Algiz for protection
Thinking of inscribing a “protection rune” on a doorway, a diary or a special place? But which rune to use? One great answer would be Algiz.
Most people would say that Algiz is the rune closest to the concept of “protection”. But keep in mind, Algiz is a much more complex rune than just a one-word association:
Although many rune readers interpret Algiz to mean “protection“, it carries a parallel meaning of “to be protected by someone or something“.
Although many rune readers interpret Algiz to mean “protection“, it carries a parallel meaning of “to be protected by someone or something“.
The first interpretation has its roots in rune magick, while the second interpretation has its roots in a long cultural history of self-reliance and active defense.
As rune expert Ralph Blum wrote in his popular New Book of Runes:
Algiz serves as a mirror for the Spiritual Warrior, the one whose battle is always with the self. The protection of the Warrior is like the warning rustle of the sedge grass or like the curved horns of the elk, for both serve to keep open space around you. Remain mindful that timely action and correct conduct are the only true protection.
— Ralph Blum
In other words, while Algiz may be seen as a source of protection, it also symbolizes an ethos of vigilance and self protection.
This iconic Elder Futhark rune has a literal meaning of “Elk”, and visually symbolizes the mighty antlers of the adult male animal — or also possibly the sedge grass plains upon which herds of Elk graze. Both literal meanings are closely associated with the idea of movement, hunting, and self reliance.
it would be a mistake to consider Algiz a rune of “passive” protection. Instead, the rune symbolizes an “active” form of protection
But this concept of “self reliance” is not quite the same as the concept of “protection” as we commonly think of it. This nuance is important, as many students of rune divination simplistically attribute the meaning of “protection” to Algiz.
To be clear: It is not the rune “Algiz” which is doing the protecting. Rather, Algiz represents that which is protected — by the self or something else.
Put another way, it would be a mistake to consider Algiz a rune of “passive” protection. Instead, the rune symbolizes an “active” form of protection, or a mindset which places the security and defense of oneself, one’s spirit and one’s family first.
This interpretation also closely relates to the meaning ascribed by ancient Germanic mystics, which is simply: “Life” or “Struggle“. Furthermore, in German mysticism, the inverted version of the same symbol, with three prongs pointing down symbolizes “Death”.
Some interpretations of Algiz posit that it is a symbol of war. This is not widely supported. The international symbol for “peace” which inverts Algiz within a circle, is ironically far closer in meaning to the concept of “death” than it is to “peace”.
Remember, if you use Algiz to signify “protection” in a logo, tattoo or inscription — it should always be used with the “fork” end pointing upwards. The inverted meaning might just bring you results opposite to what you’re hoping for.
If Algiz comes up in a rune reading, remember to consider it’s dual meaning when it comes to “protection”: It means “to protect oneself” as much as it does “to be protected”.
Thurisaz for protection too?
Although Algiz is most commonly associated with “protection”, Thurisaz deserves special mention as well.
Like Algiz, it is often associated defense and protection, and like Algiz it is also a double-edged sword in that it references both a defense, but also a willing sacrifice in the name of defense.
As noted on iFate’s main Thurisaz page:
“Thurisaz is the sacrifice that one must make in order to make progress in life. It is the very essence of discipline. This rune references the pain that must be endured for the reward that lies at its end.
Both of Algiz and Thurizaz are interesting runes in that they signify both the promise of protection and defense and the commitment to protection and defense — or the physical strength, emotional strength and strength of will to protect and defend oneself.
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