Rune #15 - Algiz

[Flar's Freyja]

To me, the primary meaning of Algiz means protection and spiritual connection with the gods and goddesses. Algiz assists in successful magick by channeling the energies of the gods to us in workings. Algiz can be written both upward and downward, having both male and female forms and symbolizing the branches and roots of the Tree of Yggdrasil. According to Freya Aswynn, in its normal upright form Algiz an be used in devotional work, such as when invoking other runes or expanding one's consciousness to higher realms. Aswynn also says that Algiz can be used for healing, and that this is one of the strongest runes to be used in circle because it shields and defends any working done within the circle.

[Myst]

Could someone please post a picture of this rune? I don't have one by that name in my set, so I'm trying to figure what rune I have that corresponds. Thanks.

[Flar's Freyja]

I tried, Myst ~ don't know how to do it. Hopefully someone else can. It's the one that looks a bit like a chicken's foot and is known in some areas of witchcraft as the crow's foot. Does that help?

[Lavender]

Here's a link to a picture of the rune. It's called elhaz here.

http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Forum/4178/asatru/elhaz.html

[Myst]

Thanks hon! It's Eolh here and represents protection.

It is a protective charm and indicates a positive reading. Some think of it as an outstretched hand, some an antler, or a staff. It is auspicious and beneficial, and signifies that the querent is shielded from danger or difficulty. It may also signify a positive influence in one's life - a job, friend, or a marriage. It can also refer to friendship and is something the querent deserves and needs.

[Silver Venus]

Freya ~ I also think as Algiz as a shield and have been told that if you turn it upside down it can be used to repel/ward of negativity of any knid, spirit or situation, but I have always used it upright coloured red, and its worked just the same for me.

Myst ~ It is shaped like a hand, ive never thought of that before, thanks.

The hand would fit with healing wouldnt it!

Thank you both Ive learnt something new today :)

I also think that Algiz is a guardian, sheild for protection. I think its shape is like a tuning fork or antenea and thus can be used for transforming and transmitting energy (tie in with healing and also warding here).
It can be a warnign aswell as a sign that you have the gods watching over you as it rules the pathways between the gods and humans drawing or sending as it needs.
It can also point to your emotions saying that more control is needed or that you are being very emotionalyl cared for ~loved.

I use it to fill my circle with power aswell as a protectant and shield.

[Lavender]

I think of Algiz as more like instinctive protection. Like a mother or parent naturally protecting their children. A little like an automatic response thing.

[Silver Venus]

Well said Wild :boing: I agree!

[Flar's Freyja]

It can be a warning aswell as a sign that you have the gods watching over you as it rules the pathways between the gods and humans drawing or sending as it needs.

I think of Algiz as more like instinctive protection. Like a mother or parent naturally protecting their children. A little like an automatic response thing.

Thank you, both. You have no idea how I need to hear this right now.

[Rick]

Algiz represents protection on many levels. Algiz's shape represents a hand making a 'three'... this is the old German folk sign against the 'evil eye'. The shape also represents a figure in a winged helmet... a Valkyrie. This is protection from mortal harm... the shape also suggests a swan with wings spread in flight; Valkyries can take the form of swans. Algiz is also a Rune of Heimdal, the Watcher God, the Guardian of the Rainbow Bridge between Midgard & Asgard.

Eight Algiz Runes bound together to form a snowflake pattern is also known as a Helm of Awe, & can be used to render one's self invisible (among other uses)...

The Rune Algiz corresponds with the all the colors of the rainbow (and rainbows in general), the Element of Air, & the Deities Heimdal & the Valkyries... it's polarity is both male & female...

Thanks, Freyja, for kicking off this Rune... well done! :sunny:

[Myst]

You mention the Helm of Awe - are there other groupings like this that are useful? I think I remember you mentioning something about Thorn....?

[Rick]

8O... Well, sure, there are many Runic 'groupings', or formulas... the one you mention is called a Thorn Garth... it's an octagon, with a Thurisaz (Thorn) Rune on each side... 'thorns' out protects what's inside the garth (garth simply means 'enclosure')... 'thorns' in contains what's inside the garth...

[The Mad Vitiki]

Algiz road to heaven a/cen/tion

[Myst]

:D

I couldn't remember the word "garth".

I kept thinking "it's that guy off wayne's world!"

[Rick]

Originally posted by Myst
:D

I couldn't remember the word "garth".

I kept thinking "it's that guy off wayne's world!"
Round here, it's that country singer from the Mad Vitiki's home town...

[Rick]

BUMP

[Emy]

Algiz (in swedish älgrunan... rune of elk, moose...)

