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 Sowilo rune, you’re curious about what it means.
The Sowilo rune is associated with positivity and success in life. It is the sixteenth symbol of the Elder Futhark alphabet. The Sowilo sign is ruled under Hagal’s aett. The Sowilo symbol also relates to confidence and clarity.
That’s a brief idea of the Sowilo 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 Sowilo Rune?
Sowilo is the sixteenth symbol of the Elder Futhark Runes. You pronounce it as so-wee-low
The whole elder futhark alphabet is split into three lots of eight. A Norse deity rules over each set as an aettir (family).
Sowilo is the eighth and last 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 endurance. These runes help to navigate the hardships of being human and encourage us with the will to push forward.
The Sowilo Rune represents the completion of Hagals aett. One which has cycled through from chaos and destruction to joy and enthusiasm.
Successes are truly appreciated when you’ve persevered through hardships.
In addition to Sowilo, the other symbols in this Aettir include the:
What is the Meaning of the Sowilo Rune?
In a general rune reading, Sowilo symbolizes happy times and feeling genuinely fulfilled from life.
The translation means ‘Sun.’
The sun is the most significant energy source that we know. It provides us with light and warmth. There is no darkness when the sun is present, and we can see with clarity and focus.
When we think of the sun, we imagine spending summer time with family, friends, and partners. It makes us feel relaxed, at ease, and carefree.
Sowilo will harness that feeling for you. A rune that brings a true sense of fulfillment and happiness with what you have in life.
Abundance and success are to be had by those who bask in the golden rays of Sowilo. You radiate love and affection to those who have helped you to get where you are.
Your positive energy and enthusiasm for life draws others to you like a magnet. They want to know your secrets and get a slice of the unassuming confidence that you exude.
Sowilo is a rune of enjoyment. It’s a celebration of coming through the dark times into the light.
Sowilo Keywords:
- Success
- Positivity
- Confidence
- Clarity
- Fulfillment
How to read the Sowilo Rune
Rune divination starts with you having a question or intention in mind. Drawing the Sowilo rune can bring answers to that which you seek guidance.
We’ve already discussed the general meaning of the Sowilo rune. Yet, you may find this doesn’t really relate to your intention or question.
Sowilo 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 Sowilo 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 Sowilo.
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 Sowilo be reversed?
The Sowilo 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 Sowilo rune doesn’t have a typical reverse (merkstave) position, it can ‘lie in opposition.’
Some rune casters will assign a negative meaning to Sowilo in a sideways position.
Negativity may also be evident from other runes that have been cast.
A negative Sowilo reading can signal that there are blockages in the way of you achieving success or happiness. Just like a raincloud blocking out the sun, issues can prevent the light and warmth from getting through to you.
You may also be experiencing too much of a good thing. Overenthusiasm and lack of rest to achieve your goals will quickly lead to burnout.
You may choose not to consider Sowilo lying in opposition as a meaning. But, you could be missing an important message from the Divine.
Sowilo For Love
Upright
A Sowilo rune in a love intention can indicate happiness and fulfillment from your relationship. You’ll experience a period of honesty, respect, and affection. You’ll really enjoy one another.
It’s also a period of being light-hearted and just having fun with each other. Sowilo is a rune that brings lots of laughter and passion.
If you’re single, it can suggest that a great relationship is ahead. But if you’re not looking for love, it represents that you are enjoying being carefree and away from relationship drama.
In Opposition
Drawing negative Sowilo for a love intention signals that an issue in your relationship will be brought to light.
There is also an element of jealousy and ego with a negative Sowilo. This creates an imbalance in the relationship dynamics and needs addressing.
A negative Sowilo reminds you to get back to basics with your partner and rediscover the spark that initially attracted you to one another.
Sowilo for Family and Friends
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When Sowilo is drawn for matters of family and friends, it indicates feelings of love and nurture from your support network.
Sowilo is a rune of energy, and it can be telling you that your friends are family are of utmost importance to you right now. They are the ones who will bring back your sense of life and vitality. Make an effort to spend more time with them.
In Opposition
A negative Sowilo usually signals some kind of interference with your happiness from friends and family. This may be disproval or interference with your choices.
Usually this happens when you’re implementing changes that make you happy. This can often lead to people trying to pull you back to your old ways. Sometimes it’s more comfortable for people to keep the status quo in their life.
Open up to your family and friends if you feel you can trust them.
Sowilo for Health and wellbeing
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Sowilo drawn for health is a highly positive sign for your overall well-being. You will experience a period of good health, positivity, and a sense of calm and wellness.
As a card of growth and life, Sowilo can sometimes relate to a healthy pregnancy. The feminine energy of this rune improves your fertility. So if you don’t want a baby right now, take extra precautions.
In Opposition
Drawing a negative Sowilo can often relate to underlying health issues which may come to light. Although, these are usually not chronic or life-threatening conditions, you are likely to regain your health.
