Keywords:Hail, misfortune, damage, shock, short term distress followed by long term rewards

Hagalaz, meaning hail, is one of the runes associated with winter. It is icy and constricting. In the Norse mythology, it is believed that frozen water contains the seed of life. Therefore, Hagalaz shows us that with time all things will transform from something bad to something good. It is a rune of the unconscious mind as well as the thought process. This rune rules the laws that shape events, the past as well as the present, in our lives.

Appearing as it does at the beginning of the second Aett, it marks both a beginning and an end. It represents that whenever things appear to be going too well, you can expect a good, healthy whack in the head from the Fates, just to make sure you're paying attention.

These sorts of 'wake-up calls' from the Gods will happen frequently throughout a person's life but are often misinterpreted as divine punishment for some imagined wrong when in fact they are merely a way of drawing your attention to a recurrent pattern in your life. Unfortunately, these types of events have a tendency to repeat themselves with greater and greater severity until the lesson is learned, and the pattern is broken.

Fire up your determination and face these challenges head-on knowing they are just stepping stones on the way to your goal. The greater the challenge, the more you gain by overcoming it.

How to Use Hagalaz

Hagalaz means “hail” and is closely associated with winter. Hail is often seen as a destructive force, however, there is good that comes from it as well. In Norse mythology, it is believed that frozen water contains the seed of life. So, while hail may cause destruction, its melting also brings growth and change. Hagalaz shows that, with time, all things will transform from something bad into something good. While this may be a moment of misfortune, damage, or shock, trust that the short term distress will be followed by long term rewards. Hagalaz can be an incredibly comforting rune during times such as this. When we are in the thick of life challenges, it can be easy to get stuck and feel as though things will never get better. Carry Hagalaz with you as a reminder of the growth that is in store and let it lend you the energy to carry on.

As part of its association with hail and winter, Hagalaz is also connected to the great goddess Hel, the ruler of the Norse underworld. If Hel is part of your spiritual practice, consider wearing Hagalaz to deepen your connection with her. You may also place Hagalaz in your altar or place of worship to call upon her presence. 

Handmade WitchRunes Pieces to Utilize the Energy of Hagalaz

Use the Hagalaz Norse Rune Pendant as a necklace, keychain, or other charm to carry the energies of Hagalaz with you. You may also hang it in your altar space

Wear the Hagalaz Norse Rune Earrings to channel twice as much Hagalaz energy when working through a period of distress

Utilize Hagalaz individually or in conjunction with the other 23 runes of the Elder Futhark with the Elder Futhark Norse Rune Set