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Monday, November 25, 2024

A Complete Guide to Algiz, the Elk rune

A Complete Guide to Algiz, the Elk rune

We continue our runic study journey today by looking at Algiz (AHL-geez), the Elk rune. Algiz is the rune of protection, independence, and courage, characteristics I think we could all use right now in times of trial and turmoil. As someone deeply involved with spiritual activities, Algiz is a favorite of mine, often gracing my spells and altars for its magical properties.

As done in my previous article on Jera, today's post will include a deep dive into the runic poems, Algiz's cultural significance, its correspondences, how to work with it, its meaning in a spread, and its relationships with runes. Also included is a free printable for your Book of Shadows or Grimoire!

Algiz's Portrayal in the Rune Poems

Algiz ᛉ is the fifteenth rune and the seventh rune in the second ætt. Unlike other runes, Algiz does not appear in the Icelandic or Norwegian Rune Poems. However, as the Younger Futhark gradually replaced the Elder Futhark in the 8th century, Algiz became inverted and took on a new meaning, "Yr" meaning yew, which is associated with death and funerals. Yew is mentioned in the runes poems, but we generally associate it with Eihwaz instead. 

Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem
Eolh-secg eard hæfþ oftust on fenne 
wexeð on wature, wundaþ grimme, 
blode breneð beorna gehwylcne 
ðe him ænigne onfeng gedeþ.

Translation:
The Eolh-sedge (elk-sedge) is mostly to be found in a marsh; 
it grows in the water and makes a ghastly wound, 
covering with blood 
every warrior who touches it.

Despite its absence from the other rune poems, we can glean some information from the Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem. First, its association with the elk. In Norse mythology, the elk is a guardian, anticipating and defending against threats. The elk acts as a protective shield. Elk antlers were said to ward off evil and Algiz famously looks like antlers. In Grímnismál, the stag/elk Eikthyrnir is said to "stands in Valhall and bites from the limbs of the tree; and from his horns distils such abundant exudation that it comes down into Hvergelmir, and from thence fall those rivers called thus: Síd, Víd, Søkin, Eikin, Svöl, Gunnthrá, Fjörm, Fimbulthul, Gípul, Göpul, Gömul, Geirvimul." So not only is the elk a symbol of protection but also life and fertility, as water is a life-giver. As such, Algiz is a protector, divine shield, and bringer of life and abundance. 

The poem, however, warns against Algiz's darker side, saying that even the best of shields can fail and leave you hurting. Inverted, Algiz represents a lack of protection, change, and death, "covering with blood every warrior who touches it." This last line, however, could also be interpreted to mean strength and ferocity, that even when faced with death, the elk does not back down and fights until the very end. Algiz thus symbolizes perseverance and determination, even in tough times.

Being in the second ætt, Algiz is associated with Heimdal, the guardian of the Bifrost. All runes within the second ætt are symbolized by resilience, strength, survival, and the cyclical nature of life, and Algiz is no exception.

Algiz's Cultural Significance

Unlike other runes, Algiz has never been found to begin a word, instead being found only in the middle or end of words. As mentioned above, when the Younger Futhark began to replace the Elder Futhark, Algiz evolved into "Elox" or "x" and later into "Yr." This evolution is part of the reason the modern English alphabet ends in XYZ (Elox [x], Yr [y], Algiz [z]).

While its original name is lost to the annals of history, we do know it was frequently carved or painted onto wood or stone, particularly near areas known for their sacred healing. These areas were usually freshwater springs or other such water sources that were thought to be capable of healing, regeneration, and life.

A carved runic waystone, repainted to clearly show the Elder Futhark
A carved runic waystone, repainted to clearly show the Elder Futhark

Some have suggested Algiz may have been carved into weapons or onto shields for protection, but I could find no verifiable sources to corroborate this suggestion. Most Nordic weapons have severely deteriorated with time, leaving any inscriptions illegible. Despite the lack of evidence on weapons, Algiz is featured on the Golden Horns of Gallehus, two horns that were found in Denmark dating to the early 5th century. This would have been the beginning of the Germanic Iron Age. Unfortunately, the original horns were stolen and melted down in 1802 and in the late 18th century, the casts of the horns were also lost. However, 17th and 18th-century drawings have allowed us to replicate the horns, clearly showing Algic along the opening. What these horns were used for is unknown, but the inscription, which includes the Algiz rune is believed to say "I Hlewagastiz Holtijaz made the horn."

Drawing of the image panels of the smaller of the Gallehus Horns, projected onto a flat surface, by J.R. Paulli (1734), reprinted in H. Klingenberg (1973)
Drawing of the image panels of the smaller of the Gallehus Horns, projected onto a flat surface, by J.R. Paulli (1734), reprinted in H. Klingenberg (1973)

Its inverted use in the Younger Futhark, however, took root quickly during the World War II era, becoming known as "totenrune." Yes, I am speaking about Nazis and Germanic occultism here. It commonly appears on tombstones across several European countries to note birth year (upright) and death year (inverted). It was also used in obituaries, replacing the asterisk and cross symbols previously used, further connecting Algiz to the cycles of life and death. It was during this same time that Algiz became known as the "Life Rune."

Algiz Rune on Tombstone by Grüne Minna
By Grüne Minna – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

It should be noted that Algiz has been co-opted by ecofascists and white supremacist groups. Ecofascist propaganda often depicts Algiz in natural landscapes, which seems harmless to the untrained eye. As a movement, however, ecofascists seek to challenge modernity and a return to the medieval while advocating and/or accepting violence in such a way as to reinforce existing systems of inequality. It is a form of environmentalism that suggests only certain people are entitled to control and enjoy nature and its resources, using words such as "native species" and "invasive" to describe different people groups. In 2005, environmental historian Michael E. Zimmerman defined "ecofascism" as "a totalitarian government that requires individuals to sacrifice their interests to the well-being of the 'land', understood as the splendid web of life, or the organic whole of nature, including peoples and their states".

