Eihwaz - The Meanings of the Runes

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Eihwaz, the thirteenth letter in the Elder Futhark alphabet, directly translates to "yew tree". In the Norse and Anglo-Saxon rune poems, the yew tree is referred to as having a rough bark and deep roots. It stands for protection and strength, and it's a wood commonly used for burning. These poems also mention the yew tree having an internal burning fire as well. The Norse call it the "greenest of trees in winter" because it is an evergreen. In Icelandic poems, when they talk about yew they are referring to a bow constructed out of yew wood. Keep in mind that yew trees did not grow in Iceland, so whenever they encountered this wood it was typically already in the form of a constructed bow.

Some identify the world tree Yggdrasil as a yew tree. Being an evergreen, yew is associated with eternal life. Interestingly, this association lead to the planting of yew trees in graveyards, therefore it also became associated with death.

Some scholars view eihwaz as being a pathway between worlds as well as a link between opposing forces such as the example just made of eternal life versus death. Additionally, it is an evergreen and yet those same needles which are green all year are also poisonous. Its wood can burn a fire to protect, cook, or warm, but fire can also destroy. Its wood can also make a bow which can either protect or kill.

Eihwaz is also a rune of great mystical power. As previously mentioned, it can be viewed as a pathway between worlds. Eihwaz can hold one in both a state of suspension as well as transformation, much as Odin was when he hung between worlds as he sought the runes.

Climbing a tree has long served as a symbol all over the world for astral projection, moving between planes, and initiation. Trees--from the roots, up the trunk, and all the way up and out to the tips of the leaves or needles--can represent the human body, planes of consciousness, and where we stand in the universe. Whether decorating the maypole or Christmas tree, burning the Yule log, or early Celts and Germans worshipping in sacred groves, trees have long played a significant role in mythology.

Eihwaz can be a rather tricky and ambiguous rune when it comes to a reading. As always, use context clues in order to help interpret its meaning. It is a rune of paradox and connections between opposites. If eihwaz turns up in a reading, it could indicate movement from one state or situation to another, a problem that could be used in your favor or turned to your favor, or one that may even reverse or right itself on its own in good time. It could also be indicating the necessity to take a look at the roots (cause and effect) of a matter or problem or to examine the connections between things.

In spell work, it is very useful for astral projection as well as sending messages between worlds, and it makes a great shield against magickal attacks.