Rune Study : Eihwaz
Eihwaz : Yew, Yggdrasil
Eihwaz represents the axis of the physical and spiritual worlds. It is associated with the yew tree, as the yew has long been viewed as a sacred tree, connected to the physical and spiritual realms. Trees in general, with their roots in the earth, and branches reaching into the sky (towards the spiritual realms) are a symbol of this connection of worlds.
The Yew tree is associated with life and death. As an evergreen, it is life in the midst of death, and embodies the duality of the universe, and the bringing together of binary opposites. The yew is a poisonous tree, and was a favourite wood for bow-making among ancient Celtic tribes-people.
Eihwaz is the rune of inner power. Allowing us to journey inward, we can use it’s energy to connect to ant of the nine worlds, and so this rune is integral to seidhr-work. Seidhr is the shamanistic practice of journeying outside of ones body, traveling throughout the nine worlds to gather information and seek answers. The rune Eihwaz allows us to connect to Yggdrasil, and journey within.
Yew wood would be burned at sacred fires, particularly at Yule or Jùl, the celebration of the winter solstice. Yule wood burns long and bright, and symbolizes “the fire within”. We can use the energy of Eihwaz to focus our energy and center ourselves. The inner fire must be tended, and utilized in order to continue on the inner journey. Eihwaz teaches us to maintain this fire of will, and use this force on our journey to propel us ahead and carry us through challenges. It teaches us how to gain information from the other realms and bring that information into a context that we can apply to our current situation.
I am Eihwaz. I am Yggdrasil. I am the World-Tree. I connect you to your spirit, and teach you how to wield the fire within you. I am the spiraling staff defending all you hold dear. I am the sacred bow, providing protection and nourishing your people. I am Yggdrasil, journey with me to other worlds. I am Eihwaz.