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The Elder Futhark Runes: Meaning of Eihwaz

Updated: Jun 17, 2022

Eihwaz is the thirteenth Elder Futhark rune. Interestingly, Eihwaz is the thirteenth rune. It pertains to Death, the thirteenth tarot card. However, the runes are a far earlier system than tarot.


Eihwaz is also the fifth rune of Hagal's Ætt.


Hagal's Ætt is associated broadly with forces of destruction and change. To learn more about the ættir and runes, check out our post on The Elder Futhark Ættir and Their Significance.


The Elder Futhark Rune Eihwaz. Also known as Eoh, Eow, Ihwaz, and Iwarz. Representative of yew tree.
Eihwaz Rune

Keywords: yew, Death, life, rebirth, initiation, endurance, protection, regeneration, changes, magic, transcendence


Eihwaz Upright Meaning


Eihwaz represents the yew tree, which is toxic to humans but is exceptionally resilient. New yew trees rise up from old dead ones like a phoenix from the ashes. The ancients often used the poison of yew trees to dip weapons in to ensure their deadliness. In this way, Eihwaz is both a defensive rune and one of evolution.


Death is not negative, nor does Eihwaz mean that anyone will die. This is Death in the sense that something is ending so that there can be a new beginning. All existence is cyclical, and Death is a change leading to rebirth. You are more powerful than you know. Eihwaz may also point to the necessity of doing further shadow work.


Eihwaz Reversed Meaning


There is no reversed meaning for Eihwaz.


Magical Uses of Eihwaz


Eihwaz can assist with accessing other realms such as the underworld or general astral travel. It is a protective rune and helps eliminate obstacles. It can help you access magic, memories of former existences, and inner power as you develop on your spiritual journey. Use it for banishing unwanted energies and recalling your own.


To go even deeper with your study of the runes, check out How to Read Runes by Kira the Rune Witch.





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