Algiz- Part 2
Translation:
Germanic: Algiz, Elhaz
Mod. Eng: Elks
Old Eng.: Eolhx
Phonetic: Z (Handbook, 47)
Physical: 2:7
(Futhark, 12-13)
Divination:
Pos: Connection with the gods, awakening, higher life, protection
Warn: Hidden danger, loss of divine connection, consumption of divine sources
(Handbook, 48)
Myths:
This rune is also a rune of communication like Ansuz and Iwaz. Ansuz is the use of speech and vocalization to both gain wisdom and share wisdom. Iwaz is a rune that runes the vertical column of the tree, enabling communication in a vertical line between the worlds. This rune also allows communication and travel but in a spiral pattern around the branches and roots of the tree. It represents the Rainbow Bridge. (Handbook, 47)
To compare to Qabbalah, Iwaz would be the Middle Pillar path up the tree. Elhaz would be the lightening path up the tree. At least visually. The tree of the worlds is not the same nor can it be simply placed on top of the Tree of Life from Qabalah, although some correlations can be made with a deep study.
The force of this rune is the force or power of Heimdall in his protection aspect of Asgard. As He guards the Rainbow Bridge He guards the entry and exit of all to and from Asgard. The physical form of this rune is also the invoking posture seen in ritual, standing straight with both arms at an angle overhead. (Futhark, 50)
Magickal Uses:
Protection, defense
Mystical communication
Communication with other worlds
Strengthening life force, hamingja (luck, magic power)
(Futhark, 51)
Spiritual/ Cosmic Meanings:
This rune is referred to as "elk-sedge" which is also a kenning for sword. The sword is a symbol of many things. In Christian times it was both battle weapon and a cross for using as prayer. This took on an ominous double meaning during the Crusades. The primary tool of the warrior was the sword as well. There are many stories from the lore that feature swords, the gaining or loss of swords, magickal sword with special names all their own.
Some believe the sword itself had a spirit that could be worked with and talked to. The sword was expensive and could be passed down in families if unbroken/undamaged. They were commonly sacrificed to the gods in peat bogs. The more painful the sacrifice the greater the gift to the gods and from the gods.
The athame is a dagger or small sword and is used for focusing magickal energy. Being a piercing object, it could be used to break through not just flesh, but realms of energy.
This rune represents a union between the ego and the higher-self (fetch). Again, a way to pierce physical reality and unite us with our spiritual self, the spirit world. The true challenge is not the use the athame, not to be dependent on a physical tool, but to become this weapon. To be able to sharpen and hone the will and our magickal abilities so we can travel the worlds without needing physical devices.
(Handbook, 48)
(I'm watching Moana while I write this. Ancestor reverence, reconnecting with one's inheritance, and communing with the Divine and helping recreate balance in the "universe". Thought it was an interesting overlap.)
The Eights:
Row 1: Mysteries/Tools to learn
Row 2: Trials and Tribulations / Conflicts and paths to success
Row 3: The realm where the student works (Runelore, 140)
In Row 1, the row of tools, is Gebo above Elhaz. Gebo is the rune of equal exchange. Part of worship is to offer sacrifice, food, and drink to the gods. This is both out of an expression of love, we feed and host those we care about in our kin and community, and also a necessary activity in the course of our spiritual development. You reap what you sow, as the Christian saying goes.
In the previous section I mentioned the sacrifice of a sword to the gods as a common activity in ancient societies. I think the choice of the sword obvious in regards to the meaning of this rune and now connecting it to the row above it in the eights. To open a way of communication and travel between ALL of the worlds requires sacrifice, requires a mastery of Gebo.
In Row 3, the row of environment, is Dagaz. This is the rune of daybreak, dawn, and a symbol of enlightenment. I think the mastery of balancing sacrifices leads to communication and travel between worlds which can lead to a breaking open of understanding. The sword sacrifice pierces into as-yet unknown realms and experiences.
Final Thoughts:
This rune is similar to Tiwaz in that it is a combination of Isa and Kenaz. Tiwaz had Kenaz pointing downward for stability of the world column, everything held rightly in its place. But in this case, Kenaz bisects Isa creating a sense of balance or equality between the two halves of the ice rune. Kenaz also faces upwards as if reaching to the sky, focused on the divine, rather than reaching to ground and focusing on a stable foundation.
The orientation of the sub-runes alter the meaning subtly of these two runes who both represent connections to the world tree itself. Tiwaz is the stability of a strong tree and the force of right order between the worlds, and Elhaz is the winding road connecting all the worlds. It is as if to teach us that the journey is what makes us who we are. The path we take and the choices we make are central to becoming whatever it is we will.
The other communication rune that I have looked at recently is Iwaz, the rune that represents the world column, the force that holds the worlds upright from top to bottom. This rune could be interpreted as a combination of Isa and a divided Kenaz. It's a bit of a stretch to come to this meaning though. But the rune for Elhaz reversed is also the rune for Iwaz in the Norse Futhark.
The Rune Poem:
In this stanza a type of marsh grass is referenced. Historically something that elk would sleep on or among. It was said to be sharp and could cut you, kinda like a blade. Hence elk-sedge or elk-sword
3 Paths Thru Midgard:
This stanza references a fallen soldier, said to be deadly in battle but died young. Then there is reference to a beautiful woman, a valkyrie, to gather his soul. There is speculation he died young and strong because he was marked for battle in spirit or in the future. One of the chosen.
