz, the other symbols in this Aettir include the:
What is the Meaning of the Hagalaz Rune?
In a general rune reading, Hagalaz symbolizes uncontrollable destruction and chaos.
The translation means ‘Hail.’ This is symbolic of the damage that a heavy rain of hail stones can do in a short period. In ancient times this would be wiping out crops or injuring people and animals.
Even in modern times and with technology, we still experience this. Think of recent natural disasters and global pandemics.
These forces are unpredictable and unpreventable. When they happen, we need to learn to survive and adapt to the changes we’re been forced into. This is what the Hagalaz rune represents.
As with most runes, Hagalaz can work on a spectrum. This can range from mild disruption of your day right up to life-changing situations.
Hagalaz is a complex and confronting rune. It forces you to take accountability and make a physical, mental or spiritual transformation.
Hagalaz is also a protective rune, despite the chaos. It reminds you that storms can be weathered if you seek appropriate shelter and practice patience.
Hagalaz Keywords:
- Disruption
- Crisis
- Confrontation
- Transformation
- Rebirth
How to read the Hagalaz Rune
Rune divination starts with you having a question or intention in mind. Drawing the Hagalaz rune can bring answers to that which you seek guidance.
We’ve already discussed the general meaning of the Hagalaz rune. Yet, you may find this doesn’t really relate to your intention or question.
Hagalaz 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 a Hagalaz rune, it’s always better you get context from other runes. Often the order you read them will give you more details about the message of the Hagalaz.
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 Hagalaz be reversed?
The Hagalaz 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 Hagalaz rune doesn’t have a typical reverse (merkstave) position, it can ‘lie in opposition.’
Some rune casters will assign opposite or negative meaning to Hagalaz in a sideways position.
Negativity may also be evident from other runes that have been cast.
A negative Hagalaz reading can signal catastrophe, loss, and accidents. An event is about to occur which will force you to dig deep and show your inner strength. It’s up to you if you choose to let it make or break you.
Unlike an upright Hagalaz, the outcome will not be favorable if you don’t change your ways.
Negative Hagalaz relates to a significant trial of hardships. Usually, other runes will help to give you further detail into what area of your life this will relate to.
You may choose not to consider Hagalaz lying in opposition as a meaning. But, you could be missing an important message from the Divine.
Hagalaz Rune Divination Meanings
Hagalaz For Love
Upright
A Hagalaz rune in a love intention can indicate an unexpected turn in your love life.
If you already have a partner, you are about to experience challenges. You both need to work through this to make your relationship better and stronger.
If you are single, Hagalaz can signal that you will be caught off guard by a love interest you didn’t expect. Hagalaz represents balance, and so this can be someone who is considered opposite to your usual ‘type.’
In Opposition
Drawing negative Hagalaz for a love intention signals a separation. One side is likely willing to work for change and compromise, but the other is not willing to do the work.
Stagnation in a relationship may be the message of the negative Hagalaz. You can choose whether to cut your losses or live an unfulfilled life.
A negative Hagalaz can also indicate the death of a partner, physically or emotionally. If you don’t deal with the fallout, your future relationships remain under threat until you do.
Hagalaz for Family and Friends
Upright
When Hagalaz is drawn for matters of family and friends, it indicates that there may be a short-lived fallout.
This may be an argument or someone trying to force you to be something you’re not. Get things off your chest and then start to repair them.
You’ll feel lost at the time, but your relationship with the family member or friend will be stronger.
It can also indicate the acceptance of moving on at different stages of life. A friendship may mutually end if you no longer align with one another. Ending things on mutual terms will benefit you both in the long run.
In Opposition
A negative Hagalaz usually signals that you are unwilling to tackle a longstanding issue with a family member or friend.
Although the issues may be forced, you’re likely to lose this person due to an unwillingness to change or compromise. A temporary issue that could have been solved may become more long-term and enduring.
Hagalaz for Health and wellbeing
Upright
Hagalaz drawn for health signals a sudden an unexpected illness or accident will come your way. This rune is often related to wounds, grazes, and cuts.
The impact on your health will be short-lived but will force you to reflect on the behaviors that caused the incident.
Anxiety attacks may occur if you neglect your mental health.
In Opposition
Drawing a negative Hagalaz can signal you have already noticed warning signs of illness. It will significantly impact your health if you continue to ignore these and don’t get them checked out.
Hagalaz is telling you to take action now otherwise, the recovery and cost to your health will be chronic. Changes to your health will not be favorable if you continue down your current path.
For mental health, you must work through your issues with therapy. Do not try to block out emotions or suppress them with medication alone.
Hagalaz For Money and finances
Upright
In money matters, Hagalaz can represent an unexpected incident that costs you financially.
Hagalaz is forcing you to reconsider how you are handling your financial matters. If they can be so easily destroyed, then you need to consider if you are keeping all your eggs in one basket.
Hagalaz warns you that overreliance on a certain income or investment will be your downfall.
In Opposition
A negative Hagalaz can relate to a considerable loss of wealth. This may be an incident that causes a sudden large payout and debts.
