Hagalaz (ᚺ) is the ninth rune of the Elder Futhark and the first of the second aett. It represents disruption, breaking points, and the kind of sudden change that feels like a storm ripping through what once felt stable. Its name means hail, a natural force that damages as it falls but ultimately melts, becoming water that nourishes the soil. In this way, Hagalaz holds both destruction and transformation.

When Hagalaz appears in a reading, it often signals upheaval, obstacles, or moments where you’re forced to face what can’t be controlled. It’s the kind of energy that clears out what’s stagnant, whether you’re ready or not. And while it can be deeply uncomfortable, it carries the potential for renewal on the other side.

For me, Hagalaz has shown up in times when things felt chaotic or uncertain, but always with a strange sense of clarity underneath. It’s helped me recognize what needed to fall apart, even when I didn’t want to admit it. Whether it’s letting go of old patterns, outdated structures, or illusions of control, Hagalaz reminds me that disruption is sometimes the only way through. The storm breaks what’s brittle – but it also clears space for something stronger to be built.

Basic Information

• Name: Hagalaz (Proto-Norse), also known as Hægl (Old English)
• Pronunciation: “HAH-gah-lahz”
• English Translation: Hail
• Symbol: ᚺ

Hagalaz is the storm—sudden, fierce, and often unavoidable. It represents disruption and the kind of change that doesn’t ask permission. This rune shows up when life shakes loose what’s no longer working, often through discomfort, loss, or emotional upheaval. Its name means hail, and like hail, it can cause damage in the moment but eventually melts into nourishment.

When Hagalaz appears, it often points to:

• Disruption and unexpected change: The breakdown before the breakthrough—the chaos that clears the way.

• Challenges and obstacles: External or internal forces that feel immovable until they’re forced to shift.

• Releasing stuck energy: A push to let go of old patterns, habits, or systems that no longer serve.

• Emotional release and healing: The kind of emotional storm that brings clarity once it passes.

• Radical transformation: Big shifts that may feel uncomfortable but ultimately lead to growth.

• Growth through adversity: A reminder that even pain has purpose when we allow it to teach us something.

For me, Hagalaz has often surfaced in those moments when life feels chaotic but something deeper is trying to realign. It’s not an easy energy, but it is honest. It doesn’t sugarcoat the work, and it doesn’t promise comfort. But what it does offer is truth, clarity, and a clean slate if we’re willing to face the storm and let it do what it came to do.

Challenging Aspects:

Hagalaz is one of the runes that does not have a merkstave (reversed) form, due to its symmetrical shape. However, its upright meaning already carries challenge and disruption by nature. In some readings, especially when supported by surrounding runes or intuitive insight, Hagalaz may take on a heavier or more resistant tone.

In those cases, it can reflect:

• Chaos without direction

• Resistance to change or fear of letting go

• Emotional overwhelm or suppressed anger

• Feeling stuck in destruction without seeing a path to renewal

• Cycles of crisis repeating without integration or clarity

Even when uncomfortable, Hagalaz asks for honesty. When I pull it in readings, especially during personal upheaval, it often reveals not just the external storm, but my inner one. It challenges me to stop avoiding what’s already breaking and to face the deeper shift that wants to happen.

Hagalaz doesn’t align directly with a specific deity, but it has some themes that can be closely related to Norse myths:

• Thor: As the god of thunder and storms, Thor’s role in bringing both destruction and protection mirrors the nature of Hagalaz.
• Ragnarök: Foretold of destruction and rebirth, which embodies Hagalaz’s energy on a cosmic scale, where chaos leads to renewal.
• Ymir: The giant Ymir, whose body was used to create the world, reflects how creation can spring from destruction. 

Some people find connections between runes and astrology. For Hagalaz, these astrological themes might resonate:

1. Uranus: Known for sudden shifts and awakening, Uranus aligns with Hagalaz’s disruptive energy.
2. Pluto: Pluto is about deep transformation and rebirth, which echoes the essence of Hagalaz.
3. Scorpio: This sign, known for intensity and transformation, mirrors Hagalaz’s cycle of destruction and renewal.

Hagalaz invites deep personal reflection. Consider:

• Disruption in Your Life: When has a time of chaos or disruption led to growth?
• Letting Go: Are there things in your life you’re holding onto that might need to be released?
• Growth from Adversity: How do you view the role of chaos or struggle in your own personal development?
• Resisting Change: Are there areas in your life where you’re resisting necessary transformation?

Taking time to reflect on these questions can help you understand how Hagalaz’s energy might be guiding you.

Hagalaz’s disruptive energy can be used in magic when you want to clear away the old or initiate significant changes. Here’s how I’ve used Hagalaz in my practice:

• Starting Major Changes: I’ve worked with Hagalaz to break free from stagnant situations and initiate life shifts.
• Clearing Obstacles: It’s great for removing blockages and making way for new energy.
• Letting Go: Hagalaz has helped me release harmful habits or relationships when it was time to move forward.
• Handling Crises: When life feels chaotic, Hagalaz has provided the clarity and strength I needed to weather the storm.
• Purification: Its clearing energy also works well in purification rituals, especially when you need to shake off negative influences.

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