Do you know what the Rune Hagalaz represents?

The Rune Hagalaz is the eighth rune of Futhark, the name given to the runic alphabet, and it represents hail. According to the esoteric tradition, Hagalaz belongs to the only group of eight runes which is not named after a deity but an element, ice, even though it is related to the underworld deity known as Hel.

Because of this association, Hagalaz is also linked to the Hel sphere, one of the 9 worlds of Yggdrasil, the Norse realm of the dead. Since, for the living, the dead can be a part of their past, Hagalaz is linked to what has passed.

Just like the destructive energy of a hailstorm, Hagalaz usually symbolizes times of difficulties, as we will show in this article. Besides presenting its origin, we will show its meanings, advice and other relevant topics to interpret this rune so mysterious and enigmatic. Check it all out here!

Understanding the Rune Hagalaz, Hagall, Hagal or Hagel

Hagalaz, also known as Hagall, Hagal or Hagel, is the first rune of the second Aett, name given to the groups of 8 runes in which Futhark is divided. We will explain, below, its history, bringing important data about its meaning, format, as well as positive and negative aspects. Check it out.

Origin and history

The Origin of the Rune Hagalaz is contained in the general history of runes. At present, there are two major explanations of the history and origin of runes.

The first is based on historical facts, archaeological records and linguistic evidence. According to it, runes are part of a group of letter variants, the basis of which are the ancient letter systems of Italy.

The second version, on the other hand, is based on Norse mythology and indicates that both the runes and their powers arose through the sacrifice of the god Odin in the tree of life, known as Yggdrasil. It was from his sacrifice that he could gain access to the ancestral wisdom of this mystical code.

If you want to dig deeper into this story, look for the poem in Old Norse called Havamál, which can be loosely translated as "The Proverbs of the Most High" in English.

Meaning of the Rune Hagalaz

Hagalaz means unexpected trouble brought on with hail. Like hail, this rune can destroy everything it encounters, potentially causing significant loss and disaster. Overall, Hagalaz has a very negative meaning.

It predicts the unfolding of sudden difficult events, which cannot be controlled and which will cause physical and emotional harm.

This rune is also associated with change, freedom, liberation and invention, indicating a need to let go of what is happening in order to experience what is new. It can indicate plans which do not work out, loss of peace of mind, financial loss and failure in various areas of life.

Format and representation of the Rune Hagalaz

Hagalaz has a shape reminiscent of the letter H in the Latin alphabet. However, it is formed by two parallel vertical straight lines, linked by a third, more central diagonal line.

This graphic shape resembles the building structure commonly used in the Nordic countries to reinforce walls that become more fragile due to bad weather. Hagalaz represents hail and its name even derives from old Germanic words for these small pieces of ice that fall from the sky.

Positive aspects

In general, Hagalaz is a rune that has predominantly negative aspects, since it is associated with calamities and problems. However, since calamities can serve as a possibility of taking precautions to avoid future tragedies, Hagalaz takes on this disciplinary aspect.

However, the way this rune provokes learning is sudden and cruel: it strikes, destroys and forces you to get rid of something in order to move on. Therefore, you will learn to be on the alert and will bring more strength to withstand possible future blows of life, an essential fact for your personal growth.

Negative aspects

Hagalaz is a rune that indicates moments of crisis, impulsive and sudden blows and challenges capable of destroying everything you have built so far. It announces losses in various areas of life, appearing as accidents or damage caused by phenomena of nature such as droughts, rains, earthquakes and storms.

Everything that happens under the effect of this rune will never go unnoticed and will leave a mark wherever it goes, so it usually appears to show that there are outside influences that will block your plans at this stage of your life.

Different interpretations of the Rune Hagalaz

The runes receive new nuances and take on new interpretations depending on the subject of the question and the area in which it is inserted. For this reason, we present below their interpretations in readings on the subjects of health, personal life, love, profession and career. Check it out.

Rune Hagalaz in health and personal life

In readings about health, Hagalaz points to a period of illness and weakness. If you are not ill, seek a doctor urgently to avoid bad surprises and facilitate your healing process.

When it comes to personal life, Hagalaz shows a period of many crises and anxiety, which can even negatively influence your health. Therefore, it is important to set aside some time for rest, pausing your activities and dedicating some free time for yourself to cultivate positive thoughts and exercise self-care.

Rune Hagalaz in love life

When the subject is love life, Hagalaz indicates the beginning of a complicated phase and period of crisis in the relationship, marked mainly by apathy which can even bring about the end of the relationship. Generally speaking, you are going through a difficult period in which you are probably afraid of achieving the happiness you so much seek.

Try to remedy your feelings of dissatisfaction with life and the relationship without feeding addictions or maintaining the relationship just for the sake of sex. It is important that you reflect, before deciding whether to follow the same path as your partner.

Rune Hagalaz in professional and financial life

Fasten your seat belts as there will be a drastic change in your professional life. There could be a pay cut or, at worst, job loss. This is a time of hardship and sacrifice, often due to your hard work or difficulties in the work environment.

Try to persevere during this phase but do not give up your goals. In the financial field, Hagalaz appears indicating losses. So avoid making investments or taking risks as danger lurks.

