Algiz - The Meanings of the Runes

Tiffany Heggebo
Apr 18
3 min read

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Algiz, the fifteenth letter in the Elder Futhark alphabet, directly translates to "elk". Keep in mind that this is referring to the European elk, so in America this would mean "moose". In the Anglo-Saxon rune poem, which is actually the only rune poem in which is turns up, algiz is interpreted as being in the form "elk-sedge" which is a marsh plant that has sharp edges. So like all thorny, spiky, or sharp plants, it can either be protective or harmful depending on how its being used.

Algiz was often used in bindrunes for protection. This makes sense considering both the elk-sedge and its sharps edges as well as the antlers of the elk. It also relates to the hunt, which is another thing which can be dangerous but not so much if you are aware of your surroundings and your environment.

Even the appearance of the rune very much looks like the protruding antlers of an elk. Gundersen, a scholar who has widely studied the runes, suggests that the three branches are air, fire, and water, which are the three elements that Odin used to create the Bifrost bridge. In this we see the fusing of three elements as well as the connection to a literal bridge, and therefore the element of connection.

Algiz is a link between the natural and the divine worlds just as the Bifrost bridge is a connection between Midgard and Asgard. Once again, examining the shape of the rune, Germanic peoples prayed by raising their hands towards the sky, as if in perfect imitation of the rune. It can also symbolize the upper branches of Yggdrasil as well as its needles. Or the antlers of the stags that nibbled on the needles. It is also their antlers that produce the water for the well that provides the rivers for the nine worlds.

In a reading, this is a big rune for protection. Especially protection that is granted by a higher power such as a god or goddess, spirit, a figure of authority like a law enforcement officer or judge, or a natural force. It can also signify luck in the hunt--"hunt" isn't limited to food sources here. It could also be warning you about something on the horizon or a current situation that is dangerous to those who are untrained or unknowledgeable.

In magick, unsurprisingly, it is great for protection. It is plenty powerful in its own right, but if you want to be more specific in what you are seeking protection from, create a bindrune by combining it with one or more other runes. For example, for additional protection while you're traveling, combine algiz with raidho. It is also useful in communication with the divine. You can visualize it, hold the rune, or draw an outline of it on your forehead when trying to commune with deity.