Hagalaz: Hail

Keywords: Sudden loss, ordeal, destruction, disaster, clearance, testing, karmic lesson, drastic change.

Meanings: This rune is like the Tower in the Tarot and provides a wake-up call. Hagalaz is only a negative rune if you choose to view it that way, and refuse to learn its lessons. It marks both a beginning and an end, and destroys the complacency of wunjo. If things are going well and you're beginning to take life for granted, Hagalaz is the slap that wakes you up!

Nauþiz (Nauthiz): Need

Keywords: Poverty, hardship, responsibility, discontent, obstacle, frustration.

Meanings: Whereas Hagalaz is a hard slap, this is a gentle nudge. If life seems out of balance and nothing seems to be going the way you planned then it may be time to make changes. Nauþiz often indicates a feeling of discontent for the way things are. It represents an imbalance between what you have and what you want. How you solve this dilemma will influence the rest of your journey.

Isa: Ice

Keywords: Inactivity, blockage, stagnation, potential, patience, reflection, isolation.

Meanings: Isa primarily represents a period of rest before activity. This is a time to reflect inwardly and decide what changes need to be made. When you have gathered your strength and made your plans, then is the time for action. Although there may be obstacles everywhere at present, they can be overcome if approached in the right way.

Jera: Year

Keywords: Change, cycles, reward, motion, productivity, development.

Meanings: As spring follows winter, Jera follows isa. The period of frozen inactivity is over and new life is beginning. This is a time of change, of growth, of development. Leave the negativity of the winter behind and enjoy the sun while it's there. Life may not be all roses but it is still pretty good! Now is the time to put your plans into action.

Eihwaz: Yew

Keywords: Change, initiation, death, transformation.

Meanings: Eihwaz is the thirteenth rune in the fuþark (It is interesting the Death card in the Tarot is also the thirteenth card). Eihwaz marks the turning point in the runic journey and is the transformation phase of the initial process. Death is the symbolism for the passage into adulthood. Although a frightening time, it is something we must all go through if we are to gain the wisdom of maturity.

Perþ (Perth):

Keywords: Rebirth, mystery, divination, fertility, sexuality, new beginning.

Meanings: Perþ is somewhat of a mystery as to its original interpretation and has aroused much controversy. This rune is closely tied to the idea of rebirth after death. The Norse peoples believed that once born we were set on a path that was pre-destined. Using the runes they believed that we could better understand this journey.

Algiz: Protection

Keywords: Protection, assistance, defence, warning, support.

Meanings: We have passed through death and rebirth on our runic journey, and must now face the Guardian. We are now cahrged to use our new-found power wisely. No longer can we simply be concerned with our own personal development but we need to contemplate how our actions affect others. This is a crucial turning point and we're now faced with taking an ethical path. Or not...

Sowulo: Sun

Keywords: Success, positive energy, power, health, activity, fertility.

Meanings: Sowulo marks the end of the second aett, and marks a successful completeion of this part of the journey. This is not a time of rest though as the sun is very much an active symbol. Nature, life, is very transient and although times are good we cannot rest on our laurels. Rest for a moment and enjoy the sun, then use its energy to move on. This is movement from choice and is not forced.