The Element Encyclopedia of Witchcraft: The Complete A-Z for the Entire Magical World - Judika Illes 2005

Hag Rune
The Hag

The ninth rune, Hagal or Hagalaz, is sometimes called the Hag Rune or the Mother Rune. On a metaphysical level, Hagalaz is considered the “root rune” that stands as the basis of this magical system.

Three is the sacred number of Norse cosmology: nine, as three times three, is the most intensely powerful number and reappears consistently throughout Nordic magic and spirituality. (The number is also sacred in many other traditions.) Hagalaz corresponds in sound with the letter “H.”

Hagalaz literally means “hailstone.” Water is the feminine element associated with creation; hail is frozen water in its dangerous or warrior aspect. Hagalaz is considered among the most potent binding runes and is invaluable in Vardlokkur, the Norse tradition of protective “warding” magic. Hagalaz radiates feminine energy or polarity.

Hagalaz is associated with three deities:

Heimdall, watchman of the gods and son of the Nine Daughters of the Sea. He guards the Rainbow Bridge that connects and divides the realms of the living and the spirits.

Mordgud, Hella’s servant, the spirit who guards the Ice Bridge that connects and divides the realms of the living and the dead. Mordgud is among those deities associated with November Eve (Halloween, Samhain).

Urd, most powerful of the Norns (Fates). The sacred Well of Urd was named in her honor. She is the Norn who looks backwards and possesses all knowledge of the past.

See DICTIONARY: Rune, Ward, Warlock; DIVINE WITCH: Hella; MAGICAL ARTS: Runes; WOMEN’S MYSTERIES: Spinning Goddesses: The Norns.