Sowilo ᛋ

The next rune to guide my path is ᛋ (Sowilo). A simple set of lines resembling lightning, it has had various forms. It once was made up of up to eight strokes, until it was simplified into ᛊ or what we know it as now, just the three strokes of ᛋ. It corresponds to the sound "s" in modern Germanic languages, but its original meaning was "Sun". It is a symbol of light, energy, and success. Much like with the celebration of Imbolc, ᛋ is a beacon of hope, but also the cycle of life and death. The simplified ᛋ can be thought of as two spokes of a wheel, constantly turning.

Both ᛋ and my previous rune ᛉ are part of the Second Aett. Aett is the Old Norse spelling of the modern English "eight." It is used to refer to three different sets of Norse runes, each made up of eight. Also referred to as Heimdall's Aett, the Second Aett contains runes that represent external forces. Since Heimdall is the protector of the Norse gods, his Aett often involve protection, enlightenment, and foresight. Each Aett has its own light rune, and as the light rune of the Second Aett, ᛋ illuminates our path.

As my practice with ᛋ happens to coincide with the hopeful preparations of Imbolc, I am using this time to set goals and intentions for once spring arrives. While I align with the Moon more than the Sun, it is a powerful force. It is what allows growth in nature, and as we are not above nature, it promotes growth in us as well. Find ways to appreciate ᛋ. I have been noticing it more hiding but still shining brightly behind the clouds. Last night I even dreamed of a solar eclipse, which I was able to see not long ago where I live. The details of life can be overwhelming, so it can help to look to cycles bigger than ourselves for comfort. No matter how dark things may seem, the light will return as it always does. Let hope be our guide.