Hagalaz rune often makes people afraid, especially those who are just starting working with runes. But for me Hagalaz is a really great, powerful rune, it’s a freedom and uncontrolled power of storm, nature and very witch energy. Hagalaz can be associated with power of our subconscious and sometimes even collective unconscious. Hagalaz represents a very ancient power and can break any barriers.
Though Hagalaz rune should be used with caution, never ignore its power. Hagalaz week fell on autumn and the weather got colder and much windier than usual. And this is a great illustration for the first and most straightforward meaning of Hagalaz – storm. If you need to change weather for the worse, use Hagalaz. I’ve got storms with rain and wind more than once with Hagalaz. Visualize the Hagalaz rune, feel it’s power and imagine the storm – it is usually enough. In an hour or two it would suddenly become darker, the wind will blow stronger and it will soon rain, even if the sky was totally clean before and no forecast predicted storm. You can feel the true power of Hagalz during storm.
Other Hagalaz meaning is connected with the destruction, but destruction of any barriers, obstacles and blocks. If something is stopping you from moving forward, if you feel stuck and don’t see a way out – Hagalaz can make the way for you destructing all the barriers that were blocking the way. But remember the storm that will clear your way of obstacles is not nice or pleasant. Use Hagal (it’s another name of Hagalaz rune) with caution and when you truly need the way no matter what.
Hagalaz is also often associated with witchcraft, in its darker meaning. I think the current, good and evil do not work with runes, as these notions now are mostly taken from Christianity, while Runes are much more ancient and Northern tradition does not polarize good vs evil and black & white. In ancient time, as in nature, the storm was scary, if you are not prepared, but rain – necessary for plants, etc. All natural powers are necessary and needed they just need to be used in right time and place.
My Hagalaz week was mostly good, with lots of work moving forward and great weekend at the same time. The interesting thing was unexpected art exhibition, with a lot of truly mystical paintings. The power can take different forms and though now art is often seen as decoration, the painting can have strong energy and lots of unconscious associations hidden. It’s not easy to see them all on the first sight, so if you are not an author, remember that a painting can have its own energy, and not always the one you like or see at a glance.