Eihwaz Elder Futhark Rune Meanings

Eihwaz – Rune of Spiritual Discipline

Eihwaz is the Tree of Knowledge/World Tree rune known as Yggdrasil in the Norse tradition. Shamans all over the world know this spirit tree and use it to travel between the lower and upper world. Eihwaz is associated with kundalini and the discipline it takes to safely raise the energy from the root chakra all the way up to the crown chakra. It is a rune of protection and the wisdom of knowing that the only real protection comes from within and in the form of enlightenment. This is the rune of the shaman or mystic.

Stripped back meaning based on the actual word and shape

Eihwaz means ‘yew tree.’ Some believe Yggdrasil to be yew and yet others say it is an ash tree. My personal belief is that it is more likely to be yew since it is only the yew tree that contains a consciousness-altering compound which facilitates seership. To tie this in with the aspect of spiritual discipline, please don’t try to use yew bark to alter your consciousness without proper guidance and training – it is highly toxic and could kill you!

The yew tree is also an evergreen and therefore associated with eternity.

Apparently, eya, an ancient word for yew means ‘to be touched by eternity.’

In modern Swedish, the word for yew is en. En also means one in Swedish. It’s fitting that the Tree of Life is ‘the One.’ We are all part of this one and each of us reflects all parts of this tree on a microcosmic level.

Viking archers used bows made from the yew because of its strength, flexibility and durability.

The shape of the rune is a clear visual of energy going up and down the spine of the body or of the World Tree.

Correspondences

• Polarity: Neutral (Yin and Yang)
• Zodiac correspondences: Scorpio, Pluto
• Colours: All shades of green, brown, red, black, and white
• Tarot card correspondences: Death, Judgment
• Archangel correspondences: Azrael, Jeremiel
• Chakra correspondences: All chakras
• Health: Psychic hygiene, detoxification

Divinatory Meanings

General: spiritual discipline, shamanic initiation, mysticism, psychic development, death, dying, ego mortification – Reversed: N/A (this rune has no reversed meaning)

Love & relationships: a mystic union between souls that are not necessarily physically together, a relationship that promotes spiritual growth, a challenging relationship that demands uncovering deep pain for progress to happen, a twin flame relationship (with Gebo), a deeply spiritual connection though not necessarily romantic – Reversed: N/A

Health/wellbeing: altered states of consciousness, death, dying, elimination processes, poison, detox, a need for psychic protection, apathy regarding spiritual things (if poorly aspected), a need for chakra realignment could be indicated, kundalini yoga, qigong – Reversed: N/A

Business: aligning one’s career with a spiritual calling, a spiritual teacher, an occult-preneur or an energy healing business – Reversed: N/A

Holistic Healing Tips for Eihwaz

Wear Eihwaz around your neck as a reminder to align and meditate daily.

Use for initiation and self-initiation rituals.

Practice Kundalini Yoga or chakra balancing.

Chant the rune name while intending to balance the chakras and open any blocked energy channels in the body.

Set in place a regular meditation practice and commit to it.

Using Eihwaz to shield only works if you are internally aligned. However, it is a powerful reminder that when you are aligned to Source from within, nothing on earth or in the multiverse can harm you.

Draw the rune on your body while detoxing.

Affirmations

• I love to meditate and give myself the gift of meditation every day.
• Meditation provides me with natural protection and helps me stay centred.
• I am responsible for my own spiritual growth and choose to practice daily.
• It is safe for me to be powerful.
• I trust my intuition and my inner teacher.
• As within, so without.
• I have the power to push out toxins and lower energies from within.
• I expand my consciousness.

Eihwaz Prayer

Dear Mother-Father God, Thank you that there is much spiritual wisdom to harness here on Earth that can help me grow. Help me look beyond limiting thought constructs and truly see spiritual reality, which is what connects us all where religion seeks to divide us. Help me to commit and stay disciplined with my practice. Sometimes, the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak, so I call on grace and help from my Guardian Angel and spirit guides. Amen and so it is!

Hyperborean Water Magic

I have covered the basics of Hyperborean Water Magic in a post that you can find HERE.

Eihwaz Water Magic

Eihwaz is an excellent rune to do water magic before any kind of spiritual initiation or before taking any vows. It ensures that your initiation, dedication (or self-dedication) and any vows you make fully align with your Higher Self. Fast to the best of your ability while drinking Eihwaz-charged water for three days before taking the initiation or making the vow.

Starting each day with Eihwaz-charged water is great for keeping the ego in check all day long.

Use Eihwaz to charge a conjure wash together with Psalm 23. It is a strong reminder of ‘As within, so without.’ When cleaning your home, you are cleaning both and allowing only ‘goodness and mercy’ into your home and the temple of your body.

Leave Eihwaz-charged water as an offering to any tree spirits that you work with. If you work with tree magick, Eihwaz is a great rune for helping you understand the wisdom of the tree spirits.

Take me back to the Elder Futhark Rune Index!

Try the Eihwaz Spiritual Discipline Rune Tarot Spread!