Rune Ehwaz ᛖ

Rune Ehwaz: Meaning, Origin, and Spiritual Powers

Ehwaz is the 19th rune of the Futhark alphabet. Its name means "horse," and it is regarded as a symbol of progress in the spiritual realm.

Ehwaz consists of two elements that symbolize not only loyalty but also the existing trust between the horse and its rider. It also prophesizes a harmonious cooperation of two forces aiming to achieve the same goal.

Ehwaz embodies the entry into harmonious partnerships, unity, and fertility. It also represents movement and adaptability.

Associated with Laguz, it signifies love in marriage. For the future, Ehwaz indicates that a renewal may emerge.

Origin and Meaning of the Ehwaz Rune

In ancient times, the horse was considered a sacred animal, a faithful companion to humans. Anyone who has ridden a horse knows its untamed energy. It carries its rider and helps lighten part of the rider’s burden. The one who rides a horse progresses constantly.

Due to its name evoking the hot-blooded horse and its inner fire, Ehwaz never represents stillness. It embodies free and winged expression as well as unfolding destiny. A person with a horse is fortunate for having a companion on their adventurous and spiritual path.

The rune resembles an M. Often, this connection of the two lines is compared to the relationship between rider and animal. This relationship is based on the horse’s loyalty and the rider’s trust in its bearer. Together, they form rhythmic harmony.

Ehwaz can also describe the connection between two people, similar to that between the rider and the horse. This can be the relationship between two twins who have a special bond, but also the bond between a man and a woman. The emphasis is on harmonious cooperation between these two forces.

The father of the gods, Odin, also has a faithful companion: the horse Sleipnir. Its name means "the one who glides." Sleipnir is no ordinary horse, as it has eight legs. Odin and Sleipnir travel the world together, undertaking journeys. A horse is often visible within the rune.

It is seen from the side, showing only two legs and the central body. In a relationship, one works together as a team. No one is alone but exists within a unit. Together, one thinks and acts. Values like respect, tolerance, trust, loyalty, and partnership are essential. The strength of dualism, of twins, also plays an important role.

If a horse constantly galloped, it would collapse from exhaustion after a day. However, if it maintains a moderate trot, it can cover great distances in the long term. Ehwaz represents movement, but it is a continuous process.

You do not stagnate; you progress, you advance. Your personal development is ongoing. You have the freedom to change. To do this, it is important not to rush things and to give them time to develop.

Life is like a river that adapts to your actions - a constant current. Moderation is crucial here. Do not get carried away; do not drift. Try to find an appropriate rhythm and move regularly with the current.

With Ehwaz, progress is assured. Change will come. The biggest challenge is to perceive this slow progress. When observing a snail move, it might seem like it’s not moving. But if you look at it again two hours later, you'll see it has made quite a bit of progress. After a few days, you won’t see it anymore.

When you progress, it is also useful to stop and take a break, especially when the rune is reversed. Do not always proceed at the same pace. Sometimes take small steps, then lengthen your strides. Adjust the speed to your life. And if something doesn’t seem to be going fast enough, it’s a sign to sit and look at the situation with serenity.

Fixed Meaning of the Ehwaz Rune

Ehwaz means progress and change. Journeys are at the heart of this interpretation. Journeys take you to new horizons. They allow you to experience life with other people and other cultures. Often, journeys are seen as an expansion of horizons. With the rune Raido, you will travel to a nearby place.

If Laguz accompanies it, everything points to a great journey with long distances. In combination with reversed Ansuz, you will visit a sick relative. Ehwaz and Berkana indicate that the change will affect the entire family. However, this change will always be positive. Especially with Ansuz, Jera, and Mannaz, you will benefit from the support of a helpful person. Ehwaz heralds something new.

Reversed Meaning of the Ehwaz Rune

If Ehwaz appears reversed, it may mean that the time for change has not yet come, especially if other negative runes are present alongside it. With Uruz, the change will be very unexpected and sudden. A reversed Ehwaz rune often indicates that we ourselves are restless and dissatisfied with a situation.

It is then advisable to take your time and wait. If Laguz is present, a long journey awaits you. A spontaneous and last-minute trip is planned when Uruz accompanies Ehwaz. The journey doesn't necessarily have to be interpreted literally. It could just as well be an inner journey.

Properties of the Ehwaz Rune

• Alphabet: E
• Element: Earth
• Deity: Freya, Freyr
• Symbol: Horse, dual power structures
• Interpretation: Transport, movement, progress, trust, and change
• Stone: Calcite, sapphire
• Tree: Aspen, oak
• Flower: Forsythia
• Medicinal herb: Ragwort, St. John’s wort
• Animal: Warhorse
• Color: White, green
• Body part: Joints, connective tissues
• Fragrance: Coriander, wormwood
• Tarot: The Lovers, The Magician, The Star
• Astrology: Sun in Gemini, Moon in 9th house, Gemini, Aquarius

Complete Runes Alphabet >

Further Exploration

To deepen your knowledge about the runes and their symbolism, we invite you to explore the following pages:

• Viking Runes: Origins and Meanings
• Norse and Viking Symbols and their meanings
• The Secrets of Viking Runic Alphabet