The 19th rune of the Futhark alphabet is called Ehwaz. Ehwaz means horse and is considered progress in the spiritual world.
Ehwaz consists of two elements, which should embody not only loyalty, but rather the existing trust between horse and rider. It also prophesies a harmonious cooperation of two forces that want to achieve the same goal.
Ehwaz symbolizes entering into and harmonizing partnerships, harmony and unity. It signifies fertility and locomotion as well as adaptability.
Together with Laguz, it symbolizes love in marriage. For the future, Ehwaz means that something new can arise.
Origin and Meaning of the Ehwaz Rune
In ancient times, the horse was considered a sacred animal, as it always stood by man as a faithful companion. Anyone who has ever sat on a horse knows its untamed energy. It carries its rider and helps him to take part of his burden. Who rides on a horse, comes steadily forward.
Because of the name of the warm-blooded horse and its inner fire, the horse never represents standing still. Ehwaz also represents winged and free expression as well as an unfolding destiny. A person with a horse is fortunate because he has a companion on his adventurous and spiritual path.
The rune resembles an M. Often the connection of the two strokes is equated with the connection between the rider and the animal. This connection is based on loyalty on the part of the horse and trust of the rider towards its bearer. Together they are in a rhythmic harmony.
Ehwaz can also describe the connection between two people, which has similar characteristics to that between rider and horse. This can be the relationship between two twins who have a special bond. But it can also mean the bond between a man and a woman. The focus is on a harmonious cooperation of the two forces.
The father of the gods also has a faithful companion at his side: the horse Sleipnir. The name means something like 'the one who glides along'. Sleipnir is not an ordinary horse, because it has eight legs. Odin and Sleipnir ride together through the world and go on journeys. A horse is also often seen in the rune.
You look at it from the side and see only the two legs and the middle part. In a connection one works together as a team. No one is for himself, but one exists in a unit. Together you think and act. Values like respect, tolerance, trust, loyalty and partnership are in the foreground. The power of dualism, the twins also play an important role.
If a horse were to gallop permanently, it would probably fall over from exhaustion after a day. However, if it remains at a leisurely trot, it can cover a great distance in the long run. Ehwaz stands for locomotion, but it is an ongoing process.
You don't stagnate, you progress, you move forward. Your personal development is coming. You can take the freedom to change. In doing so, it is important to be careful not to rush things and also to give things time to develop.
Life is a river that adapts to your actions - a constantly flowing stream. The mediocrity is crucial here. Don't get carried away, don't just let yourself drift. Try to find an appropriate pace and move steadily forward with the flow.
With Ehwaz, progress is certain. Change will come. Yet the greatest challenge is to perceive the slow progress. When a snail crawls ahead, watching it may give you the impression that it is not moving from the spot. But if you look at it again two hours later, you will see that it has made good progress. After a few days they will not see the snail at all.
When making progress, it is also useful to stop and take a break. Especially when the rune is reversed. Do not always advance at the same pace. Take small steps sometimes, then lengthen your steps again. Adjust the speed to your life. And if something doesn't seem to be going fast enough, it's a sign to sit back and look at the situation with serenity.
Fixed Ehwaz Rune Meaning
Ehwaz stands for progress and change. Above all, travel is clearly the focus here. Travel takes you to new places. One makes experiences with other people and new cultures. Often, travel is perceived as a broadening of horizons. With the Raido rune you will come to a nearby place.
Should Laguz be with it, everything speaks for a great journey and long distances. In combination with a reversed Ansuz you will visit a sick relative. Ehwaz and Berkana indicate that the change will affect the whole family. However, the change will always be for the better. Especially with Ansuz, Jera and Mannaz you can look forward to the support of a helpful person. Ehwaz heralds something new.
Reversed Ehwaz Rune Meaning
If Ehwaz lies reversed, it may mean that the time for change has not yet come. Especially if there are other negative runes next to it. With Uruz, change will be very unexpected and sudden. A reversed Ehwaz rune often indicates that we ourselves are restless and dissatisfied with a situation.
Here it makes sense to take your time and wait. If Laguz is present, you are in for a long journey. A spontaneous, last-minute journey is in store when Uruz appears with Ehwaz. A journey does not have to be interpreted only literally. It can just as well be a journey to yourself.
Ehwaz Rune Properties
- Alphabet: E
- Element: Earth
- 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: War Horse, War Horse
- Color: White, Green
- Body: Joints, connective tissue
- Scent: Coriander, Wormwood
- Tarot: The Lovers, The Magician, The Star
- Astrology: Sun in Gemini, Moon in 9th House, Gemini, Aquarius
Runic Alphabet
