The rune Laguz, written ᛚ in the Elder Futhark, stands as a symbol of water, the ever-changing flow of life, and the deep well of intuition that lies within each of us. It is a rune that reminds us of the natural rhythms that govern both the world around us and the internal landscapes of the heart and mind.
The Name and Sound of Laguz
The word laguz (pronounced roughly “lah-gooz”) comes from Proto-Germanic laguz, meaning “water,” “lake,” or “sea.” This word is cognate with Old Norse lögr, Old English lagu, and Gothic laga, all relating to water or something fluid. In the Elder Futhark, Laguz represents the sound “L,” which aligns with the meaning of flowing water and movement.
This connection between sound and meaning is no accident. The rune’s shape — a vertical line with a gentle curve or hook — can be seen as the curve of a wave, a stream bending on its path, or even the flow of blood and breath, vital liquids of life.
Laguz in the Context of the Elder Futhark
The Elder Futhark is the oldest runic alphabet used by Germanic peoples from around the 2nd to 8th centuries CE. Each rune in this system is not just a letter, but a symbol carrying layers of meaning — practical, spiritual, and poetic.
Laguz belongs to the Water or Flow family within the runes. It often appears in divinatory readings or inscriptions connected to fertility, life energy, and the natural cycles of the world. Water is, after all, one of the most essential elements — it cleanses, nourishes, and moves freely, symbolizing life’s constant change.
The Symbolism of Laguz: Intuition and Emotion
Water has long been associated with the unconscious mind, emotions, and intuition. Just as the ocean can be calm or stormy, so too can our emotional lives fluctuate and shift without warning. Laguz captures this duality: it is the rune of flow — of going with the current rather than resisting it.
In the symbolic language of the runes, Laguz encourages us to trust our inner knowing. The rune calls attention to the intuitive wisdom that often bypasses logic and reason. When Laguz appears in a reading, it may suggest that the seeker needs to listen more deeply to their feelings, dreams, or gut instincts.
Emotion, too, is central to Laguz’s meaning. This rune does not promote repression or denial but invites openness to what lies beneath the surface. Water cleanses but also reveals — Laguz teaches us to dive beneath the apparent, to explore the depths where true insight resides.
Laguz and the Concept of Flow
One of the most profound teachings of Laguz is the idea of flow. In the ancient world, people were deeply attuned to natural cycles: the tides, the seasons, the rhythms of day and night. Laguz reminds us that much like water, life is not meant to be rigid or forced but embraced with flexibility.
This rune encourages surrender to natural processes, a letting go of control that often leads to resistance and suffering. When we align ourselves with the flow of life, we conserve energy, avoid unnecessary struggle, and open ourselves to unexpected opportunities.
This idea of flow is not passive submission but an active engagement with the present moment. Like a river carving its way through rock, Laguz encourages persistence tempered by adaptability.
Laguz in Historical Context: The Germanic Relationship with Water
For the Germanic peoples who first carved the Elder Futhark into wood, bone, and stone, water was essential to survival and spiritual life. Rivers were highways for travel and trade, lakes were sources of fish and fresh water, and seas connected distant lands.
Water’s importance is reflected in mythologies and sagas as well. In Norse mythology, the primordial giant Ymir was nourished by rivers of ice and water, and the World Tree, Yggdrasil, is watered by sacred wells.
Laguz captures this intimate relationship with water — a respect for its power to nurture and destroy, to give life and take it away. This ambivalence gives the rune its depth and nuance.
Using Laguz Today: Practical and Spiritual Guidance
In contemporary rune practice, Laguz continues to speak to those seeking guidance in times of uncertainty or emotional upheaval.
- Intuition: Laguz urges you to trust your inner voice. When faced with difficult decisions, pay attention to dreams, feelings, and subtle signs rather than relying solely on intellect.
- Emotional Awareness: It encourages the release of emotional blocks and the acceptance of vulnerability. Emotions are like water; they need to flow freely to prevent stagnation.
- Adaptability: Laguz teaches flexibility in your plans and openness to change. Life’s currents may shift unexpectedly, and going with the flow can be a source of strength.
- Creativity and Inspiration: Like a flowing river, creativity cannot be forced. Laguz reminds artists, writers, and creators to nurture their inspiration gently and allow ideas to emerge naturally.
Laguz in Divination: Reading the Rune
When Laguz appears in a rune reading, it often points toward themes of emotional or spiritual flow. It can mean a need to reconnect with your feelings or trust the process of unfolding events. It may also serve as a warning against stubbornness or emotional rigidity.
If you are feeling stuck, Laguz suggests embracing change, perhaps by releasing control or opening yourself to new experiences. In relationships, it may indicate a call for deeper emotional connection or healing.
A Poetic Reflection on Laguz
Water moves unseen beneath the surface,
Silent currents shaping stone and soul.
In the depths lie wisdom and feeling,
Where flow and intuition make us whole.
Laguz, the wave that bends but never breaks,
The quiet voice that knows before the mind,
Reminding us to trust the tide,
And leave harsh control behind.
Conclusion: The Power of Laguz
Laguz is a rune of profound subtlety. It does not command or conquer but invites and flows. It asks us to listen to the wisdom of our emotions, to embrace change with grace, and to navigate life’s uncertainties with an open heart.
In a world that often prizes control and certainty, Laguz reminds us of the power found in surrender and trust — the deep, ancient knowledge that like water, life is ever-moving, ever-changing, and deeply alive.