Hagalaz
Alternate Spellings:
Hagall, Haal, Hagalar, Hagl
Vocal Sound:
"H"
"Natural Forces"
"Destruction"
"Radical Change"
Literally, Hagalaz refers to Hailstorms, and the destructive power of natural forces: blizzards, wildfires, earthquakes, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions... The sheer power of Mother Earth is unequalled, and unforgiving. But after the storm has passed, the clean slate that follows allows for new life. That's why these catastrophes are a natural part of the Earth's life cycles. If life was never challenged or disrupted, it would continue without resistance, crowd itself, and eventually starve.
Many consider the metaphorical definition of Hagalaz to be "Destruction", like its physical meaning, but I prefer the term "Disruption". It's a subtle difference, but I feel that the term "disruption" carries different connotations, and allows for more opportunities and new beginnings, especially when discussing its real-life application. Every so often, Hagalaz's energy can present itself as an all-consuming destructive force in your life. But more often, it might arrive as a sudden change, a unexpected challenge, or a disruptive influence. I think a lot of people have been dealing with these changes recently, and it's hard to ignore the increase in natural disasters spreading across the world due to global warming. So I think now is the perfect time to discuss the powerful lessons that Hagalaz can teach us, and how to harness the potential for growth left in its wake.
It's hard to come up with ritual applications for Hagalaz, because it represents external forces that we cannot control. So rather than offering many different ritual ideas, I will be offering a guide (with suggestions for ritual applications) about how to handle the challenge or disruption that you may be facing.
1. Take shelter
Before you can start thinking of how to face this challenge, and reap the rewards of this disruptive energy, ask yourself: "Am I safe?" Finding a safe space is so important when faced with radical change. We cannot expect ourselves to learn and grow when our basic human needs are not being met. Remember that a safe space can come in many forms. So if you do not have a safe home environment right now, look for other forms of shelter. This can be a sacred place in nature, a close friend or family member, a regular therapy appointment, or even an online community space. Find your shelter, so you can weather the storm.
Ritual Suggestion: To build and protect your spiritual shelter, consider using some of the bindrunes from the last post in the Rune Series - "Algiz: Protective Bindrunes"
2. Let go of what you cannot control
This might be the most challenging part of this process, because we as humans are driven by our desire to control our situation. It's why we are so adaptable and innovative. But when faced with forces outside of our control, it's important to know how to let go of that urge. It is in this time when we must surrender to Hagalaz, and simply be present with its raw energy. You cannot keep the hail from falling, and expecting that of yourself can lead to self blame and additional trauma.
Ritual Suggestion (Fire): Write down every single thing you want to "fix" about your situation. Go through them, one by one, and ask yourself, "Do I actually have control over this outcome?" If the answer is no, burn the paper and toss the ashes to the wind. Feel yourself actively letting go of those expectations.
3. Allow space for grief
Now that you've freed yourself from unattainable expectations and self blame, you might feel some emotions bubbling up. It may be easier now to process some of the inevitable grief brought on by this radical change. Remember that anytime something changes, there is loss, and in turn, grief. These feelings need attention and care, just like your body does. Take some time to focus on these feelings, and be present with them without judgement.
Ritual Suggestion (Water): Warmth turns hail into nourishing water. That's why now is a great time for a ritual bath. It will help your emotions flow, and connect with your grief. Dim the lights, add salt, dried lavender, and rosemary to sooth the senses, and sit with no distractions from your inner self. Water is the element of the free-flowing self. Your tears will return to the water that baths you, and the water will bring you back to your unrefined, raw self. Sit with your emotions and let them flow for as long as you need to, as many times as you need to. Repeat the mantra "It's okay to feel."
4. Question your assumptions
Once you feel safe and cared for, it's time to start diving in to the big questions. The destructive power of Hagalaz has given you an opportunity to bring up the "shadow elements" in your life: assumptions or habits you have formed from previous traumas. This is the silence after a storm. The cool breeze after a fire has gone out. This is the time to think about how you want to move forward, and who you want to be in this new chapter of your life. What elements of yourself do you want to carry forth into this clean slate, and what elements do you want to leave behind? What have you learned from this experience? What do you want to manifest in this new land?
It's important to remember that you do not have to craft a plan yet. This is not the time for action, this is the time for inner discussion and analysis. Allow your imagination to run free with the possibilities, without dragging it down with reality. This is the beautiful moment of opportunity after an end.
Ritual Suggestion (Air): When envisioning and conceptualizing, air is the element that will help your imagination fly freely. Try this meditation practice: Sit in a quiet, comfortable place, preferably with access to fresh air. Open your chest to the sky, tilt your forehead slightly upward, and close your eyes. Begin breathing slowly and deeply, filling your lungs all the way down to your belly. Count to 5 with each inhale, and again with each exhale. Once you have a steady rhythm, it's time to start envisioning some intention. With every inhale, breath in an element, idea, or habit that you want to bring forth into this new chapter of your life. With every exhale, breath out something you want to leave behind. Repeat this process for as long as feels right.
5. Build from the wreckage
You have your vision, you have your intention. Now you need to start planting your seeds. How will you manifest the new life you envisioned, and how will you take advantage of the clean slate that was given to you? Set new habits, chase new goals, and build your new chapter. Take action, and relish the freedom of new life. You have expansive growth ahead of you, and there's nowhere to go but up.
Ritual Suggestion (Earth): Need help planting new seeds? Now is a great time to use the creative spark of Ingwaz. Read more about this rune to learn how to spark your inspiration.
I hope you enjoyed this week's Inner Circle entry! This is the fifth post of The Rune Series, in which I explore each rune, their meanings, and their applications. Do you have a favorite rune that you want me to explore? Or maybe you have a suggestion for an entirely different subject for next week's post? Let me know in the comments below!
Winter blessings,
Marin