Iwaz/Eihwaz -Part 2
Translation:
Germanic: Eihwaz
Mod Eng : Yew
Old Eng: Eoh
Phonetic : E, I, EI
(Handbook, 43-44)
Physical:
2:5
(Futhark, 12-13)
Divination:
Positive: Enlightenment, Endurance, Initiation, Protection
Warning: Confusion, Destruction, Dissatisfaction, Weakness
(Handbook, 44)
Myths:
There are two specific references in mythology this rune connects to that help to reveal it's significance. One, is it's connection with Yggdrasil and specifically the Yew tree. This rune is the axis of the tree and connects the world of the dead, with midgard, with the upper world of the gods. Yew, because of its evergreen quality points to a connection of immortality. The sap can be used to make a hallucinogen and on hot days the tree also emits a gas than can cause hallucinations. This medicinal tool could be used in Shamanic journeying between the worlds.
Whereas the Tiwaz rune keeps order and separation between the worlds, this rune aids in the communication or travel between these worlds.
Two, is this rune's connection to the god Ullr. He is a god of death and is connected to the season of Yule. A time when a yew log would be burned on the fire. Other sources claim oak or ash as the type of wood used during the Yule fire.
(Futhark, 44-45)
Magickal Uses:
Initiation into wisdom of Yggdrasil
Liberation from fear of death
Spiritual endurance or strong will
Spiritual vision
Protection from harm
Increase in personal power
Communication between worlds
Past life memories (Futhark, 46)
Elements:
Because of the connection to the tree Earth plays a part in the elements. Archetypal manifestation and framework, and physical existence both are tied to the tree and the worlds in its boughs.
Laguz connects this rune to water, if we picture two laguz rotating back-to-back around each other. Evolutionary being and unconscious or subconscious mind.
(Futhark, 75)
Spiritual/Cosmic meaning:
This rune can make the connection from material items to their spiritual use or significance. It can also consecrate mundane objects for spiritual purposes. It can synthesize opposite forces: life/death, day/night, summer/winter.
It is the power of perseverance, to survive the winter. There is a transformation fire that feeds this perseverance and both descends and ascends the column. Like the fire of spirit that both grounds and feeds from the earth while grounding and projecting upwards.
(Runelore, 124-125)
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)
Eihwaz is in row 2 below Raidho and above Laguz. I discussed the connections in Raidho. But from the point of view of Eihwaz, the meaning shifts a little. The path to success requires the synthesis of the vehicle with the subconscious powers found in Laguz, or the realm of water. Combining ritual and right action with magick and mental openness makes traveling the tree Yggdrasil possible.
Eihwaz is after Jera and before Perthro. After the three destructive wintery runes and the harvest comes the journey of the World Tree. And it begins with the Well of Wyrd. The students must come to understand wyrd and also how to affect it. The synthesis of polar or opposite things is key to this understanding and ability.
Final Thoughts:
Tiwaz was two Laguz runes back-to-back as reflections of each other. As if to indicate As Within so Without. But Eihwaz is Laguz pointing in opposite directions as if ti indicate As Above so Below.
3 Paths Thru Midgard:
The Path of the Warrior: This seems to follow the paths of blood and spirit. Blood of war feeds the World Tree while the spirits of the warrior become light and shade in the branches. Then there is a note about how loved and honored warriors are during times of war. But people fear their violence during times of peace. Bored warriors can be destructive and dangerous. Self-knowledge comes from squaring off with an opponent.
The Rune Poem
This stanza treats this rune as literally the yew tree. It is praised for it's strength, for burning well and long, and for its straight and evergreen traits.
Germanic: Eihwaz
Mod Eng : Yew
Old Eng: Eoh
Phonetic : E, I, EI
(Handbook, 43-44)
Physical:
2:5
(Futhark, 12-13)
Divination:
Positive: Enlightenment, Endurance, Initiation, Protection
Warning: Confusion, Destruction, Dissatisfaction, Weakness
(Handbook, 44)
Myths:
There are two specific references in mythology this rune connects to that help to reveal it's significance. One, is it's connection with Yggdrasil and specifically the Yew tree. This rune is the axis of the tree and connects the world of the dead, with midgard, with the upper world of the gods. Yew, because of its evergreen quality points to a connection of immortality. The sap can be used to make a hallucinogen and on hot days the tree also emits a gas than can cause hallucinations. This medicinal tool could be used in Shamanic journeying between the worlds.
Whereas the Tiwaz rune keeps order and separation between the worlds, this rune aids in the communication or travel between these worlds.
Two, is this rune's connection to the god Ullr. He is a god of death and is connected to the season of Yule. A time when a yew log would be burned on the fire. Other sources claim oak or ash as the type of wood used during the Yule fire.
(Futhark, 44-45)
Magickal Uses:
Initiation into wisdom of Yggdrasil
Liberation from fear of death
Spiritual endurance or strong will
Spiritual vision
Protection from harm
Increase in personal power
Communication between worlds
Past life memories (Futhark, 46)
Elements:
Because of the connection to the tree Earth plays a part in the elements. Archetypal manifestation and framework, and physical existence both are tied to the tree and the worlds in its boughs.
Laguz connects this rune to water, if we picture two laguz rotating back-to-back around each other. Evolutionary being and unconscious or subconscious mind.
(Futhark, 75)
Spiritual/Cosmic meaning:
This rune can make the connection from material items to their spiritual use or significance. It can also consecrate mundane objects for spiritual purposes. It can synthesize opposite forces: life/death, day/night, summer/winter.
It is the power of perseverance, to survive the winter. There is a transformation fire that feeds this perseverance and both descends and ascends the column. Like the fire of spirit that both grounds and feeds from the earth while grounding and projecting upwards.
(Runelore, 124-125)
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)
Eihwaz is in row 2 below Raidho and above Laguz. I discussed the connections in Raidho. But from the point of view of Eihwaz, the meaning shifts a little. The path to success requires the synthesis of the vehicle with the subconscious powers found in Laguz, or the realm of water. Combining ritual and right action with magick and mental openness makes traveling the tree Yggdrasil possible.
Eihwaz is after Jera and before Perthro. After the three destructive wintery runes and the harvest comes the journey of the World Tree. And it begins with the Well of Wyrd. The students must come to understand wyrd and also how to affect it. The synthesis of polar or opposite things is key to this understanding and ability.
Final Thoughts:
Tiwaz was two Laguz runes back-to-back as reflections of each other. As if to indicate As Within so Without. But Eihwaz is Laguz pointing in opposite directions as if ti indicate As Above so Below.
3 Paths Thru Midgard:
The Path of the Warrior: This seems to follow the paths of blood and spirit. Blood of war feeds the World Tree while the spirits of the warrior become light and shade in the branches. Then there is a note about how loved and honored warriors are during times of war. But people fear their violence during times of peace. Bored warriors can be destructive and dangerous. Self-knowledge comes from squaring off with an opponent.
The Rune Poem
This stanza treats this rune as literally the yew tree. It is praised for it's strength, for burning well and long, and for its straight and evergreen traits.
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