Negative Sowilo can often relate to a lack of lust for life. Usually, this is about low mood or low energy. Now is the time to look into small steps of self-care to bring back that spark to your life.
Sowilo For Money and finances
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In money matters, drawing the Sowilo rune indicates a period of abundance. You are likely to be doing well with any current financial endeavors.
A financial issue that has been unclear will be brought to light. You may worry about the impact on you, but the issue will resolve without burden on you.
In Opposition
A Sowilo in opposition can indicate a time for tightening the financial belt. Now is not the time to get over-enthusiastic or let your ego overrule when you are spending or investing.
Think of this more as a period of stagnation than growth. The positive side is that you shouldn’t lose money if you have a good grasp of your finances.
Sowilo for Career
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When Sowilo is drawn in career intention, it signals a great sense of job satisfaction. You will likely have a lot of motivation and enthusiasm for your role. It’s that feeling when you look forward to waking up for work in the morning.
If you are currently job searching, Sowilo shows you have the energy to push through. Your positivity and keen attitude will play a big part in securing a job.
In Opposition
Sowilo, in opposition, can indicate that you are experiencing problems in your job, but not quite seeing the bigger picture. Discuss the issue with your boss, and they may be able to bring a solution or clarity that you couldn’t see for yourself.
Be aware of big egos who may try to steal your shine. Or make sure you are not the ego trying to take credit from colleagues.
Sowilo for Personal development
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With personal development, Sowilo encourages you to seek things that bring positivity to your life. You realize that these things don’t come without work but are worth the effort.
Sowilo is encouraging you to adopt a carefree attitude. What have you always wanted to do, but your confidence has held you back?
Try a new skill, get creative, or travel somewhere you have always dreamed of.
Now is the time to go for it without worrying about what others will think of you.
In Opposition
Sowilo, in opposition for personal development, can indicate that you are struggling to focus on the positive at the moment. You are feeling a bit lost and confused.
Sowilo, in reverse, is encouraging you to be aware of even the most minor positive things in your life. A gratitude journal is an excellent place to start when you’re in that rut.
Sowilo for Spirituality
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Drawing a Sowilo rune relates to spiritual guidance, helping to bring clarity to a difficult situation.
It’s about basking in the joy and knowledge that a connection to the spiritual can bring you. Even in the darkest times, light can be brought to issues you have been struggling with.
That lightbulb moment can help you transcend to a whole new positive mindset.
In Opposition
A negative Sowilo can often indicate your connection to the spiritual has been blocked. You cannot see with clarity and focus because of the walls you’ve built to protect yourself. They are stopping the light from getting through.
A negative Sowilo can also indicate that your ego is preventing you from spiritual growth. Now is the time to keep it in check.
Magical uses of the Sowilo Rune
- Strengthening willpower
- Abundance and prosperity spells
- Achieving your goals
- Seeking inner light and spiritual power
- Connecting to divine cosmic energy
Sowilo Rune Associations
The Sowilo rune connects with many other universal energies. These may suggest ways to incorporate the Sowilo energy into your divination work.
Sowilo has been associated with the following
| Animals | Eagle |
| Archangel | Michael |
| Body | Heart |
| Chakra | Solar Plexus |
| Colour | Yellow |
| Crystals | Citrine |
| Element | Fire |
| God/Goddesses | Baldur |
| Half month | February 12th – February 27th |
| Hour | 03.30 – 04.30 |
| Letter | S |
| Incense | Juniper |
| Number | 16 |
| Ruling planet | Sun |
| Tarot | The Sun |
| Tree | Oak |
| Zodiac | Leo |
Sowilo Rune Poems
Anglo-Saxon Sowilo Poem
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.
Norwegian Sowilo Poem
Sun is the light of the world;
I bow to the divine decree.
Icelandic Sowilo Poem
Sun
shield of the clouds
and shining ray
and destroyer of ice.
Sowilo Galdr (Runic Chant)
sowilo sowilo sowilo ssssssssssss ssssoooooollll us as is es os so se si sa su
Rune Sowilo Other Names
- Old Germanic name: Sowelu
- Old Norwegian name: Sol
- Anglo-Saxon name: Sigel, Sigil
- Old Celtic name: Soilleir
- Old Icelandic name: Sól
Final thoughts
Sowilo is a rune of happiness, abundance, and fulfillment. It indicates joyful and carefree times in your life. You’ve worked hard to achieve this reward.
The Sowilo rune is enthusiastic. It has the power to restore your vitality by pulling you into the light.
It brings a warm and comforting reassurance that things are going right in your life. You don’t need to worry. Sowilo is protective and ensures a positive outcome.
The message of a negative Sowilo is to remind you that even in dark times, there is always a glimmer of hope. Use your willpower to hold on to the things that you can control. Keep the faith and strive forward always.
Use the Sowilo rune to harness these energies into your life and divination work.
Thank you. This means a lot.