Magin Rose

Yesterday saw the beginning of the half month of Eihwaz, the Yew tree.  This is the thirteenth rune in the Elder Futhark and, for all you witches out there, you’ll be pleased to know that this rune is suitably magickal and just a little bit sinister.  The rich lore associated with the Yew Tree can, of course, be ascribed to this rune - death, rebirth and eternal life are all mysteries associated with Eihwaz. 

The World Tree, Yggdrasil, is sometimes considered to be a Yew tree.  While the welfare of the tree is a source of concern to the Gods (the Norns tend to its welfare), it will survive the final battle and provide a safe harbour for those who will go on to live in the worlds of the future.  For this reason the appearance of Eihwaz can often indicate a need (and a capacity) for personal strength - particularly if it appears together with Hagalaz, the harbinger of change.  Tarot readers might draw comparisons between the Eihwaz rune and the Death tarot card (with Hagalaz echoing the disruption of the Tower card).  Its influence is often more subtle than that of Hagalaz, it works upon the inner plains and is the route through which wisdom and experience are gathered.

Eihwaz and Jera (the twelfth rune) are closely related, their energies working together to create time and space.  The sphere of the Earth revolves upon its axis and, through this motion, the rules of force and form are made manifest.  Without the influence of Eihwaz, Jera (literally meaning year), would revolve in an eternal circle, never changing or growing – it is Eihwaz that creates the spiral movement, ensuring that each new cycle move on from what has come before. 

Eihwaz builds upon the energies of the ‘winter runes’: the merciless onslaught of Hagalaz, the aching emptiness of Nauthiz, the cold death of Isa; but the death it brings is like that of the snake shedding its old skin, it is the harbinger of new life.  This rune also has an element of protective magick associated with it – the Yew tree guards the dead, keeping them safe but also separating them from the world of the living.  In one sense Eihwaz is a gateway between the worlds, the shaman, vitki or runester travels upon the World Tree, but it is also the boundary keeper; keeping the Worlds apart and so ensuring order is maintained.

The half month of Eihwaz provides a time for introspection.  What are the old things which you must shed?  What new things do you hope to bring into birth in the coming year?  What are the strengths you can draw upon to achieve your goals?  What are the obstacles and weaknesses that might hinder you?  Feel the strength of Eihwaz within your spinal column, sit quietly and allow yourself to be a point of stillness around which the World of Jera revolves.  Through the power of Eihwaz you can find the strength to pursue your dreams and bring them in to manifestation.

Seek the wisdom of the Yew tree and the mystery of Eihwaz with my latest addition to Journeys with the Elder Futhark: Eihwaz.  Only £2.00.

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