Apart from ecofascism, white supremacist groups, including neo-Nazis, often use Algiz in their logos, propaganda, uniforms, flags, and other group materials. Some even tattoo the rune on their body. Often called the Life Rune, the Nazis used the rune in the SS's Lebensborn which encouraged SS troopers to have children out of wedlock with "Aryan" mothers and to kidnap "Aryan" children from nearby countries to raise as Germans. Neo-Nazis, wishing to continue with "tradition" included Algiz in their logo, re-popularizing it as a hate symbol.

As with all things, context matters. Algiz is not a racist or hateful symbol; it's simply one that has been co-opted by hate groups. Using it in your magical practice does not mean you support or agree with hate groups. However, it is important to recognize that Algiz is a dog whistle, especially when tattooed on someone's body, so I would avoid such uses and be mindful of its presentation.

Algiz's Correspondences

It should be noted that general correspondences are not mentioned in any Nordic text. Instead, these are a best guess based on experiences from both myself and others. In fact, most of these are of modern invention, pulling inspiration from Wicca. As with all correspondence lists, you can add and subtract based on your experiences.
  • Upright Meaning: protection, defense, guardian, sanctuary, instinct, courage, independence, awakening, heightened intuition, internal strength, willpower, good health, life
  • Reversed Meaning: warning, helplessness, vulnerability, challenges, exposure, unsupported, unhealthy, death
  • Letter: Z
  • Element: Air
  • Zodiac: Cancer
  • Planet: Jupiter
  • Animal: elk, moose, swan
  • Colors: gold
  • Deities: Heimdall, the Valkyries
  • Plants: elder, yew, sedge, rushes, angelica, marigold, rosemary
  • Crystals: agate, amethyst, slate, aquamarine

How to Work with the Algiz Rune

Incorporating runes into your magical practice can be incredibly rewarding and bring new energies to spells and rituals. But how exactly can you use Algiz in your workings?
  1. Create a protection amulet using the Algiz rune.
  2. Draw an Algiz rune in a protection oil on your doors and windows or paint it on your walls (in the same color) to prevent negativity from entering your home.
  3. Carve the Algiz rune into candles during protection magic and rituals.
  4. Imagine the Algiz rune surrounding you and forming a protective energy shield around you.
  5. Incorporate into bind runes for protection and strength.
  6. Add to spells to ensure they endure and are long-lasting.
  7. Draw on spray bottles filled with cleansing sprays to add protection.
  8. Meditate on the Algiz rune as a symbol of strength, courage, life, and protection.
  9. Use in spells to set boundaries.
  10. Draw the Algiz rune on your face in moisturizer, sunscreen, or foundation to protect against anxiety and depression.
  11. Use the Algiz rune to seek divine strength and intervention and call upon the Valkyries or Heimdall. 
  12. Draw with a spoon or other cooking utensils in food for good health and inner strength.
  13. Add to your altar during Winter Nights or Yule to ensure your family is protected during the darkest half of the year.

Algiz's Meaning in Rune Spread

What does it mean if Algiz appears in a rune spread? Algiz holds various meanings depending on its position and relation to other runes in the spread. When found upright in a spread, Algiz often means that the future will change for the better and you will be well supported by your family and friends. It could also symbolize that you are under divine protection, a guardian angel if you will, looking out for you, or that your own inner strength is enough to help you manifest your goals and desires. Spiritually, Algiz is a symbol of spiritual awakening and heightened intuition. It often represents becoming more attuned to one's inner self and encourages us to trust our instincts and continue to rely on our intuition.

Algiz can also act as a warning, especially when found in reverse, or indicate a vulnerability or weakness that needs to be addressed. Building defenses and shadow work are worthwhile pursuits. It can also represent sudden illness, mentally or physically, and that a change in course is required to avoid disaster. It's time to raise your defenses.

Below are some examples of how to interpret Algiz when it's next to or near other runes:
  • Near Ingwaz, it could indicate a wedding
  • Near Berkana, the family unit is strong, and partners are supportive
  • Next to Uruz, it may indicate a person is aggressive and stubborn, wanting things to be their way
  • In proximity to Ehwaz, it may indicate travel, particularly for work
  • Near Thurisaz, sudden positive changes or shifts
  • Next to Ansuz, it could suggest care should be taken when sharing information, so exercise caution
  • Reversed and next to Raidho, may indicate you are on your own and the person you normally rely on will not be of assistance

Algiz's Relationships with Other Runes

Algiz, while positive, can complement other runes or be opposed by others depending on their placement. Algiz, when in its upright position, compliments Fehu, the rune of wealth, suggesting that your wealth and prosperity as well protected. It also compliments Thurisaz, another protective rune, suggesting you have both divine and personal protection as a deterrent against threats. When paired with Uruz, it can represent raw power and strength that manifests in a controlled and protective manner.

On the other hand, both Isa/Isaz and Hagalaz/Haglaz oppose Algiz. Isa represents ice, therefore suggesting that any protection you have may no longer exist and you are on your own. Action should be taken to rebuild your defenses and look for new allies. Hagalaz, which symbolizes obstacles and hindrances, suggests that strength is needed in the future and to fortify your defenses now.

***

Algiz invites us to remember that strength comes from within, and that the best form of protection is a well-laid plan. It's a reminder that we are divinely protected, but that all good things eventually must end. Below you will find a printable, cheat-sheet that includes a summary of all important information that you can incorporate into your Book of Shadows or Grimoire.


Click the image below to download your free cheat sheet for your Book of Shadows or Grimoire.


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