Sowilo: the Speed of Light

Sowilo: the Sun

Meaning: Action, Confidence, Power, Realizations, Success

Affirmation: I am the Light.

Associations: the Divine Masculine, Ego, Life Force, the Soul or Spirit

Sowilo is the rune of the Sun, which, I'm sure you can imagine, was a very powerful symbol to ancient people. So bright it cannot be looked at for very long without causing permanent damage to your eyesight, and the one who brought an end to the darkness (and all the predators hiding in it) the Sun and Sowilo both are a symbol, not only of power and survival, but of having realized the next day, and continuing to live the gift of life.

This rune represents our inner spark and soul, which many cultures attribute to the Sun, not just the ancient Europeans. Like Ingwaz, the seed, Sowilo is sometimes associated with the male ability to imbue life in the womb of woman, or the spark of life being born inside the darkness. It is certainly associated with ambition, motivation, and potency, which are also often associated with the Divine Masculine or men in general.

When I observe Sowilo, I see the shapes of Isa and Kenaz. I also see Hagalaz, shifting. We'll touch on that in a while!

For now, let's talk about Kenaz, the Torch, which is a not surprising element of Sowilo! Where else would the Sun get all that light from? Kenaz also allows the motivation and power of Sowilo to (hopefully!) be directed towards purposes that serve our higher purpose. Being able to clearly see who we are, and where we are, will allow us to apply and use the energy that Sowilo provides in the most beneficial and simplest way.

Isa keeps Sowilo from going to far. While the sun certainly melts ice, there are some places that simply have to remain as they are, and so Isa makes sure Sowilo doesn't go too far. It also helps Sowilo's powerful energy focus in on a singular task. Sunlight, and light in general, likes to spread out openly in all directions, which is sometimes beneficial, but there are other times we'd like that energy to be focused in one or just a few directions instead! This allows us to make strides towards our ambitions and goals quickly and effectively.

Lastly, I see Hagalaz, shifting. I feel like this is important to mention even though it isn't literally there like most of the runes inside runes we talk about in this series! This resonates with me because I feel like the only power we truly have over chaos, one of the primary energies composing Hagalaz, is to take up our own personal ability to create change, and to face it. It is the sun who eventually breaks up the storm clouds, after all. If we seize our inner Sowilo, we are able to feel more in control over the things we have very little or no control over - and that is powerful, indeed!

The following spread is from my upcoming book, Runic Wisdom, and is called Sun's Path. It is one of many rune spreads featuring the knowledge and energies of Sowilo, and asks how we can take steps to achieve a goal. If you enjoy this spread and share it on Instagram, please feel free to tag @rabbitandwolfdivination (also where an easily shareable version of this spread can be found), or to use the hashtags #RunicWisdom or #RunicWisdomSowilo to make sure I get a peek! Otherwise, I hope you all make progress towards that goal you have in mind!