Algiz (ᛉ) is the fifteenth rune of the Elder Futhark and the seventh rune of the second aett. This rune represents protection, both within the physical realm and the spiritual. Its shape resembles the antlers of an elk, which was an animal revered for its ability to defend itself – but it can also resemble the shape of a person with arms raised in invocation, symbolizing a call to higher forces for protection. Algiz teaches us how to guard ourselves against harm while encouraging us to connect with our spiritual guides and higher self.

For me, Algiz is a reminder that protection isn’t solely about building walls to keep harm out. It’s also about reaching out to spiritual protectors and trusting that we are supported, both physically and spiritually, as well as strengthening our energetic boundaries and calling upon ancestral help when needed.. Whether facing external dangers or inner challenges, Algiz embodies the strength we can summon from within and the guidance we receive from beyond.

This rune has been a personal source of strength in difficult times, reminding me that I am shielded both by my own resilience and by the spiritual forces around me, whether they be ancestors, deities, or the higher self.

Algiz is also associated with shamanism, where the raised arms symbolize a connection to the divine or ancestral wisdom. It reminds us that we can draw strength and protection from both within ourselves and from the spirit realm, enhancing our awareness of the energies around us and helping us navigate life’s challenges with clarity and grace.

Historical Context

Algiz derives its name from the Proto-Germanic word for “elk,” an animal symbolizing strength and defense in early Germanic societies. Though not explicitly mentioned in ancient rune poems, its protective associations are well-documented through comparative linguistic studies and the imagery of the rune itself. There is also a surviving Anglo Saxon rune poem connecting it to the Elk.

Basic Information

• Name: Algiz (Proto-Norse), also known as Eolh (Old English) or Elhaz
• Pronunciation: “AL-geez”
• English Translation: Elk, Protection
• Symbol: ᛉ

Algiz is a rune of protection, boundaries, and higher awareness. When it appears in a reading, it often signals that you are being shielded—or that you need to take steps to protect your energy, space, or well-being. It can point to both spiritual guardianship and personal responsibility, reminding you that defense isn’t always about pushing back—it’s often about creating space that feels safe and clear.

Algiz may point to:

• Protection: A shield is present or needed. This could be physical, emotional, or spiritual protection, especially in times of vulnerability or uncertainty.

• Higher awareness or divine guidance: A call to connect with your intuition, higher self, or protective spiritual forces that offer insight and support.

• Caution and vigilance: A need to move mindfully, stay alert, or take a more defensive stance in a particular situation.

• Spiritual awakening: The rune may mark an expansion in your spiritual or psychic awareness, with Algiz acting as a guide and protector on the journey.

• Personal boundaries: Encouragement to define or reinforce boundaries—energetic, emotional, or relational—to maintain your strength and clarity.

• Resilience in adversity: A reminder of your inner strength and the protective forces around you as you navigate difficulty.

• Environmental protection: For some, Algiz represents guardianship of nature and a deeper call to protect the ecosystems we depend on.

For me, Algiz often appears when I need to be reminded that protection isn’t about fear – it’s about clarity. It shows up when I’ve stretched too thin or ignored signs that something in my life needs better boundaries. It’s the rune that helps me take a step back, realign, and reconnect with the forces – both seen and unseen – that are trying to hold me up.

Challenging Aspects of Algiz (Merkstave)
When Algiz appears merkstave in a reading (reversed) or in a position deemed challenging, it can signal a breakdown in boundaries, intuition, or spiritual connection. Its protective energy may be weakened, misdirected, or ignored.

In its challenging form, Algiz may point to:

• Vulnerability to outside influences or energy drains

• Poor boundaries – giving too much, too fast, or to the wrong people

• Disconnection from spiritual support or intuitive guidance

• Over-defensiveness that isolates rather than protects

• Acting from fear or hypervigilance instead of grounded awareness

When Algiz shows up reversed, I usually take it as a signal that I’ve let something in – or held something out – that’s throwing me off balance. It’s a cue to check where I need to reset, protect differently, or get quiet enough to hear what my intuition has been trying to tell me.

While Algiz isn’t tied to a specific deity, its protective energy is often linked to the Valkyries – warrior women who guard the battlefield and guide fallen warriors to Valhalla. This association emphasizes Algiz’s dual nature as both a physical protector and a spiritual guide. The figure with arms raised could also evoke shamanic practices, where shamans acted as intermediaries between the physical world and spiritual forces, invoking protection and guidance for their people.

Algiz represents the idea that we are never truly alone; we are always supported by unseen protectors who guide and shield us, whether they are gods, ancestors, or spiritual guardians.

While runes and astrology are different systems, modern practitioners often draw parallels to aid understanding. For Algiz, consider these associations:

• Jupiter: Known for its expansive, protective qualities, Jupiter resonates with Algiz’s themes of defense and spiritual growth.
• Sagittarius: Sagittarius’s focus on higher learning, spiritual exploration, and adventure mirrors Algiz’s call to reach for higher consciousness while maintaining boundaries.
• 9th House: Governing spirituality, philosophy, and higher learning, the 9th house aligns well with Algiz’s emphasis on spiritual protection and guidance.

These associations are modern interpretations designed to help bridge runes with astrology.

As you reflect on Algiz, consider the following questions:

• Where do you need to strengthen your boundaries—physically, emotionally, or spiritually?
• How can you better connect with your spiritual protectors or higher self for guidance and protection?
• Are there any areas of your life where you are leaving yourself vulnerable to harm, and how can you take steps to shield yourself?
• How can you draw on both your inner strength and the support of unseen protectors to face challenges?

Take time to meditate on Algiz’s shape, visualizing its energy forming a protective shield around you. Consider journaling about the areas in your life where you need stronger defenses or where you can better invite spiritual protection.

Algiz is commonly used in modern magical practice for:

• Protection Spells: Algiz can be drawn or inscribed in protective wards to guard individuals, homes, or sacred spaces.
• Spiritual Defense: Meditating on Algiz helps strengthen connections with spiritual protectors, providing grounding and shielding during deep spiritual or psychic work.
• Healing and Warding: It’s frequently used in healing rituals focused on creating a safe space, both physically and emotionally, to recover from harm.
• Enhancing Intuition: Some practitioners use Algiz to enhance psychic abilities or open their third eye, trusting in the rune’s protective energy to shield them as they explore deeper spiritual realms.

Third Ætt (Tyr's Ætt)
17. ᛏ (Tiwaz) - Tyr, justice
18. ᛒ (Berkano) - birch, fertility
19. ᛖ (Ehwaz) - horse, trust
20. ᛗ (Mannaz) - human, self
21. ᛚ (Laguz) - water, flow
22. ᛜ (Ingwaz) - Ing, fertility
23. ᛟ (Othala) - inheritance, homeland
24. ᛞ (Dagaz) - day, breakthrough