Eihwaz as a Birth Rune

Eihwaz people are as dependable as an old tree. They don't bend under the pressure of circumstances and stay themselves in any season. Others lean on them, knowing this person won't let them down.

The yew was linked with life and death at once: it grows in churchyards and outlives all other trees. Eihwaz teaches you to pass through change while keeping your roots. What the rune teaches is flexibility while holding your core.

• Resilience. You endure long hardship without losing yourself.
• Reliability. People can lean on you in any situation.
• Protection. You shelter those close to you, as a tree shelters from the wind.
• The wisdom of experience. You grow with every trial.

The flip side of Eihwaz is inflexibility. The person clings so hard to their support that they resist any change, even a helpful one.

The other extreme is the role of the eternal pillar: you are so used to holding others up that you won't let anyone hold you. The rune's message is that even the strongest tree needs soil and rain.

In a relationship you are a loyal, dependable partner who makes others feel calm. You build relationships for the long term and are ready to go through any trial with someone you love.

Remember to let change and lightness into the relationship. Stability is precious, but it too needs renewing now and then.

Natural fits include work that calls for endurance and responsibility: medicine, especially palliative care, psychology, protection and security, forestry, crisis management, science, long-running projects.

You are strong wherever someone must take a blow and not give up. Success comes through persistence and a reputation for reliability.

The half-month of Eihwaz falls at the turn of the year, from the end of December to mid-January. It is the darkest, coldest season, and only the evergreen yew reminds you that life goes on. Eihwaz is the fifth rune of Heimdall's aett and the middle rune of the whole Futhark.

Before Eihwaz comes Jera: the year has turned toward light. After it comes Perthro, the rune of mystery: deep in winter lies hidden what is still to be known.