Magin Rose

Nauthiz rune stone

Today we welcome in the half-month of Nauthiz, the rune of necessity and need – this follows on from Hagalaz, the hail stone which tests our strength and endurance by bringing the hardship and change which we need in our lives if we are to develop and grow.  Nauthiz is one of the runes sometimes referred to as the ‘winter runes’ (Hagalaz, Nauthiz, Isa), and the shape of the rune is thought to represent the kindling of the need-fire, lit through the friction of one piece of wood on another.  Nauthiz is associated with the dark night of the soul, the time when one looks inwards and discovers that something is missing; for this reason it can also be associated with the onset of depression and despair.  However, if acted on early, nauthiz can be used to help you identify what is really necessary for the fulfilment of your soul before a spiritual crisis occurs. 

Two of the colours associated with Nauthiz are black and orange, and I tend to see these as representing its two sides – black being the lack  which produces need, and orange being the guidance this rune can provide to help you cross the dark night and find the light and warmth of fulfilment.  The feeling produced by Nauthiz can be understood through the need-fire itself; kindled at the darkest and coldest time, you must put effort and energy into kindling the fire (anyone who has tried to light a fire through friction alone will know how difficult it is), but once it is burning, it will warm you and bring sustenance and comfort. Magickally, the need fire is used to call back the sun in the depths of winter, and we can see the need-fire as the kindling of a flame which promises that summer will come again.

In terms of the rune calendar, the position of Nauthiz at the onset of winter (rather than at midwinter itself which is governed by Jera) suggests that we can work with its fiery aspect to prepare ourselves for the dark months – stripping away things we no longer need and gathering that which we will need.  Meditate upon the coming darkness and upon the flame which can guide you by showing you what it actually necessary in your life.  This is the time to draw the fire into yourself so that when the cold of Isa comes, you are ready.