Stands for: protection, animals and nature, spirits and guides. Stands for our ability to live in harmony with nature and animals. It also represents our guides, fylgia, and poweranimals. Its a powerful protection rune that protects from evil... when used for protection it is often combined to form a helmet.
Algiz often tells you to seek your inner true nature, and to seek your roots.

Reversed: it might be that you have lost contact with your innerself, or that you don't live in harmony with nature... you may also have lost contact with your spiritguides etc.

Wear this rune when you seek protection and strength.

I've attached a picture of the helmet... :)


Blessings

[Flar's Freyja]

Originally posted by The Mad Vitiki
Algiz road to heaven a/cen/tion

Could you expand on this, please?

[Rick]

Algiz is associated with rainbows... in the Norse/Germanic cosmology, Bifrost (the Rainbow Bridge) connects Midgard (Earth) to Asgard (Heaven)... it is a symbol of all the connections between the two realms, & of the promise of the afterlife...

[Silver Venus]

O thats a really nice thought about Algiz been a rainbow :)

[Flar's Freyja]

Algiz corresponds with the Sabbat Candlemas in the pagan wheel of the year along with Sowilo and Pertho. Sowilo represents the sun gaining strength. Pertho is the rune of the goddess Frigga and the Norns. Frigga is the life-giving mother who initiates the yearly cycle and is also the commander-in-chief of the Valkryies and Algiz is the rune sacred to the Valkyries.

[Flar's Freyja]

Algiz correspondences:

Tree: Yew
Herb: Angelica
Gemstones: Fluorite, agate, jasper, diamond
Color: Rainbow
Hour of the Day 2:30 a.m. - 3:30 a.m.
God/Goddess: Heimdall, Valkyries
Element: Air
Astrology: Cancer
Tarot: The Moon

[Silver Venus]

Flourite is one of my all time favourite crystals and my boyfriend star sign is Cancer ~ figures! :D

[Flar's Freyja]

Hmm, I can't seem to hang on to a fluorite - I've lost two of 'em ~ and I'm not supposed to get along real well with Cancer......

;)

Good to hear from you!

[Silver Venus]

lol, well Cancer is my direct opposite as Im a capricorn so i either love them or hate them, good thing I love him to bits ;)

Strange about flourite, probally just not meant to work with you, you may have all its properties already :)

Ive been on holiday for a week to Cancun :sunny: then just needed a few days to get my head back and awake before I got online :) Its great to be back from such a happy fun break.

[manstranger]

In my set its called Elhaz ;).

To me, this rune can symbolise alot of thing. When I look at it from top to bottum, what i get out of the rune is Divine energy coming down to you. So upright, i think that it could be used to call divine energy into a spell or ritual, or divine assistence, love ... just about anything!

When I see it upside down, what i get from it is either a need or lack of focusing of your own energy, and it is in itself a means to help you focuse. The two lines out to the sides are distractions, i think, and the one down the middle is your path. You could use this rune to bring your focus and energy into one specific target, and perhaps those other two lines could even symbolise divine energy coming to aid you :).

Are my ideas too outlandish and hippish? ;);)

[Rick]

Originally posted by manstranger
Are my ideas too outlandish and hippish? ;);)
8O I don't know about 'outlandish & hippish'... but I can't find fault with your assessment...

[Flar's Freyja]

Originally posted by Freyja
Algiz corresponds with the Sabbat Candlemas in the pagan wheel of the year along with Sowilo and Pertho. Sowilo represents the sun gaining strength. Pertho is the rune of the goddess Frigga and the Norns. Frigga is the life-giving mother who initiates the yearly cycle and is also the commander-in-chief of the Valkryies and Algiz is the rune sacred to the Valkyries.

Bump since Algiz is the appropriate rune for the upcoming sabbat of Imbolc.

[Flar's Freyja]

bump

[mucgwyrt]

In "my" set, the Anglo-Saxon set, this rune is called Eohl-Secg. Translated this means "Elk-Sedge", which is a type of grass found in marshland eaten by (you guessed it) Elk.

To me it means protection from hunters; from the outside world and whatever might prey on you. However you must bear in mind that Sedge (and its kenning-meaning, "sword") represents a double edged blade; there is such a thing as being too well defended! You may be protecting yourself too much and so you are not sharing (Gyfu) your innerself with your loved ones enough, perhaps you are lashing out at them when they attempt to get close to you. Also perhaps you are hiding in the sedge from opportunities, change, the future.

What do people think of that?
(I'm new to Runes, want to make sure thats a fair assessment :D )