One part of the dynamic solar wheel 

2nd aett, 8th rune 

The divine solar wheel or the thunderbolt 

Partnership, journey, power, transformation, 
understanding 

Juniper 

Mistletoe 

Ruby, carnelian, citrine, golden topaz, 
cat's eye 

Gold 

February 12 - February 27 

3:30 a.m. - 4:30 a.m. 

The Germanic name: Sugil (Sowilo)
 The Norse name: Sol
 The Anglo-Saxon name: Sigel
 The Icelandic name: Sol
 The Norwegian name: Sol
 Old Danish: Sulu
 Old German: Sil, Sulhil, Sigo 

Sowilo symbolized the sun, which in the Northern 
tradition was feminine rather than masculine. 
Also, the eye that Odin kept at Mimir's Well 
became the sun, whereas the eye he gave up became 
the moon. Sowilo can be used for education and 
understanding. In addition, it counterbalances 
Isa, the cosmic ice, since ice melts into water 
that can then be used for growing things.

Sol-Conceived in a union between the Aesir and 
the giants, the twins Sol (sun) and Mani (moon) 
became charioteers for Odin. Sol drove the chariot 
of the sun, which was pulled by the steeds Arvakr 
(early riser) and Alsvin (quick-footed). The shield 
of Svalin protected both Sol and the horses from 
the rays of the solar orb they ferried across the 
skies. The wolves Skoll and hati pursued and would 
catch the sun and moon during Ragnarok (the end of 
the world). Originally, Sol was the female goddess 
of the sun, called "the glory of the elves." She 
brought the healing, warming sunlight. 

Cat, wolf, boar, horse, bear, groundhog, 
blue jay, camel, cock, salamander, bee, 
cheetah, lizard, peacock, robin, snake 

Fire 

16 

The Sun 

The Sun 

Sowilo is associated with the god Baldur, 
who, in an annual ritual with his twin brother 
Hodur, ruled the light half of the year. Baldur 
was slain by Hodur, who then ruled over the dark 
part of the year. This contrast and polarity 
between the light and dark times of the year 
is universal among agricultural and nature-driven 
cultures. 
 The sun was said to be the eye Odin kept at 
the well of Mimir. Unlike many other spiritual 
traditions, the Norse regarded the sun as feminine. 
This ancient concept springs from the idea that the 
warmth and light of the sun is what gives life to 
all organic beings, and no doubt, to all energetic 
beings. It is only later that the sun was considered 
masculine and the moon feminine. In this sense, Odin 
was really both male and female, as he was both moon 
and sun.

Illuminates and fuels your magical patterns
 Develops your psychic abilities
 Is aware of your relationships with other people
 Moves in the direction of enlightenment
 Expands your awareness of the solar cycles
 Helps your patterns come to fruition 

Sowilo, sowilo, sowilo,
 S s s s s s s s s s
 S s s s o o o o l l l l
 Su sa si se so
 Sul sal sil sel sol
 Us as is es os
 So se si sa su
 S s s s s s s s s s 

Sowilo represents the energy that leads you through 
the nine worlds of Yggdrasil. In a practical sense, 
it is an aspect of the pattern plus an active course 
that leads to its fruition. While Raidho represents 
the circular pattern itself, Sowilo symbolizes the 
fuel that ignites it. All patterns have a circular 
or spiral nature. A straight line never truly exists 
because in space all lines curve, and eventually feed 
into themselves, becoming a circle. Sowilo is the 
representation of everything coming full circle, thus 
the fruition and, in turn, the destruction of all 
patterns. On one hand the sun is the life-giver, but 
on the other hand, it can burn, parch, and destroy 
with its light. It is these polarities that give 
magical patterns form and movement.
 Much like Wunjo at the end of the first aett, 
Sowilo is the culmination of the lessons contained 
in the second aett. It is the coming to fruition of 
your efforts, whether positive or negative. When your 
goals progress in a positive way, they propel you to 
the next level, the third aett. But if you fail to 
build a good foundation, everything may come toppling 
down around you. Each aett is a building block to the 
next, just as each rune moves you to the next. In terms 
of time, which is what the second aett is all about, we 
have now entered the third millennium, represented by 
the third aett. Sowilo symbolizes the immense prosperity, 
for example, in the United States, that embodies the end 
of the second millennium. From one rune to the next, we 
progress.
 The Rune of Wholeness connotes success, harmony, 
good health, self-knowledge, and triumph in general. 
The integration of mind and spirit becomes possible 
with this very powerful and positive rune.
 The Sun is worshipped, respected exceptionally in 
almost all religions of the world. Its light and heat 
are the symbol of life, growth, and general progress. 
Swastika, i.e. the Sun's Wheel, is the constant motif 
of the neolithic art through the length and breadth 
of Europe and Asia. This rune is a variant of that 
symbol, standing for movement and energy.
 Sowilo signifies the end of the second aet. Same as 
Wunjo, stands for success and glory. However, differing 
from the peace and rest of Valhalla, Sun is an outright 
symbol of activity. The end of the aet having been 
approached, positive results have been achieved, but 
the wolf behind our backs still warns us that we have 
to move on. However, sucking in of the Sun's heat and 
energy give us the strength needed to leave secure 
positions and to keep on going, regardless of what 
awaits us on the road.
 When used in divination it signifies: success, positive 
energy, growth, power, activity, fertility, health.

For use in magik: for achievement of energy, 
strength, curing, fertility, success.

Sowilo has neither upright nor reverse position. 
 Sowilo's basic meaning is victory. In spread 
interpretations, especially when occupying positions
speaking of outcomes or results, it indicates success, 
however a success achieved through hard work.
 The rune also is an indicator of the need to take 
care of one's health, and to find time for the 
necessary rest. This especially relates to pregnant
women, as well as to all those who spend their strength 
and energy intensively on their work. Sowilo warns, 
athletes as well as all other people, not to go too 
far with their physical exercises, as unwished 
injuries can occur.
 In other case, it can point to an exceptionally tense 
state of one's nerves. The person asking the question 
is advised to relax, as everything is going to end well.

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

Home