Ehwaz Rune – Elder Futhark
Ehwaz is the nineteenth rune of the Elder Futhark and belongs to the Third Aett, associated with the god Tyr. Its phonetic value is “E” as in “echo,” and its name translates to “horse.” More than just a reference to the animal, Ehwaz symbolises movement, trust, loyalty, and the vital bond between horse and rider.
In Norse culture, the horse was a sacred and noble creature. It played a crucial role in travel, communication, warfare, and agriculture. Horses were also spiritually significant, appearing in myths as psychopomps, guiding souls between worlds. The close relationship between a horse and its rider reflects themes of cooperation, partnership, and harmony between two forces working toward a shared goal.
Symbolically, Ehwaz represents progress, change, and travel – not necessarily physical, but emotional or spiritual journeys. It speaks to the idea of steady advancement through trust, teamwork, and inner alignment. This rune encourages forward motion through loyalty, discipline, and mutual respect in relationships.
When Ehwaz appears in rune readings, it may indicate that change is coming, often as the result of hard work and trust in a reliable partner, path, or process. It can suggest a need to move forward with confidence and to strengthen bonds that support progress. Ehwaz also reminds us that true movement requires both direction and balance.
On a deeper level, Ehwaz connects to the duality within the self – conscious and subconscious, thought and action. Like the rider and horse, both must work in unison. When these elements are out of sync, stagnation or misdirection may follow. This rune calls for integration and balance, urging an alignment of mind, body, and spirit.
In modern interpretation, Ehwaz may relate to physical journeys, strong partnerships, or inner growth. It invites a mindset of adaptability, mutual support, and purposeful movement towards goals.