| The thirteenth rune and fifth of the Second Aett of the Elder Futhark is called "Eihwaz" or "Eiwaz". It's sound is "EO". It is one of the most powerful runes, representing the yew tree. Early rune-magicians cut double-ended staves, or rods, of life and death from yew trees. Because it combines remarkable longevity with tixicity, the yew possesses both the powers of death and regeneration. Because it is the longest lived of all European trees and is green throughout the year, the yew is a tree of life. Some ancient yews that have partially died are regenerated by their own daughter trees that grow in their decaying interiors. These, especially, are true symbols of life's continuity. Others, the so-called "bleeding yews", have never healing wounds. Red resin flows like blood from these wounds, but the tree is unaffected. Bleeding yews are considered to be sacred, healing trees. But the yew has another side, for its bark, leaves, roots, fruit, and resin are all extremely poisonous. Thus the rune Eihwaz is sometimes called the "death rune", a power reinforced by its position in the rune-row as "unlucky 13". To the rune-masters of old, the Eihwaz rune is a magickal protector and facilitator. |