Runes, the ancient symbols used by the Germanic peoples, carry deep meanings and powerful messages. Each rune has its own story and represents different aspects of life. For example, Sowilo is a symbol of success, enlightenment, and victory.
In this blog post, I’ll explore the meaning of the Sowilo rune, how it appears in rune readings, how to use it as a talisman, and some rituals involving Sowilo to harness its powerful energy. I’ll also look at which runes pair best with Sowilo for even greater benefits.
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Sowilo Rune Meaning
The sixteenth rune of the Elder Futhark, Sowilo (ᛋ), resembles a lightning bolt or an “S” shape. Phonetically it corresponds to the “S” sound.
Sowilo is associated with success, enlightenment, and victory. This rune represents the sun and its life-giving energy, symbolizing illumination, clarity, and the triumph of light over darkness. Sowilo is the rune of invigoration, success, and achieving one’s goals. It encourages us to harness our inner power and to shine brightly, overcoming obstacles and illuminating the path ahead.
Sowilo reminds us that through clarity and focused effort, we can achieve all of our goals.
Sowilo in Rune Readings
Upright Sowilo
When Sowilo appears upright in a rune reading, it signifies success, enlightenment, and victory. This rune suggests that you are on the right path and that your efforts will lead to positive outcomes. Sowilo encourages you to harness your inner power and to remain focused on your goals. It signals a time of achievement and triumph, where your hard work and dedication will be rewarded. This rune urges you to embrace the light within you and to use it to overcome any challenges in your way.
Reversed Perthro
Sowilo does not traditionally have a reversed position. However, if Sowilo appears in a challenging context, it may suggest a need for greater clarity or a reevaluation of your goals. This position prompts you to reflect on areas where you may feel blocked or uncertain and to seek ways to reignite your inner light. It advises you to focus on clearing away confusion and to trust in your ability to achieve success through clarity and determination.
Using Sowilo as a Talisman
Sowilo can be used as a talisman to enhance success, enlightenment, and personal victory. Sowilo is especially powerful when worn, allowing its energy to radiate through your body. However, it can also be placed anywhere you seek success – such as on your work desk or study area.
You can use any material you like to make your talisman but it’s best to choose something that is suited to the intended purpose. For jewelry, solid precious metals are best. If you’d like to tuck it into a purse or pocket, a stone would do nicely.
You can also incorporate materials that resonate with solar energy and illumination, such as citrine, sunstone, or gold.
Design the talisman with the Sowilo rune, either engraved or drawn, and consecrate it through a ritual to charge it with your intention. The talisman serves as a constant reminder of your ability to achieve your goals and to shine brightly.
Rituals Involving Sowilo
Success and Achievement Ritual
To invoke Sowilo’s energy for enhancing success and achievement, perform a simple ritual. Do this ritual before embarking on a new project.
What you’ll need:
- Drawing or token of the Sowilo rune
- Yellow or Gold Candle
- Offerings that represent the sun (citrine, sun charm, etc.)
Begin by lighting a gold or yellow candle and placing the Sowilo rune in front of it. Offerings such as a piece of citrine or a small sun-shaped charm can be placed around the rune.
Focus on your intention for success and chant: “Sowilo, illuminate my path, let success and victory be mine.” See the sunlight piercing your path like a beacon showing you exactly which direction to take towards success.
Let the candle burn itself out safely.
Driving Away the Shadows Ritual
For enhancing clarity and gaining enlightenment, incorporate Sowilo into a ritual. If you’re feeling like there’s something you’re not seeing, something being hidden, this ritual can help to open your eyes to the truth.
What you’ll need:
- Drawing or token of the Sowilo rune
- White or Silver Candle
Meditate on the Sowilo rune, focusing on the areas of your life where you seek greater clarity and understanding. Light a white or silver candle to symbolize purity and enlightenment, and place the Sowilo rune nearby.
Visualize a wave of illuminating energy flowing from the rune into your life, enhancing your ability to perceive and understand hidden truths. Picture sunlight breaking through a cloudy sky. See the rays piercing the darkness, illuminating every shadowy corner until you can see with crystal clarity.
Let the candle burn itself out safely.
Personal Power Ritual
To use Sowilo’s energy for fostering personal power and confidence, perform a personal power ritual. If you’re starting to feel doubtful of your success in any endeavor, this ritual could be the boost of confidence you need in order to cross the finish line.
What you’ll need:
- Drawing or token of the Sowilo rune
- Red or Orange Candle
Light a red or orange candle to represent strength and vitality, and place the Sowilo rune in front of it. Reflect on the areas where you seek to enhance your personal power and visualize the energy of the rune empowering you.
Chant: “Sowilo, grant me the strength within, let my inner light shine brightly.” Imagine the fiery heat of the sun radiating from inside your body, illuminating your path and burning through any resistance that you may face.
Allow the energy of Sowilo to inspire and motivate you towards achieving greater confidence and personal victory.
Let the candle burn itself out safely.
Pairing Sowilo with Other Runes
Each rune carries its own unique meanings, and when combined thoughtfully, these energies can complement and reinforce one another. By using runes in conjunction, you can create more powerful and nuanced outcomes, tapping into a deeper well of wisdom and guidance from the ancient symbols.
Below are some of my favorite rune pairings with Sowilo:
Sowilo and Tiwaz - Victory and Justice
Pairing Sowilo with Tiwaz can enhance your ability to achieve victory through fairness and justice. Tiwaz, the rune of justice and leadership, combines with Sowilo’s energy to create a powerful force for achieving goals with integrity and honor. This combination fosters both personal success and the pursuit of just outcomes.
Sowilo and Ansuz - Enlightenment and Communication
Sowilo and Ansuz together can support achieving enlightenment through clear and positive communication. Ansuz, the rune of communication and wisdom, enhances Sowilo’s energy by promoting understanding and effective exchange of ideas. This pairing fosters both personal enlightenment and the sharing of wisdom.
Other Runes to Pair with Sowilo
- Algiz: The rune of protection and higher self, Algiz enhances Sowilo’s energy by providing additional protection and spiritual guidance. This combination supports achieving success through spiritual awareness.
- Raidho: The rune of journey and movement, Raidho complements Sowilo by fostering progress and purposeful direction. This pairing encourages the successful navigation of life’s journey with clarity and focus.
- Fehu: The rune of wealth and prosperity, Fehu, when paired with Sowilo, enhances your ability to find success through abundance and resourcefulness. This combination promotes both material and personal fulfillment through clear goals and dedicated effort.
Sowilo is a powerful rune that symbolizes success, enlightenment, and victory. It reminds us of the importance of harnessing our inner power, seeking clarity, and striving for our goals with determination. Sowilo offers guidance and support in achieving success and enlightenment.
How do you use Sowilo? Share your ideas in the comments.
If you enjoyed learning about Sowilo, check out the blog for more rune-related content. Stay tuned for upcoming posts exploring other runes and their uses.