Last Updated on March 19, 2025
Meaning and Symbolism
The Eihwaz (pronounced, “ay-wahz” or “ee-wahz”) rune represents the yew tree. This tree is known for its resilience, longevity, and connection to transformation. The rune’s shape resembles a vertical line with small arms extending diagonally from the center. This design symbolizes the axis between life and death. Other spellings include: Ihwaz, Iwaz, and Eiwaz.
Eihwaz is linked to endurance and protection. The yew tree’s wood resists rot and was used for making longbows. The rune signifies overcoming challenges through inner strength. It also suggests a connection between the physical and spiritual worlds.
Historical Usage
The rune appears in ancient inscriptions and rune poems. The Old English Rune Poem describes it as a tree with deep roots. The Norwegian Rune Poem connects it to the yew’s strength and usefulness. The Icelandic Rune Poem emphasizes its protective nature. Yew trees often grew in burial grounds. Their evergreen nature symbolized eternal life. The Eihwaz rune may have played a role in rituals involving death and rebirth.
Mythological Connections
Eihwaz is not directly named in the Poetic Edda or Prose Edda, but the yew tree appears in myths. In Völuspá, Yggdrasil, the world tree, connects different realms. Some sources suggest Yggdrasil was a yew rather than an ash. 
The rune’s association with the underworld links it to Hel, ruler of the dead. Her realm, Helheim (HEL-haym), is a place of transformation. Eihwaz may symbolize a bridge between life and afterlife.
Magical and Protective Uses
Ancient people carved Eihwaz on weapons and amulets. The rune’s connection to the yew tree made it a symbol of protection. Warriors sought its power to endure battles. Some believed the rune guarded against spirits and misfortune. Inscriptions show it used for securing homes and boundaries. The yew’s toxic properties added to its mystical reputation.
Eihwaz may have been used in shamanic practices. It represents the spine, often viewed as a channel for energy. This suggests a role in spiritual awakening and inner balance.
Divination and Personal Growth
In rune readings, Eihwaz signals patience and perseverance. It advises facing obstacles with determination. The rune does not promise easy solutions but rewards those who endure. It can also indicate transformation. It suggests breaking free from limitations. This rune urges careful planning before major changes.
A reversed or blocked Eihwaz may warn of stagnation. It suggests a failure to embrace necessary changes. In such cases, persistence and adaptability are needed.
Eihwaz in Names and Language
Some names and words derive from Eihwaz’s root meaning. The Proto-Germanic īhwaz (EE-hwaz) meant “yew.” The Old Norse ýr (EE-r) had a similar meaning. These words show the rune’s linguistic influence. In some alphabets, it evolved into later runic forms. It resembles Jēra (ᛃ) and Perthro (ᛈ) in shape. The rune’s sound value influenced early Germanic languages.
Eihwaz and Sacred Trees
Yew trees were planted in sacred groves. Their long lifespan made them symbols of wisdom. Some cultures believed they contained the spirits of ancestors. In Celtic and Norse traditions, yews marked important sites. People sought guidance beneath their branches. The trees’ ability to regenerate added to their mystical status.
Yew wood was used for bows, staffs, and ritual objects. Its durability made it valuable for ceremonial tools. Some believed it channeled protective energies.
Modern Symbolism
Today, Eihwaz represents personal transformation. It reminds people to stand strong in adversity. Many see it as a guide through life’s transitions. Some wear this symbol for protection. Others use it in meditation to focus on resilience. The rune remains a powerful emblem of endurance and change.
Runes Associated with Eihwaz
Perthro (ᛈ) (“Pear-throw”) connects to Eihwaz through mystery and transformation. It symbolizes fate, hidden knowledge, and the unknown. Like It represents deep insight and inner strength. This rune often appears when one must trust intuition and accept uncertainty. Both runes share ties to death and rebirth, emphasizing personal evolution.
Algiz (ᛉ) (“Al-geez”) links to Eihwaz through protection and resilience. It signifies spiritual defense and a connection to higher forces. It offers guidance through challenges, helping one endure hardships. This rune also represents sacred knowledge and a guardian’s role. Both runes encourage personal growth and perseverance.
Eihwaz, Perthro, and Algiz all relate to hidden strength. They teach patience and wisdom. When combined, they highlight unseen forces shaping one’s path.
Its Power in Asatru
Eihwaz represents transformation, endurance, and the connection between realms. Asatruar see it as a bridge between life and death. It symbolizes Yggdrasil, the World Tree, which connects all existence. This rune teaches perseverance in hardship. It guides those seeking wisdom and spiritual growth. Many view it as a rune of protection, shielding against negative forces. Its shape resembles a sturdy tree, standing firm through storms.
Eihwaz also represents cycles—death leading to rebirth. Asatruar interpret this as embracing change and trusting fate. It encourages personal evolution through challenges. Some use it in rituals for resilience and insight. This rune reminds followers to stand strong, face struggles, and seek deeper understanding. It embodies both endings and new beginnings, making it vital in spiritual practice.
