Sowilo

Elder Futhark: Sowilo, Anglo-Saxon Futhorc: Sigel, Younger Futhark: Sol, Armanen Futhorc: Sig

The Rune Sol, or Sowilo, represents the “Ray of the Sun” which breaks down the ice and creates free flowing energy.  This Rune is precious to the goddess Sunna, the goddess of the Sun.  An important note here is that in the Northern Tradition the Sun is FEMININ and the Moon MASCULINE.  The energy of creation, expansiveness, and life was the sun, while the focus of cycles and the measurement of time belonged to the Moon who was related to the god Mani.  Meditation on the Rune poems regarding this stave will bear much fruit.

The energy of this Rune is the polar opposite of Isa, the Rune of Ice, stillness and non-motion.  Sowilo is the energy that is the excitement of movement, breaking free of inertia and penetrating into the depths of the layers of the universe.  It also has connotations of divine justice, the penetrating sword of the gods that cuts through all the decay of that which violates universal law.  The ancestors used to invoke this Rune among others, for victory in battle!  Tyr was also invoked for such purposes, but Sowilo was looked upon as champion energy for ultimate victory.

In divination this Rune tells us to break free of patterns of thinking that may no longer be useful to our evolution, or the matter at hand.  Think outside the box, and be open to the opportunities that are presenting themselves, however subtle they may be.  It may also be a call to be certain of the “rightness” of our actions in a given situation—that we are called upon to be true to our own moral compass.

Magickally Sowilo can be used to call forth the power necessary to achieve our goals (if they are just), and experience success in all realms of being—emotional, physical, and financial—depending on what Runes you use Sowilo with.  Each rune can be used individually, but the power is increased exponentially when Runes of a complimentary nature to your purpose are used TOGETHER either in a row, or combined into what is called a “bind Rune”.  This will be discussed in more detail after we are done with the basic definitions of the Rune Rows.

The Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem:

The Sun is ever a joy in the hopes of seafarers,

When they journey away over the fish’s bath,

Until the courser of the deep bears them to land.

The Norwegian Rune Poem:

Sun is the light of the world,

I bow to the divine decree.

The Icelandic Rune Poem:

Sun is the shield of the clouds,

And a shining glory,

And the lifelong sorrow of ice.

Until next time!