Ehwaz, Eh: Acompanionship forged.
Ehwaz, -, Eh
ᛖ
Rider and Horse
A symbol of harmony
Reaching their called path.
Pronunciation: Ehwaz: EHH-was, Eh: ayy
Literal Translation: Horse
Sound: E, Eh
Magical Correspondences: Partners, horse, power, balance, control, journeys, growth, metamorphosis
Divination Meaning Upright: Ehwaz and Eh herald the dichotomy of the horse’s power and that of mankind's desire to have and control power. They are Runes of balance and harmony, and if pulled upright in a reading they symbolize transformations and changes. There will be new happenings and people will turn out to have key roles or will emerge from a crisis stronger, with different and possibly more vital perspectives. As Runes of balance, they beckon us to remember that we can only control what we can change, and to be understanding of what we can't. Sometimes we need to let the horse lead; these Runes are saying to trust the horse(universe, guiding spirits, deities) and let them guide you.
Divination Meaning Reversed: It is possible that you feel the sensation of being at a dead-end: it seems that you can no longer proceed in any direction. You're clutching the reins, yet feel powerless. In this case, Ehwaz and Eh both recommend considering the hypothesis of changing the orientation of one’s profession or studies, or trying to meet people from different backgrounds who provide new ideas and stimuli. To get back to a new set of basics. It may also be that you have set goals that are too difficult to reach; you may have to admit your limits are beyond your control and set your goals anew.
Delving into the Runes: Ehwaz and Eh are the Runes of the reciprocality between horse and rider. They are Runes of partnership, cooperation, trust, and loyalty. They are symbols of symbiosis, of two separate entities coming together and creating a union that’s more beneficial to both; preferable to an existence of isolation and working by oneself to make it through the world. Partnerships are relationships that should serve both parties equally, and any partnerships that benefit only one side are not truly partnerships.
If you’ve ever worked with horses, you know that they are to be respected and treated with care; that a truly proper relationship with a horse is one of partnership, not of dominance. If you’ve never worked with horses, you can still see this principle, or lack thereof, in the relationships around you. Imagine a horse and rider coming together. If the relationship is one of mutual respect, then both the horse and rider find themselves at their destination faster and with more precision than if they were each on their own. Now, if the horse doesn’t respond to the rider or the rider abuses the horse, the principle of Ehwaz and Eh is out of balance and needs to be addressed; in this instance, the horse and rider should never have come together in the first place. Together, with mutual respect, the horse and rider are stronger.
These Runes remind us of boundaries, where they are drawn, and how we should be clear in setting our limits. This principle of right relation is seen in Gebo and Gifu, the Runes of equal exchange. Those who bring Ehwaz and Eh energy into their lives are bringing the energy of Gebo and Gifu and their equal exchange into their lives as well. If there is a lack of equanimity, there is a lack of right relationship.
This idea of the right relationship, and balance between two parties, also applies to the relationship we have with ourselves. Not only can you ride others too hard, but you can ride yourself too hard, as well. These Runes remind us to not allow ourselves to be ridden by those around us, whether friends, family, loved ones, coworkers, or professional acquaintances, but also to not ride ourselves too hard. Life is much easier when we become our own best friend, rather than our own worst enemy.