Hagall |
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| This rune always denotes limitation, and signifies that there is something
or someone beyond the querent’s control getting in the way of realizing
his or her wishes. In ancient times, the natural world was dominated by
the weather. Sacrifices were made to the gods in the hope of clement weather
so that the crops could be safely gathered in. If crops were not harvested,
the long dark winter quite simply brought ancient peoples to death’s
door. If the crops were severely damaged, stoic endurance was the only
option for surviving the long frugal winter. Of all the climatic conditions
that could damage the crops, hail was, and still is, the worst.
Hagall shows that the road ahead will not always be simple and straightforward, and that many things are bound to occur over which we have no control. Hail storms are usually short, intense and unexpected, so Hagall implies that the querent will experience a sudden and unforeseen setback. It may often denote some physical check, such as unexpected illness or the unplanned conception of a child. In the face of such circumstances the querent may complain and feel put upon or take a pragmatic view that “these things are sent to try us” and attempt to reap a positive lesson from them. Yes, not all delays and hindrances are necessarily unfortunate. The surrounding runes give a hint as to whether the unexpected situation will be pleasant or difficult to cope with. It may well be that forces beyond the querent’s control prevent him or her from taking some particular course of action and that these obstacles later prove to have saved the querent from some disaster. |