Algiz
Oracular Interpretation Key Words Mantra Stöödhur(Positions) Magickal Uses
Ansuz- Berkana- Dagaz- Ehwaz- Eihwaz- Fehu- Gebo- Hagalaz- Inguz- Isa- Jera- Kano- Laguz- Mannaz- Nauthiz- Othila- Odin's Rune (blank)- Perth- Raido- Sowelu- Teiwaz- Thurisaz- Uruz- Wunjo-
Algiz or Elhaz (Proto-Germanic): elk, protection; Algis or Alh (Gothic): swan(?); Eolh (Old English): elk; I(h)war (Old Norse, in runic inscriptions only) yew, yew bow
Phonetic value: a final grammatical z, which became the final r of Old Norse.
Esoteric interpretation of name: protective force, valkyrjur.
Ideographic interpretation: the horns of the elk, the branches (and roots) of the tree, a swan in flight, or a splayed hand.
Symbolically, this is perhaps the most historically complex of all the runes, although a unified ideological complex does arise once its secrets are uncovered.
The word Algiz means "protection," and its shape is probably derived from the Proto-Germanic symbol of defense and protection: the splayed hand, a sign often found carved into spears for protection and victory. The idea of the valkyrjur has also been connected to this rune through its interpretation of the name as "swan." The valkyrjur are protective, life-giving beings who act as protectors, givers of power and the way that Odin communicates with his select heroes.
The word elhaz, another name for this rune, means elk and refers to the four cosmic red stags who constantly chew on the needles of the world-tree. When upside-down the rune is called i(h)war, which occurs only in runic inscriptions, and means "yew tree" or "yew bow."
The Gothic word Algis or alms means sanctuary and is also associated with this rune. An Alh is a protected grove or enclave dedicated to the gods. It also contains the aggressive, warlike, protective aspect of the divine twins, Alcis, beings who are depicted as being either red stags or horses.
Algiz is the power of human life and ones soul striving to reach the world of the Sir. It is the rune humanity's connection to the gods, the invisible force that draws man's consciousness to the realm of the Divine. Algiz is the Bifröst, the shimmering tri-colored, "Rainbow Bridge" of Norse mythology. The bridge connects Asgard, Midgard, and Hel and represents another way for the consciousness to traverse the worlds. It is the curved path of the roots and branches as opposed to the straight path of the trunk (Sowelu), a symbol of the hamingja's magickal power. Algiz is the force used by Heimdallr as guardian of Asgardhr. It is also a rune of consciousness and awareness (a hugrún).
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Key Words:
Protection, enclosure
Life
Bifröst
Path of the branches and roots
Connection between gods and men
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Galdr (Mantra):
elhaz elhaz elhaz
z z z z z z z z z
(a deep whirring, whistling sound)
uz az iz ez oz
oz ez iz az uz
zzzzzzzzzzzzzz
(mmmmmmmmmmmm)
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Stödhur (Positions):
I. Stand upright with the arms stretched out and upwards to the sides.
II. Put your arms in the same position as above, but kneel, sitting on your heels. Keep your torso vertical with your head slightly tilted back.
III. With your arms in the same position as above, sit with your right knee on the ground and your left foot extended out in front of you, keeping your left thigh parallel to the ground.
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Magickal Uses:
Protection and defense. Mystical and religious communication with nonhuman sentient beings. Communication with other worlds, especially Asgard and the cosmic wells of Urdhr, Mimir, and Hvergelmir. Strengthening of hamingja (magickal power and "luck") and life force (refer to Mannaz for more practical applications of this rune's shape.
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Oracular Interpretation:
Control of the emotions is at issue here. During times of transition, shifts in life course and accelerated self-change, it is important not to collapse yourself into your emotions, the heights as well as the lows. New opportunities and challenges are typical of this Rune. And with them may come trespasses and unwanted influences.
Algiz serves as a mirror for the Spiritual Warrior, the one whose battle is always with the self. The Warrior's protection is like the curved horns of the elk, or the warning rustle of the sedge grass, for both serve to keep open space around you.
Remain mindful that timely right action and correct conduct are your only true protection. If you find yourself feeling pain, observe the pain, stay with it. Do not try to pull down the veil and escape from life by denying what is happening. You will progress; knowing that is your protection.
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Reversed:
Be thoughtful about your health and do not add to the burdens others are carrying. Look carefully at the associations you form at this time. If you see fit to become involved with people who are using you, remain conscious of that fact and take responsibility for your own position; then you can only benefit. And yet, regardless of whether your enterprise prospers or suffers, do not be overly concerned. You may not win, but you will never lose, for you can always learn from what takes place.
Temperance and courtesy are the sinews of this Rune's protective powers.
--Copied word for word from The Book of Runes by Ralph H. Blum
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All information in these pages comes from the following sources:
and The Book of Runes by Ralph H. Blum.
A now out of print and rare book and stones set.
It can still be bought, used, at the above link, though.
Lisa's Planet- The Land of Fae- Norse Mythology-
Celtic Goddesses, Queens, Gods & Kings- Angels- My Web Rings
Samantha's Moon (Temporarily Out of Orbit)
Jay Jr's Moon (It's gone Void of Course)