Rune Hagalaz inverted

The Rune Hagalaz is symmetrical, that is, it does not have an inverted position. Its natural position has a permanent negative polarity, similar to the overwhelming force of hail which destroys everything in its path.

How to interpret the Rune Hagalaz

When consulting the rune oracle, it is important to learn how to interpret them. Considering that each rune brings with it specific advice and challenges, we present below what the rune Hagalaz brings you, so that you are prepared to interpret it correctly.

Advice from the Rune Hagalaz

Since everything you took for granted has been shaken, Hagalaz advises that you be aware that your current circumstances do not leave you at the mercy of the elements of nature. It is your inner nature that is causing everything that is happening as external influences.

Therefore, accept what is happening and especially take responsibility for your actions. Moreover, Hagalaz asks you to be prepared for future problems which will cause disorder, instability and losses. Prepare yourself for a sudden change in your life, so better postpone your plans.

Challenges of the Rune Hagalaz

Hagalaz appears to show you that everything you considered firm and stable is in fact just an illusion. In view of the difficult period which is about to make itself present in your life, causing often irreversible damage, it is important that you are prepared to face change.

This is the greatest challenge, especially since many people are not prepared to let go. Also, due to the chaotic nature of Hagalaz, be prepared for the arrival of catastrophes in various areas of life.

Further information about the Rune Hagalaz

In this section, you will find further information on the use of the Rune Hagalaz, so that you can deepen your knowledge and delve into its mysteries using it as an oracle.

We start by answering basic questions about how the runes work in the ritual readings, how to do them, how to prepare for the reading, as well as tips on how to interpret whether the result is positive or negative. Check it out.

How do runes work in reading rituals?

The operation of the runes in the ritual readings is very similar to the operation of other oracles. At first, the runes bring images or concepts evoked from the traces carved in their symbols.

Also, since each rune is associated with a specific sound and meaning, it is very important that you know them so you can use them as an oracle.

Another essential foundation about how runes work is the meaning of the word rune, which itself is quite magical. The word rune is associated with themes like mystery, whispering, and even secrecy, so often people who use it as an oracle believe that messages are whispered into their ears during readings.

In addition, the runes bring images of situations on the subjects of the question during the reading. It is also important to consider that much of the meanings of the runes as an oracular system date from the last century, so do not restrict your studies only to history, but also to the esoteric part.

How to make the runes and the towel?

If you wish to make your runes, remember that they should be made of natural materials. Choose wood preferably, or have seeds and stones as raw materials. Due to their historical origins, there are no curved runes, which will make the process of drawing or carving them in these materials easier.

To make them, just use a sharp knife, in case you prefer to carve them in wood or seeds. If you use metal, the process is more complicated, but you can use a steel file to carve them. If you want to paint them, prefer paints of more neutral colors or linked to divination as black, white, red or gold.

The towel should be made of natural fabric such as cotton or linen in black, white or violet. Violet is intimately linked to psychic powers. On your towel, draw a circle. If you prefer, draw the kingdoms of the tree of life, Yggdrasil, for more detailed readings.

How to prepare and how to do the reading?

The process of preparing for the rune reading is quite simple. Initially, find a suitable space, as the oracular reading requires concentration. Although you can use the runes as an oracle at any time or day, nights with a full moon are more appropriate for readings.

If the full moon is in a water sign (Cancer, Pisces and Scorpio), even better. Remember to have a flame near you, like a white candle, symbolizing the light that dispels the darkness of doubts and brings clarity and answers about the themes of the readings.

You can also burn incense suitable for oracular readings or psychic powers, such as wormwood or Mugwort. Finally, have a runic tablecloth and your rune bag on the reading table to ask your questions. Then, draw out the runes according to each question and interpret them.

How do you know if the result is positive or negative?

As with any oracular system, there are many factors that can determine whether the outcome is positive or negative. At first, be aware of the individual meaning of each rune. Then consider the relationship of the rune to the question asked.

Before interpreting it directly, check the position of the rune, as some vary in position, which gives them new nuances of meaning. As with reversed tarot cards, an inverted rune does not always indicate something negative.

Similarly, a rune in the natural position is not always a positive sign, since everything depends on the context. Finally, it is essential to pay attention to the relationship of the runes on the towel.

Because they are letters of an alphabet, they often indicate initials or even form words related to the question, so stay open to the messages.

The Rune Hagalaz indicates that something unexpected will change the flow of your life!

Being the rune that represents the hailstorm that appears without warning, Hagalaz indicates that something unexpected will appear and will be able to change the flow of your life. Because of this energy of change, it is important that you try to prepare for it, remembering that nothing that you think is fixed and stable is in fact so.

Hagalaz can also be seen as a symbol of strength, since if you do not succumb to its devastating power, you will come out of the process stronger. At the moment, there is not much you can do. Even though it is indirectly linked to the external stimuli of the forces moving through your life, it all comes from you.

So, instead of refusing to change, simply embrace the change, because it is only through it that you can be someone better than you already are and project yourself a step further, towards a more conscious and prepared version to face life's challenges.