[Vilturj] 14 - Algiz

[moonvoice]

Algiz (ALL - geez) - Also known as Elhaz, Ellaz, Eohl (distinguish from Eoh), Authiz, Autherz, Ansuz

Value - Z (sometimes R, RZH or S)

Numeric Order - 14 or 15

Traditionally Represents - Elk. Protection. Communication.

Represents - Communication. Perception of Divine. Protection. Shield. Defense. Awakening. Instincts. Vilturj. Shields. Calling on Divine for Wrong Reasons. Valkyries. Lesavny. Freajr. Swan. Swan Maidens. Dragons (Tecze). Vasilia.

The branching head of Lesavny
Sweeps all the forest creatures
He talks to every one
And brings them under the shade
Of his bow.

- Vilturj Rune Poem

Algiz is the most important rune in Vilturj, where it is commonly known as Autherz. It is the rune of protection, fertility and defense, and the rune of communication between the shaman or person between their spirit guides. It is the fundamental shaman's rune, and the protective rune of the Turjvhecze, or the person whose function it is to communicate with guardians and spirit helpers on a regular basis on behalf of the community. It attracts great amounts of energy, and is a formidable protection rune, so much so that it is included in the famous rune talisman, the Helm of Awe. The upright form tends to represent the branches of the World Tree reaching for the upperworld. The inverted form represents the roots reaching for the underworld.

There are several Vilturj deities specifically related to Algiz. The first and foremost is the antlered god Lesavny, who in his ancient incarnation was also represented as a bear. Lesavny is a god of terrible power, he can be murderous, but he also lends all those who treat him with respect a brand of protection that only nature can gives. With Lesavny's blessing we have the favour of the forests, the paths, and the land. His reindeer antlers, or bear-like body (in older forms) represented a power which could be tapped by those who had respect and humility. It also warned of the dangers of mis-using this power and having bear-wrath rain upon you in response.

The second deity connected to Algiz, is Vasilia - the maiden goddess of the breezes, swans and spiderwebs. Vasilia is the goddess who presides over inter-communication between two different entities, human and spirit, human and animal, or animal to animal. It is her gentle hands that make sure that the powerful web that Vavale placed over the world to keep everything unified stays unified, and it is her guidance that comes to us in a reading. Vasilia gently guides us to the places where we must communicate, and overcome any communication barriers. At times, Algiz in a reading can even indicate the need to indicate a new language, or the body language of an animal we've never encountered.

Algiz is the rune of luck and generally speaking, positive divine intervention. In Vilturj it represents the presence of spirit guides with positive or healthy intentions. It can also represent guardians, spirit helpers, totems, angels, ghosts etc. depending on your worldview. In this sense Algiz is very clearly our connection to the otherworlds and the divine. Algiz, with its three upward branches, represents our spirit reaching out for the Source and making a very definite connection. Often this connection is rewarded was we notice guides coming to us, under the tenets of our specific spirituality. This connection is constant, an almost 'background hum' of cosmic protection that we can draw upon.

Algiz is a good rune for reviewing and strengthening our internal spiritual structure. It helps us to 'build', and not tear down. It also helps us to balance our spiritual and 'practical' lives, so that we're not just talking the talk, or deluding ourselves into thinking that we're spiritual individuals when - in everyday actions, we're really not. Algiz helps us walk the walk, and indicates that we can build upon our foundations and really awaken ourselves to what a spiritual lifestyle can be like.

Algiz in many non-warlike cultures has represented an outwardly stretched hand, reaching out for help, or to help. In this sense it indicates the rune's connection to protection and communication, but it also shows the very deeply healing aspect of this rune. You might be reaching your hand out to your spirituality, or it might be reaching a hand out to you. In a reading, perhaps you need to support your spirituality by being more active and practical about it, or perhaps its reaching out to support you during a tough time.

An upright Algiz does have a negative side, it tends to represent the dangers of calling upon the spirit and Source at the wrong time - for selfish reasons that might be fed by egoism, narcissism or escapism. In a reading it can caution against a querents who are clingy and needy to do the idea of spiritual support networks in the form of divination, oracles and guides. It can represent a person who wants a 'cool' spirit guide, or who contacts dangerous guardians for the purpose of gaining power and protection in situations where protection might not be called for.

