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. Ehwaz, for example, is a symbol of partnership, movement, and progress.
In this blog post, I’ll explore the meaning of the Ehwaz rune, how it appears in rune readings, how to use it as a talisman, and some rituals involving Ehwaz to harness its dynamic energy. I’ll also look at which runes pair best with Ehwaz for even greater benefits.
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Ehwaz Rune Meaning
The nineteenth rune of the Elder Futhark, Ehwaz (ᛖ), resembles the shape of an “M” or two horses’ heads facing each other. Phonetically it corresponds to the “E” sound.
Ehwaz is associated with partnership, movement, and progress. This rune represents the symbiotic relationship between horse and rider, emphasizing the importance of trust, cooperation, and mutual support. Ehwaz symbolizes the dynamic energy needed to achieve progress and the harmony that comes from working together towards a common goal.
It encourages us to build strong partnerships and to embrace change and movement as essential parts of growth.
Ehwaz in Rune Readings
Upright Ehwaz
When Ehwaz appears upright in a rune reading, it signifies partnership, movement, and progress. This rune suggests that you are in a phase of positive change and that progress is being made through cooperation and mutual support. Ehwaz encourages you to build and nurture strong partnerships, whether in personal relationships, business ventures, or collaborative projects. It signals a time of dynamic energy and forward movement, where mutual trust and cooperation will lead to success. This rune urges you to embrace change and to work harmoniously with others to achieve your goals.
Reversed Ehwaz
When Ehwaz appears reversed, it serves as a warning to address issues related to trust, cooperation, or progress. This position may indicate delays, misunderstandings, or conflicts in partnerships. Reversed Ehwaz prompts you to reflect on areas where you may need to improve communication and cooperation, and to address any issues that are hindering progress. It advises you to rebuild trust and to seek ways to restore harmony and forward movement. This rune suggests the need for greater self-awareness and a commitment to resolving conflicts.
Using Ehwaz as a Talisman
Ehwaz can be used as a talisman to enhance partnership, movement, and progress. This energy would be helpful anywhere you want to enhance cooperation and progress, like at your workplace or even in your car.
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 dynamic energy and cooperation, such as carnelian, red jasper, or horse charms.
Design the talisman with the Ehwaz 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 build strong partnerships and to embrace change and movement.
Rituals Involving Ehwaz
Partnership and Cooperation Ritual
To invoke Ehwaz’s energy for enhancing partnership and cooperation, perform this ritual. This is a good practice to use before any business ventures that involve another person.
What you’ll need:
- Drawing or token of the Ehwaz rune
- Blue or Green Candle
Begin by lighting a blue or green candle and placing the Ehwaz rune in front of it.
Focus on your intention for partnership and cooperation and chant: “Ehwaz, guide me in harmony, let cooperation and trust flourish.” Visualize the energy of the rune surrounding you with a dynamic and supportive aura, helping you to build and nurture strong partnerships.
Let the candle burn itself out safely.
Movement and Progress Ritual
For embracing movement and achieving progress, incorporate Ehwaz into this ritual. If you’re hoping to make big strides on something you’re working on, this ritual is perfect to put you in the right mindset.
What you’ll need:
- Drawing or token of the Ehwaz rune
- Red or Orange Candle
Meditate on the Ehwaz rune, focusing on the specific area of your life or project where you seek progress and change. Light a red or orange candle to symbolize vitality and forward movement, and place the Ehwaz rune nearby.
Visualize a wave of dynamic energy flowing from the rune into your life, enhancing your ability to embrace change and to move forward with confidence. See this energy as the fuel that will motivate you to push forward and overcome any obstacles that may be in the way of your progress.
Stay tapped into this energy until you feel like you are fully charged and ready to take on the world.
Let the candle burn itself out safely.
Whenever you feel your motivation lagging, reconnect with the energy of Ehwaz to bring you back into your forward momentum.
Harmony and Trust Ritual
To use Ehwaz’s energy for fostering harmony and trust, perform this harmony and trust ritual. If you feel like there have been some roadblocks in one of your relationships (whether personal or professional), this can help you bring things back into alignment.
What you’ll need:
- Drawing or token of the Ehwaz rune
- Yellow Candle
Light a yellow candle to represent balance and mutual support, and place the Ehwaz rune in front of it. Reflect on the relationship where you wish to build or restore trust and harmony, and visualize the energy of the rune guiding you.
Chant: “Ehwaz, nurture the bonds of trust, let harmony and balance grow.” Think about what exactly is out of alignment and needs to be adjusted. Allow Ehwaz to open your mind to solutions to regain the trust and balance.
If you feel the other party has been acting in bad faith, imagine Ehwaz supporting you as you calmly discuss your feelings. Visualize each part of the conversation leading to your desired outcome.
Let the candle burn itself out safely.
Bring your Ehwaz talisman with you when you are next with your partner to carry the harmonious energy into your relationship.
Pairing Ehwaz 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 Ehwaz:
Ehwaz and Gebo - Partnership and Gift
Pairing Ehwaz with Gebo can enhance your ability to build strong partnerships through mutual exchange and generosity. Gebo, the rune of gifts and exchange, combines with Ehwaz’s energy to create a powerful force for fostering cooperation and mutual support. This combination fosters both personal and professional partnerships through the principles of giving and receiving.
Ehwaz and Raidho - Movement and Journey
Ehwaz and Raidho together can support achieving progress through purposeful movement and journey. Raidho, the rune of travel and movement, enhances Ehwaz’s energy by promoting the importance of direction and purposeful action. This pairing fosters both personal and collective progress through dynamic and purposeful movement.
Other Runes to Pair with Ehwaz
- Algiz: The rune of protection and higher self, Algiz enhances Ehwaz’s energy by providing additional protection and spiritual guidance. This combination supports achieving harmony and trust through spiritual awareness and protection.
- Jera: The rune of harvest and cycles, Jera complements Ehwaz by fostering the natural cycles of growth and progress. This pairing encourages the understanding of natural rhythms and the importance of timing in achieving success.
- Sowilo: The rune of success and enlightenment, Sowilo, when paired with Ehwaz, enhances your ability to find success through cooperation and dynamic energy. This combination promotes both personal and collective success through clear goals and dedicated effort.
Ehwaz is a powerful rune that symbolizes partnership, movement, and progress. It reminds us of the importance of building strong partnerships, embracing change, and working together towards common goals. Ehwaz offers guidance and support in achieving cooperation and dynamic progress.
How do you use Ehwaz? Share your ideas in the comments.
If you enjoyed learning about Ehwaz, check out the blog for more rune-related content. Stay tuned for upcoming posts exploring other runes and their uses.