Catching sight of a white elk brought the power of the divine to the Norse. The Algiz symbol represents an elk’s antler rising for providence or force of existence and as well equates to outstretched arms welcoming or praying for protection from the divine. Various influences can take you off your destine path; this symbol warns you of such travails. Algiz is a sign to maintain your current position. The accompanying god is Heimdall who required less sleep than a bird, eyesight able to see for hundreds of miles, hearing so sharp he can hear grass and wool on sheep growing, and is the god who blows his treasured horn, Gjallarhorn, if danger approaches. He advises caution as you step through your journey in Midgard, Norse’s land of middle-ground inhabited by humans and is officially one of their Nine Worlds surround by water with an ominous giant serpent, Jörmungand, and menacing visiting giants from the World of the Giants, Jotunheim. Midgard is also the protective wall around the world formed by the eyebrow of the first giant ever to exists, Ymir. This is the central dwelling of all things including humans with their frail tendencies of self-absorbing, self-pitying and selfishness that holds a person back. In fact, the middle-world was made out of Ymir’s body after the gods killed and threw him into the center void of the universe, creating the world from his flesh, oceans from his blood, mountains from his bones, cliffs from his teeth, trees from his hairs, and clouds from his brains.
This reinforces the energy of the rune of shielding and protecting if the soul is cleansed of frailties and works both ways of driving out and bringing in energy. Courage is to make that leap of faith when it’s time to transcend self and act on your beliefs because you now have a celestial hotline of “The Divine Word.” Doubt is a dormant disease that waits to ambush you if you don’t have the confidence of love to overcome it. Shakespeare says it best, “Doubt thou the stars are fire, Doubt that the sun doth move, Doubt truth to be a liar, But never doubt I love.”
The divine blessing of love is profound tenderness, warm personal attachments and the desire of passion. Love can conqueror all or destroy everything, which has then turned into the harmful emotion of hatred. Prudence will be your guide through Algiz of warning and protection. The wisdom of a pure heart will lead you untouched through the reckless tribulations of chaos. Risks taken at this time should be based on a solid foundation. If emotions are not controlled, pain and suffering will be inflicted from lack of foresight. Agliz assists with insight and judgment for when to have courage or fear. Fear is a valid response when it saves you from danger and harm and invalid when it holds you back on the wrong side of a barrier.
Fear is an enemy fire burning on the night horizon, a ship crossing an endless ocean, and dark overhanging clouds meeting wind and sky creating the world of uncertainly. Surrendering your fears is seeing life in the distant stars, hearing music accompanying the rhythm of your heart, savoring smells from exquisite flowers that instill your eyes with beauty and tasting the flesh of your lover. If music be the food of love, play on…
Nothing is absolute and fear will always be there, you just have to control the undesirable emotions of fear when it fan the flames of a runaway imagination. Many cultures nurture various concepts to ward off fear but most prominently the Buddhist do what's called Abhayamudrā; fearlessness is conveyed through a gesture of putting the right hand up with palm facing outward. This universal gesture, very similar to the Algiz symbol, is believed be a reassurance of safety, which dispels fear and accords divine protection and bliss, and also represents peace, benevolence and well-being.
Now let’s review the Norse symbol Ægishjalmur, known as the Helm of Awe (see below), which is made up of eight Algiz-type symbols in a circle that was commonly found on shields, helmet, weapons, clothing and tools. The symbol is used to protect and inspire the wearer and distract their opponents. Algiz is truly a talisman of awe and considered the most commanding symbol in Norse mythology for emitting rays of spiritual power.
Algiz signifies healing of your spiritual self through the blessed by being endowed with divine favor or protection. As with the presence of the High Priestess, there are times when the veil between worlds thins, allowing you to traverse to other dimensions; Algiz informs us of such times. Now is the time to have strength in your convictions with your higher spiritual awareness to act on instincts.
Keywords: White Elk, Divine Blessing, Providence, Higher Self, Awakening, Fear, Danger, Doubt, Courage, Cleansing, Protection, Shielding, Beliefs, Unifying, Care, Peace, Benevolence, Well-Being
Associated Tarot Cards: High Priestess, Strength, Star & Suit of Swords
Astrological Signs: Cancer & Taurus
Planets: Moon & Jupiter
Norse God: Heimdall was the guardian of the gods and entryways.
Other Spellings: Elhaz, Algir, Algis, Algs & Elgr
Pronunciation: Ahl-gheeze