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Endurance and resilience — deep roots, the strength to withstand, and the patience to hold steady through hardship and change.
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Hagal's Aett · The Yew
Eihwaz
Eihwaz is the rune of the yew tree, a symbol of death and rebirth that stands as a bridge between worlds. It names the force of deep-rooted endurance, the patient strength that allows one to hold steady through the harshest winters of life.
The name & the rune poem
The name Eihwaz means 'yew' in Proto-Germanic, and the Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem describes it as a tree rough-barked, hard and fast in the earth, a guardian of flame and joy. Norse tradition links it to Yggdrasil, the world tree, which is often depicted as a yew, connecting the nine realms and enduring through ages of change.
Murky / challenged
As a symmetric rune, Eihwaz has no reversed position, but when the energy feels murky or blocked it warns against becoming rigid or overly stubborn. The shadow aspect is clinging to old structures out of fear, mistaking endurance for resistance to necessary change.
In love
When drawn in a love reading, Eihwaz points to a relationship built on unwavering commitment and deep mutual support. It suggests that the bond will survive trials through patience and loyalty rather than fleeting passion, encouraging partners to nurture their roots together.
In work & money
In career and money matters, this rune advises focusing on long-term stability and sustainable growth rather than quick wins. It indicates that your endurance and steady effort will pay off, especially if you remain grounded in your core skills and withstand temporary setbacks.
Spirit & protection
Spiritually, Eihwaz acts as a sturdy shield, anchoring you during times of upheaval and helping you hold your center when outer forces press. In meditation, it invites you to sink roots into ancestral wisdom, drawing resilience from the deep earth to weather emotional or psychic storms.