We are going through a major renovation of our home. Fun! Right? No small endeavor by any means. We decided to purchase an RV and live in it on our property while the renovation is happening. During the craziness of moving I looked down and saw this sweet little algiz rune outside the door of our “new” domicile – showing me that this space will be a safe space to build our dreams and allow them to come into being. So of course I wanted to write about this potent rune called algiz and share it with you.
The beauty of working with runes is that they are more relationship related – not simply this rune means only this… Runes are a more deeper and subtler way of connecting with the Universe. And I can say from experience that working with the runes has deepened my intuitive nature.
The algiz rune (ᛉ) is one of the most powerful protection runes in Norse mythology. Its meaning is “elk”, but it also represents protection, defense, and prosperity. The elk was a sacred animal to the Norse people, and its antlers were said to have the power to ward off evil spirits. In runic form, the algiz rune looks like two crossed antlers, which symbolize the strength of the elk. This rune can be used for protection against physical and spiritual danger. It can also be used to promote success, abundance, and good luck.
The shape of the algiz rune resembles a person with their arms raised in a gesture of surrender or submission. In this way, the rune can be seen as representing the concepts of humility and surrender to the divine cycles of nature. Those raised arms can also represent standing in your power to be seen.
And due to the shape of this rune it can also be interpreted as a shield or protective barrier. The diagonal lines branching off the top of the rune may also represent the horns of an elk or other protective animal, further emphasizing the idea of defense.
In addition to protection, the algiz rune is also associated with spiritual connection and inner strength. The upward-pointing lines of the rune can be seen as reaching towards the heavens, while being planted in the earth, symbolizing a connection to the divine or spiritual realm. The rune can also be interpreted as representing the idea of inner strength, as it suggests a posture of strength and stability.
In traditional runic divination, the algiz rune is a symbol of safety and protection. It has been used by our ancestors as a potent symbol of protection and is also associated with the Valkyries and resurrection.
To ancient Norse and Germanic cultures, algiz was seen as a sign of connection between humans and the Divine – an association that has endured throughout history despite shifts in cultural leadership. An algiz amulet, for example, was often gifted during weddings or housewarmings in pre-Christian North Europe to ensure good spiritual protection for its occupants. Today this potent rune, algiz continues to be a powerful symbol connecting to our ancestral values such as inner strength and emotional support.
The richness of runes is a personal and individualized experience. What I truly appreciate about the runes is the depth of their messages. They aren’t just simple messages – they are interactive connections that bring deeper meanings to us and our lives. In this case, algiz isn’t just about protection, strength, it also speaks to resilience in the face of danger and encourages us to tap into our spiritual strength to stand up for our beliefs.
Algiz can be used to start the journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth by inviting new life experiences for personal transformation. Ultimately, this rune challenges us to stay true to ourselves in times of uncertainty and doubt, ultimately leading us on a path towards growth and expansion.
So how do we connect and work with algiz in your daily life to connect with its potent energies?
- Carry or wear the algiz symbol: You can wear a piece of jewelry that features the algiz symbol or carry a small rune stone with you throughout the day. This can serve as a reminder of the protective and spiritual energies associated with the rune.
- Meditate on the algiz symbol: You can sit quietly with the algiz symbol in front of you and meditate on its meaning. Imagine the protective and spiritual energies of the rune surrounding and filling you with strength, courage, and inner peace.
- Use the algiz symbol in visualizations: You can visualize the algiz symbol as a shield of protection surrounding you or someone you love. Alternatively, you can visualize the rune as a beacon of light connecting you to the divine or spiritual realm.
- Incorporate the algiz symbol into affirmations: You can create affirmations that incorporate the protective and spiritual energies of the algiz rune. For example, you might say, “I am strong and protected by the divine energies of algiz” or “I am connected to the divine nature through the energies of algiz.”
- Draw the algiz symbol in your surroundings: You can draw the algiz symbol on a piece of paper or in the air with your finger. This can be a way of infusing your surroundings with the protective and spiritual energies of the rune.
By incorporating the algiz rune into your daily life in these ways, you can connect with its powerful energies of protection and spiritual connection. Whether you are seeking inner strength, protection, or a deeper connection to the Divine, the rune, algiz can be a valuable tool in your spiritual practice.