Instincts are so important in determining when the appropriate times for being spiritual are, Algiz helps us to get in tune with these instincts. For those who inappropriately call upon their spirit guides or other spiritual 'crutches' regularly, Algiz can be just the wake up call they need to actually get in contact with their instincts. People will be coming into a fruitful time when it comes to turning within and locating the instincts that help us not only make decisions, but make the most appropriate and healthful decisions for us.

Algiz suggests that we really scrutinise the dangers of our spirituality and really think about it. What is the danger in using or abusing spirit guides or guardians? What is the danger in thinking that they're only there to serve us? What is the danger in using runes and tarot and other divination systems? Do we perceive any dangers? Should we? Algiz asks us to really sit down and apply wisdom and humility to our connection to the divine, and not take it for granted.

Algiz represents a time where we are connecting to our higher self and awakening. It is an excellent rune for those who are spiritual, and endeavour to find enlightenment in their lives. Through this awakening, we are connected to a desire to protect ourselves and others, and we are given the power to do so (or discover it within us). We are also given the ability to channel this energy with precision, each branch on the Algiz can represent a different staff of direction.

The presence of this rune in a reading also represents a time when it's important to protect yourself and your family and friends, and what matters to you. This is what makes it such a good rune for protecting the home, its energies instinctively lend itself to a communal protection, and not an individual protection like Sowelu.

Merk - As a merked rune, Algiz can indicate a person who is spiritually deluded. They might be telling themselves that they are a wonderful, spiritual person, but an examination of how they live their real life indicates a person who is only spiritual on the surface, and within, they are damaged, flawed people who are in desperate need of healing and a cosmic slap in the head to 'wake up' to the delusions that they've probably nurtured within themselves through their actions. It can indicate a querent who is addicted to readings and divination, or who is addicted to hearing the soothing (or not-so-soothing) words that another spiritual person can offer them. These people maybe arrogant, sycophantic, needy or clingy. They might ask for repeated readings, and can turn very sour if they don't receive them.

Algiz can indicate hidden spiritual danger when reversed. It might indicate someone who is reckless in otherworlds and doesn't ever believe they are in danger or could encounter negative, harmful spirits. It could indicate a person who chooses to believe in only the light aspects of spirituality (which can be fine) at a time where this could be to their detriment. With runes like Mannaz, Berkana and Fehu, it can indicate hidden danger to family or to wealth. It can also indicate a person prone to possession, or a person who might already be possessed who is in need of a soul extraction.

Finally, reversed Algiz can indicate a severing of the spiritual link, either because the spirits themselves are dissatisfied with the querent, or because the querent has actively turned away from the spirit world. It can indicate a lost person, who is so disconnected from themselves and the world around them, that they are vulnerable to attack in both the 'real' and spiritual worlds.

In Ritual - This is a very charismatic, and powerful rune to work with, and quite a few people I've talked to about runes say that this one is there 'favourite' rune, and I must admit it's one of mine too. There is something about Algiz which draws you in, it promises a greater connection with yourself and a greater connection to the divine, and for those spiritual people who are ever seeking a greater connection, the energy of this rune holds a fantastic appeal. Though it's worth not getting too bound up in its energy and remembering that there are another 23 fantastic runes in the Uthark too!

Algiz can be used in all grounding ceremonies, particularly when inverted. It is fantastic for protection, either alone or in a bind-rune like the Helm of Awe. It can also be used by people who want to apply their spiritual life to their practical life, and who can't see how to overcome pressures like school or work, and carry their spirituality at all times.

Algiz can also help in all aspects of building, particularly the actual building and structure of houses. When placed under the foundations of a house, it promises a strong foundation and structure that is more likely to withstand natural disaster than houses without Algiz for protection. This rune can also be placed in cars, wallets, etc. and as long as they're charged and not forgotten, the protection of the divine will be around us.