Rune Overview: Haegl (Hagalaz)

Name: Haegl (Hagalaz)

Meaning: Hail

Rune ritual image: Six spoke star.

It is to be expected that the Elder Futhark contains runes that relate directly to survival in nature and farming as these were far more immediate concerns for our ancestors than we in Northern Europe experience in our modern daily lives. Hailstones can be devastating, causing great harm and damage to both flora and fauna, especially when on an arduous journey or farming. Crops could be devoured by Haegl within a storm, with little that could be done to protect them.

This rune is often attributed to the chaos and violence of the devastating consequences of a hailstorm on human survival. By definition Haegl has a lot in common with the chaos and destruction of the Jotun, the giants or 'devourers'. These 'others' different to the mythical tribes of deities and spirits of Yggdrasil, lived in Utgard, outside the boundary of order. The term Jotun or Troll has a broad definition, not only encapsulating notable Giants within the myths, but the rune also applies an animist approach to phenomena such as hailstorms and rockslides.

Thus, while attempts were made to keep the devourers at bay, their value was also recognized. Paradoxically, these forces of entropy are also necessary for the flourishing, and even the very existence, of the cosmos.

Daniel McCoy

Within the rune poem there is transformation and change, the alchemy of ice structures melting back to their fluid watery form, the force behind Haegl has rescinded, and passed on. Natural cycles of destruction and rebirth are a constant within Middle Earth, demonstrated here by the violence of the hailstone, that in turn becomes the life giving sustenance of aqua. I'm reminded of the Tower (XVI) within the Thoth tarot that speaks of ivory towers that have to be brought down so that new growth and development can occur.

The most obvious magickal application of Haegl is that of its violence, Hadouken! It can certainly be used to disrupt and stir things up, melting away the evidence like an ice dagger. But... There is something more profound that can be found here, the liberating effect of removing barriers and limiting structures. To work with the power of the 'devourers', learning to develop acceptance and balance within the chaos, adapting to the uncontrollable and Utgard.