"N" 

The two sticks (bow and bore) coming together to 
kindle the need-fire 

2nd aett, 2nd rune

The need-fire, which burns even through the darkest 
of times, and the darkness, representing the future, 
which normally remains hidden

Need, help, resistance, deliverance from distress, 
love, passion, shadow self

Beech 

Bistort 

Hematite, obsidian, onyx, smoky quartz 

Black 

November 13 - November 28

9:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

The Germanic name: Noicz (Nauthiz)
 The Norse name: Naud, Naudr
 The Anglo-Saxon name: Nied (Nyd)
 The Icelandic name: Naud
 The Norwegian name: Naudr, Naud

Naudhiz literally means "need," alluding to the 
scarcity or absence of things that can't be done 
without. Needs are constraints that restrict your 
options. An Anglo-Saxon poem calls Nyd, the 
Anglo-Saxon name for the rune, "a tight band across 
the chest." On the other hand, this rune provides 
the potential power that can release you from your 
needs. In this release exists the counterpart of 
need, which is help. The whole idea is to evolve 
beyond need, and move to the next level-want or 
desire.
 The Norns are shapeshifters. This is why the Naudhiz 
rune symbolizes the shaping power of the world and 
humankind. Representing the "spinning tree" or 
"windy tree"-the source of all fertility-Naudhiz is 
the cosmic fire, which, when it comes into contact 
with the cosmic ice, produces the energies of rebirth 
and transformation.  

Skuld-She is the Norn who rules the future and in 
turn death. In Norse legend, Skuld's face was always 
veiled, and she carried the scrolls of fortune with 
her. She was the invincible elf-queen with the power 
to raise the dead, as Jesus did in the Christian 
tradition. Because of her connection to the future, 
she was the rune "mistress" and the key deity when 
the runes are used for divination. The story went 
that if she were approached in the proper manner, 
she would provide a glimpse into the future.

Wolf, dragon, hound, fox, squirrel, spider, cuckoo, 
serpent, crow, donkey, firefly, flea, meerkat, moth

Fire 

10 

Capricorn 

The Fool

The Edda Voluspa ("The Song of the Sybil") tells 
how the three gods Odin, Vili, and Ve came to Earth 
and found Ask and Embla, the first man and woman, 
faint, and feeble, with no fate assigned them. 
After the gods gave Ask and Embla life, the Norns 
(or Nornir) gave them their fate in terms of the 
past, future, and present. Because of this, Naudhiz 
represents the breath of life and manifestation, 
an idea that originated with the creation of the 
Nornir. With their creation, however, came resistance 
in the universe. The laws of cause and effect sprang 
into action, and at the same time, so did the seeds 
of destruction. In response to that inherent destruction, 
the Norns also helped sustain the whole existence by 
carefully and continuously pouring water from Urd's 
well onto the roots of Yggsdrasil, the World Tree, 
so that it would not rot or wither and die. The Norns 
were also known for practicing weather magic, and 
thus had control over the elements. 
 In particular, Naudhiz is closely associated with 
the Norn Skuld, the youngest of the three, who rules 
the future. She was the one who cut the thread of life 
when it came to its end. Skuld's face was always veiled, 
symbolizing the unseen aspect of the future, whereas 
the faces of Urd and Verdandi remained uncovered.
 In addition, Naudhiz is the rune of the goddess of 
night called Nott. The N-rune also ruled the misty 
realm of Nifelheim, which means "fog world." Nifelheim, 
or Nifelhel, was the realm of the dragon Nidhog, who 
pawed at the roots of Yggdrasil in an attempt to destroy 
the World Tree. 

Protects
 Helps you make better choices
 Assists with divination
 Increase powers of clairvoyance
 Meets and works with your spirit guides and power animals
 Understands your needs and desires
 Fuels your magical patterns
 Overcomes psychological obstacles such as bad habits

Naudhiz, naudhiz, naudhiz,
 N n n n n n n n n n
 Nu na ni ne no
 Nudh nadh nidh nedh nodh
 Nut nat nit net not
 Un an in en on
 N n n n n n n n n n

When referred to in rune poems, Naudhiz represents 
the concept of necessity, layered with the friction 
that leads to transformation. Strongly associated 
with love and the heat of passion, friction produces 
heat, which in turn produces fire. When used with 
knowledge and wisdom, the need-fire becomes creative 
and procreative, but when used unwisely this energy 
becomes a force for destruction that burns like wildfire, 
leaving only ashes.
 Embodying resistance, Naudhiz is a cumulative synthesis, 
a product of a thesis and antithesis: distress coupled 
with the guidance to deal with it and move beyond the problem.
 Because Naudhiz contains sexual elements, it is a powerful 
tool in love magic. It is also an excellent choice for 
protection, especially spiritual protection.
 The Rune of Constraint and Delay suggests limitations, 
need, and the passage through a trying time. It can be 
overcome through hard work and patience, but you should be
very cautious because failure lurks almost everywhere. Be 
doubly careful when reversed.
 The manner Hagalaz represents the Fate's warning, Naudhiz 
stands for an empty vessel. This rune is a low-tuned but 
constant reminding that things are not the way they should 
be. Life appears to us to have slipped out of synchronization, 
and apparently nothing goes well. No matter how much we already 
have this is not enough for us, and a constant desire exists 
requesting something bigger or better. The rune's positive 
side is in that, with this constant dissatisfaction, it never 
allows us to stay passive, taking us out from the relative 
security of Wunjo, and motivating us for change.
 Naudhiz represents disproportion between our wishes and what 
we already have. Manner of resolving such a situation influences 
crucially the whole of our life, making us analyse and study 
all circumstances carefully to determine values and priorities. 
Naudhiz helps us make the first step on the road of understanding 
the true needs which will enable us to develop spiritually and 
intellectually in a direction corresponding to our own nature.
 When used in divination it signifies: poverty, misery, 
responsibility, separation, obstacles, frustration.

For use in magik: to represent and depict the needs that 
are to be satisfied, met. 

When drawn in the upright position naudhiz interpreted 
in spreads means that we have to be patient and stand 
all limitations that await us. Although unpleasant, 
the temptations announced by this rune help us develop 
the firmness necessary for finding the way out of 
unwished situations.
 In this position naudhiz signifies that coming to 
light there appear troubles. Something you have 
already thought resolved or completed, some favorable 
development of events, is going to be halted and 
postponed at the very commencement. You should 
interpret the neighboring runes, which will help 
you devise a new plan to really execute what you 
wish despite difficulties, although with some 
lateness. 
 When drawn in the reversed position Naudhiz 
announces a risky adventure, that is possible to 
prevent. Neighboring runes can interpret for you 
the nature of consequences of such an adventure.
 Naudhiz brings a somewhat milder and more 
acceptable meaning when it relates to persons 
advanced in years.

Fehu Uruz Thurisaz Ansuz Raidho Kenaz
Gebo Wunjo Hagalaz Naudhiz Isa Jera
Eihwaz Perdhro Algiz Sowilo Tiwaz Berkana
Ehwaz Mannaz Laguz Ingwaz Othala Dagaz


Rune Interpretations

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