“Over the foaming salt sea spray
The Norse sea-horses took their way,
Racing across the ocean-plain
Southwards to Denmark’s green domain.”
—The Heimskringla
The Norse sea-horses took their way,
Racing across the ocean-plain
Southwards to Denmark’s green domain.”
—The Heimskringla
Literal Meaning & History
Literally this word means horse. Though it shares no connection to the english term horse, it’s somewhat related to the latin equius.
Horses were a really big deal in northern paganism/heathenry and still are. There are about 20 or so named horses belonging in the mythology and many horses are referred to by name in various sagas.
The horse became a part of the culture of northern Europe rather early and it was a pretty big part of, well, everything.
From being a powerful help to all things farm related, be it plowing a field or herding sheep, through the traditional “mode of transportation” to a literal weapon of war, the horse has worked alongside the heathens through the centuries.
Figurative Meaning & Symbolism
So when you work with this rune, thing of what a “Horse” is and means.
This is comfortable trust.
The rider trusts the horse not to throw him.
The rider trusts the horse to stay strong.
The horse trusts the rider too, or there would be no rider.
It’s a symbiotic sort of trust.
The rider trusts the horse not to throw him.
The rider trusts the horse to stay strong.
The horse trusts the rider too, or there would be no rider.
It’s a symbiotic sort of trust.
This is the raw physical strength and force.
This is loyalty.
Like the dog is loyal, so can the horse be loyal.
Like the dog is loyal, so can the horse be loyal.
This is bodies in motion.
This is communication, not necessarily verbal.
This is intent, will, having an opinion.
This is being spirited.
This is being spirited.
This is impetuosity of youth.
This is being blindfolded and trusting the person guiding you as they lead you by gentle touches and soft support.
This is sharing a look with another person and knowing what is needed.
This is carrying literal heavy load, or doing literal difficult work.
This is an open and honest conversation.
This is not your best friend, but this is many of the building blocks of friendship, even true friendship.
This is a long walk.
This is not travel, but the things that get you to your destination.
And here is what you must keep in mind when working with this rune.
But just as horses can be trusting and loyal and strong and powerful and great laborers, the young stallion can be strong willed, even stubborn, and may act foolishly at time.
This is the mistake you have to make to learn from it, even when people tell you that it’s a mistake.
This is the impulse within you that has earned you every single “I told you so” that you’ve been given.
Suggested Homework
This time it’s simple, easy and you don’t have to dig down into introspection and self reflection.
Write down a description of a horse.
Be as detailed and thorough as possible.
As if you’re explaining the concept of a horse to someone who’s never heard of any animal at all.
Be as detailed and thorough as possible.
As if you’re explaining the concept of a horse to someone who’s never heard of any animal at all.
Only, here’s the rules.
Don’t write a single word about what a horse looks like.
Don’t say “animal”.
Don’t mention hooves or tail or mane.
Do not write anything that could be considered a physical description.
Don’t say “animal”.
Don’t mention hooves or tail or mane.
Do not write anything that could be considered a physical description.
Write down what “horse” means… not what it is.