Your whole way of life will be changed, particularly material possessions such as your house, car or the clothes you wear. This is likely due to you or a partner being reckless with money.
You will repeat the same patterns if you cannot recognize where you went wrong.
Hagalaz for Career
Upright
When Hagalaz is drawn in career intention, it signals that an unexpected change is coming. Usually, this is a redundancy, redeployment, or change of management.
Although the initial news may shock, the change will work out well.
Hagalaz may also relate to you recognizing that your time in your current role has ended. You may need to seek a new place of work or look into a new career path.
In Opposition
Hagalaz, in opposition, can indicate that now is not the time to attempt new things in your career. Promotion may be given to someone undeserving, and you need to figure out if you’re willing to push through or move on.
Be aware of mergers with Hagalaz. Often these lead to reorganization and a demotion. Someone unexpected may be negatively influencing decisions higher up.
Your response to role changes may set you back on your career path.
Hagalaz for Personal development
Upright
Hagalaz is a rune of transformation and opportunity for personal development. Although sudden changes may not seem reasonable at the time, in hindsight, you will see that they were good for you.
Hagalaz gives you no choice but to confront your issues. Yet it is up to you to control how you react or change your ways. Take it as an opportunity placed in your hands.
You will need to work hard for results, but the outcome will be more than worth it.
In Opposition
Hagalaz, in opposition, can indicate that you are wasting opportunities to move forward. Despite sudden events that can inspire change, you are not willing to let go of old habits.
It’s time to change that which no longer serves you. You cannot complain about your life if you are unwilling to put in the work. Now is the time to stop feeling sorry for yourself. Look at the small steps you can take.
Hagalaz for Spirituality
Upright
Drawing a Hagalaz rune can indicate a spiritual clearing and cleansing. It is a profound healing rune.
Nine is the most sacred Norse number, symbolizing completeness and cosmic harmony.
Hagalaz symbolizes darkness, silence, and endings. It connects deeply to the passage of the dead. Hagalaz can aid connection with those who have passed to the other side.
It is a rune that helps to dredge up repressed issues and bring them to the forefront. Dealing with them causes hurt and emotional turmoil but ultimately leaves us feeling healed.
In Opposition
A Hagalaz in opposition can relate to our resistance to take a spiritual journey. You want to take the easy way out, but Hagalaz teaches the divine wisdom that comes with hardships.
Don’t make things more complicated than they are. Open yourself to the re-birth that Hagalaz brings.
A negative Hagalaz also indicates that you are an extremely intuitive person who instead chooses ignorance. You are aware of the consequences but purposely overlook them. The more you do this, the more you disconnect from your higher guidance.
Magical uses of the Hagalaz Rune
- Protection against rivals
- Breaking unhealthy patterns
- Success with transformations
- Breaking attachment
- Clearing and cleansing spells
Hagalaz Rune Associations
The Hagalaz rune connects with many other universal energies. Each of these may suggest ways to incorporate the Hagalaz energy into your divination work.
Hagalaz has been associated with the following
| Animals | Snake |
| Archangel | Uriel |
| Body | Skin, bones, blood |
| Colour | Indigo, black, grey |
| Crystals | Onyx |
| Element | Ice |
| God/Goddesses | Hela |
| Half month | October 28th– November 13th |
| Hour | 20.30-21.30 |
| Letter | H |
| Incense | Cypress |
| Mythology | Ymir |
| Number | 9 |
| Ruling planet | Saturn |
| Tarot | Tower |
| Tree | Ash |
| Zodiac | Aquarius |
Hagalaz Rune Poems
Anglo-Saxon Hagalaz Poem
Hail is the whitest of grain;
it is whirled from the vault of heaven
and tossed about by gusts of wind
then melts into water.
Norwegian Hagalaz Poem
Hail is the coldest of grain;
Christ created the world of old.
Icelandic Hagalaz Poem
Hail
cold grain
and driving sleet
and the sickness of serpent.
Hagalaz Galdr (Runic Chant)
Hagalaz hagalaz hagalaz H h h h h h h h h h h Hu ha hi he ho Hug hag hig heg hog Oh eh ih ah uh H h h h h h h h h h h
Rune Hagalaz Other Names
- Old Germanic name: Haal (Hagalaz)
- Old Norwegian name: Hagalar
- Anglo-Saxon name: Hagall, Haegl
- Old Celtic name: Hagall
- Old Icelandic name: Hagall, Hagl
Final thoughts
Hagalaz is a rune of disruption and delay. It forces changes through unforeseen circumstances. You cannot ignore it, and you cannot predict it.
Although these changes seem like a curse at the time, Hagalaz makes changes for the better. A bit of chaos to bring peace and harmony.
Hagalaz tells us that things have to change. Your old pattern is no longer working.
But more importantly, Hagalaz is about how we react to circumstances. Choosing to grab an opportunity when it comes leads to beautiful and bigger things.
In opposition, Hagalaz reminds us that to continue down the same path brings deeper darkness and more prolonged sorrow. Change is the only way to complete the cycle and transform your life. Learn and grow from the journey.
Use the Hagalaz rune to harness these energies into your life and divination work.