Germanic: Algiz, Elhaz
Mod. Eng: Elks
Old Eng.: Eolhx
Phonetic: Z (Handbook, 47)
Physical: 2:7
(Futhark, 12-13)
Divination:
Pos: Connection with the gods, awakening, higher life, protection
Warn: Hidden danger, loss of divine connection, consumption of divine sources
(Handbook, 48)
Myths:
This rune is also a rune of communication like Ansuz and Iwaz. Ansuz is the use of speech and vocalization to both gain wisdom and share wisdom. Iwaz is a rune that runes the vertical column of the tree, enabling communication in a vertical line between the worlds. This rune also allows communication and travel but in a spiral pattern around the branches and roots of the tree. It represents the Rainbow Bridge. (Handbook, 47)
To compare to Qabbalah, Iwaz would be the Middle Pillar path up the tree. Elhaz would be the lightening path up the tree. At least visually. The tree of the worlds is not the same nor can it be simply placed on top of the Tree of Life from Qabalah, although some correlations can be made with a deep study.
The force of this rune is the force or power of Heimdall in his protection aspect of Asgard. As He guards the Rainbow Bridge He guards the entry and exit of all to and from Asgard. The physical form of this rune is also the invoking posture seen in ritual, standing straight with both arms at an angle overhead. (Futhark, 50)
Magickal Uses:
Protection, defense
Mystical communication
Communication with other worlds
Strengthening life force, hamingja (luck, magic power)
(Futhark, 51)
Spiritual/ Cosmic Meanings:
This rune is referred to as "elk-sedge" which is also a kenning for sword. The sword is a symbol of many things. In Christian times it was both battle weapon and a cross for using as prayer. This took on an ominous double meaning during the Crusades. The primary tool of the warrior was the sword as well. There are many stories from the lore that feature swords, the gaining or loss of swords, magickal sword with special names all their own.
Some believe the sword itself had a spirit that could be worked with and talked to. The sword was expensive and could be passed down in families if unbroken/undamaged. They were commonly sacrificed to the gods in peat bogs. The more painful the sacrifice the greater the gift to the gods and from the gods.
The athame is a dagger or small sword and is used for focusing magickal energy. Being a piercing object, it could be used to break through not just flesh, but realms of energy.
This rune represents a union between the ego and the higher-self (fetch). Again, a way to pierce physical reality and unite us with our spiritual self, the spirit world. The true challenge is not the use the athame, not to be dependent on a physical tool, but to become this weapon. To be able to sharpen and hone the will and our magickal abilities so we can travel the worlds without needing physical devices.
(Handbook, 48)
(I'm watching Moana while I write this. Ancestor reverence, reconnecting with one's inheritance, and communing with the Divine and helping recreate balance in the "universe". Thought it was an interesting overlap.)
The Eights:
Row 1: Mysteries/Tools to learn
Row 2: Trials and Tribulations / Conflicts and paths to success
Row 3: The realm where the student works (Runelore, 140)
In Row 1, the row of tools, is Gebo above Elhaz. Gebo is the rune of equal exchange. Part of worship is to offer sacrifice, food, and drink to the gods. This is both out of an expression of love, we feed and host those we care about in our kin and community, and also a necessary activity in the course of our spiritual development. You reap what you sow, as the Christian saying goes.
In the previous section I mentioned the sacrifice of a sword to the gods as a common activity in ancient societies. I think the choice of the sword obvious in regards to the meaning of this rune and now connecting it to the row above it in the eights. To open a way of communication and travel between ALL of the worlds requires sacrifice, requires a mastery of Gebo.
In Row 3, the row of environment, is Dagaz. This is the rune of daybreak, dawn, and a symbol of enlightenment. I think the mastery of balancing sacrifices leads to communication and travel between worlds which can lead to a breaking open of understanding. The sword sacrifice pierces into as-yet unknown realms and experiences.
Final Thoughts:
This rune is similar to Tiwaz in that it is a combination of Isa and Kenaz. Tiwaz had Kenaz pointing downward for stability of the world column, everything held rightly in its place. But in this case, Kenaz bisects Isa creating a sense of balance or equality between the two halves of the ice rune. Kenaz also faces upwards as if reaching to the sky, focused on the divine, rather than reaching to ground and focusing on a stable foundation.
The orientation of the sub-runes alter the meaning subtly of these two runes who both represent connections to the world tree itself. Tiwaz is the stability of a strong tree and the force of right order between the worlds, and Elhaz is the winding road connecting all the worlds. It is as if to teach us that the journey is what makes us who we are. The path we take and the choices we make are central to becoming whatever it is we will.
The other communication rune that I have looked at recently is Iwaz, the rune that represents the world column, the force that holds the worlds upright from top to bottom. This rune could be interpreted as a combination of Isa and a divided Kenaz. It's a bit of a stretch to come to this meaning though. But the rune for Elhaz reversed is also the rune for Iwaz in the Norse Futhark.
The Rune Poem:
In this stanza a type of marsh grass is referenced. Historically something that elk would sleep on or among. It was said to be sharp and could cut you, kinda like a blade. Hence elk-sedge or elk-sword
3 Paths Thru Midgard:
This stanza references a fallen soldier, said to be deadly in battle but died young. Then there is reference to a beautiful woman, a valkyrie, to gather his soul. There is speculation he died young and strong because he was marked for battle in spirit or in the future. One of the chosen.
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