Alternative Names
Anglo-Friesian/Germanic: Ehwaz
Norse (Viking): Eoh
Old English: Eh, Oe or Eoh
Other Names/Spellings: Aihws, Ehol, Ehwar, Eol, Eow,
                                       Eykur, Eys, Ior

Pronunciation: Ay-wahz

English Letter Equivalent
E as in end, EE as in sheet

Translation
Horse

Meaning
Horse, beast of burden, steed or mount. Momentum, Speed.

Characteristics
Speed of thought or deed. Quick-wittedness. Forward progress, purposeful motion. Willingness. Sure-footed, confident, loyal.

Ehwaz represents the horse. The speed, strength, and beauty of a horse makes it much more than a means of transport. It is a sacred animal, a vehicle for material and spiritual advancement. Ehwaz implies controlled change, progress, and sometimes a journey. It also represents partnership, trust, loyalty, and faithfulness, such as that between horse and rider, brother and sister, two halves of the whole.

Personal Interpretation
You have the support you need to make swift progress towards your goal. But you must be loyal and supportive to those around you, as they are to you. The horse is proud, but that does not impede its purpose. So while you can be proud of your achievements, you must remain humble to ensure your journey reaches a successful conclusion.

Reverse
Lethargy, retrograde motion, regression. Muddled thinking. Reluctance. Diffidence. Becoming lost or bemused.

Converse
That which appears stagnant will suddenly move. Someone willing or confident will be up to no good.

Runic Number: 19                                              

Color:  White

Element: Earth

Polarity: Male and Female

Associated gods: Frey, Freyja

Astrological Correspondence: Gemini

 

Tarot Talk by Leila Vey The Lovers is one possible match for Ehwaz because of this rune's association with partnership, trust, loyalty and faithfulness. Certainly the idea that horse and rider are two halves of a whole fits beautifully with the Lovers. Another possible link for Ehwaz is with The Magician because of the speed, clarity of thought, quick wittedness, purpose and forward motion, as well as the spiritual advancement aspects in both the rune and the card. visit Leila's site at http://tarot.leila.ca

The Rune Poem: Verse XIX Ehwaz
A Steed is the joy of aethlings or eorls,
a horse proud of hoof, where men about It,
wealthy, on stallions, swap speech,
and to the unquiet is ever a solace.
 

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