Eihwaz

The rune's name: Eihwaz
The Meaning: Tree, yew
The sound: Λ
The Germanic name: Ezck or Ihwaz (Eihwaz)
The Gothic name: Eihwaz
The Norse name: Ihwar
The Anglo Saxon name: Yr (Eoh)
The Gaelic name: -
The Icelandic name: ?
The Norwegian name: Eo

KEY WORDS: defense, aversive powers, yew tree, flexibility

POSSIBLE DIVINATORY MEANING: This Rune represents the Yew Tree of the Yggdrasil, "The Tree of Life."  In many different religions of the world the myths support "The Tree of Life" commonality. Odin suffered upside down for nine days and nine nights with a self-inflicted wound without drink or food on this mythical tree.  At the end of the nine days, he saw the Runes, picked them up and fell from the tree. The wood of the Yew Tree is very strong and  flexible.  Yew wood is ideal for making bows and wooden shoes.  When there is a blockage, this Rune indicates a strength and flexibility to succeed.  It has been called a death Rune but usually warns of news from an old friend.  It can also be someone opposed to your best interests such as an old enemy or a disagreeable acquaintance. Recently, the Pacific Yew tree of the Northeast of the United States has been discovered to contain Taxol in it's bark.  It is a poison, but for some people with terminal cancer it is either a cure or can cause regression of the cancer!  This really makes the old belief that the Yew is the "Tree of Life" a reality today! Gain from the strength of this Rune and use assertiveness to take charge of things.  You can be assertive but you can also be flexible.  A positive and realistic view is called for by looking to the other Runes when interpreting this Rune. Problems that were thought to be solved may pop up again needing attention.  Deal with problems effectively by questioning the way you think and act.

The Eihwaz rune has no other variations.