Rune Sowilo ᛋ

Sowilo Rune: Meaning, Origin, and Spiritual Powers

Sowilo is the last rune of the second Aett of the runic alphabet. It embodies the pure power of the sun. In most religions, the sun is revered as the most sacred entity because its light and warmth make life possible on earth. Nothing compares to it, it stands at the top, above everything else.

Sowilo represents solar energy and symbolizes vitality, willpower, victory, and hope. It is the ruler of the day and night, and the harvest depends on it. Sowilo heralds an imminent period of spiritual growth for the person seeking guidance.

It represents both the most challenging goal to achieve and promises to also be a guide toward that goal. Sowilo calls for prosperity and supports the poor and the oppressed.

Origin and Meaning of the Sowilo Rune

Germanic peoples saw in "Sunna" or "Sol" all the feminine qualities such as nurturing and healthy growth. The adage "All benefits come from above" is still relevant today.

It's no coincidence that the letter "S" appears on the rune. The symbol can be interpreted as lightning, the unparalleled powerful union of movement and energy.

Sowilo heralds a transformation, which can be likened to a flash of extreme power. It is a spiritual growth that presents itself as a great challenge – but the rune confidently shows you the path to the ultimate goal, victory.

Superimposed Sowilo symbols form the spinning solar wheel, which appeared in many cultures. It gathers all the positive and affirmative aspects of life, as well as the quest for success, power, and victory.

Traditional attribution: health and iron will to conquer.

The Sowilo rune is known by these alternative names: Sowelu, Sigel, Sowelu, Sugil, Sigil, Sol, Sig. According to mythology, the sun is driven across the sky by a chariot pulled by horses. The chariot is pursued by a great wolf who does everything to devour it before it reaches Ragnarök.

The chariot is driven by a young woman identified by mythologists as the goddess Sol. She symbolizes willpower, self-confidence, hope, and an unwavering desire to win, qualities that combine to focus her energies to support life.

The rune of truth indicates that it is time to seek solutions to problems. The answers are within reach. It also indicates that the work and effort you have invested in your projects and goals will be rewarded. Figuratively speaking, the seeds you have sown are now touched by the sun and begin to germinate.

It takes great responsibility to wield the immense power of Sowilo. At the slightest lapse in vigilance, everything takes on a life of its own; it is a real Pandora's box.

Well-guarded and used with good intentions, Sowilo can change many things for the better. It restores the joy of living to sad people, brings courage, and healthy self-confidence to walk out of the valley of tears with your head held high.

If you draw Sowilo, you are on the path to a better you. You have found your center or are completing all preparations for self-realization.

No change in your nature is necessary, as you already possess all the qualities that seem to be missing. Sowilo gives you the strength to activate these hidden parts in you and reveal them. Become what you are: do not seek to become someone else.

You are like an uncut diamond whose value and beauty cannot be perceived until it has been polished. Sowilo is the symbol of wholeness, the rune awakens the spirits of life with the energy of the sun. After a long dark winter full of difficulties, Sowilo gives a new impetus, determination, and motivation.

Whatever your goal, which until now seemed out of reach, the powerful effect of the solar rune suddenly catapults it within reach. The illuminating influence on your spiritual system acts like a "sunny disposition":

As a good-humored, warm, and spontaneous person, you are a welcome guest or a generous host. This recognition increases your own self-esteem and confidence.

Do not let this sunny period of your life pass without taking advantage of it. It is up to you to lead things to maturity. If a problem weighs on you, introspect. The power of the sun illuminates dark thoughts, warms the heart, and helps to find the appropriate solution.

Fixed Meaning of the Sowilo Rune

Sowilo embodies strength and courage at all levels. It is interpreted positively as a sign of good health, fulfilled sexuality, and the conviction of being extremely prosperous.

The Sun of Sowilo awakens the courageous Lion in you to fight wholeheartedly for your loved ones. Self-confidence grows, but sometimes so does the ego. The aspiration to go higher and further requires that the old make way for the new.

The best example is that of a volcano that, under high pressure, projects incandescent lava into the atmosphere and burns the ground – the intense heat transforms quartz sand into glass, a precious raw material.

Then, the ash from the burned vegetation provides the soil with valuable nutrients, the basis of new greenery and even greater biodiversity in the future.

Sowilo is the rune of progress, it reveals unexplored potentials, gives energy, and brings expansion. Sowilo promises that goals will be achieved and honor will be accorded, but this presupposes the union between the conscious and the unconscious.

However, Sowilo also calls for restraint, as it is extremely powerful in conjunction with other runes.

Reversed Meaning of the Sowilo Rune

Sowilo cannot be reversed, but the rune of light certainly has its dark side. Its immense solar energy carries the risk of uncontrollable elemental violence. The negative aspects manifest as destruction, gullibility, injustice, and vengeance. Extensive loss cannot be reversed.

Since the rune is not reversible, it opposes positive aspects. Fears arise, which can block you or divert you from your path. If the rune is in opposition, be wary of bad advice that leads you to set wrong goals.

Properties of the Sowilo Rune

• Alphabet: S
• Element: Air
• Deity: Baldr, Sol
• Symbol: Sun and feminine
• Interpretation: Health, honor, resources, victory, wholeness, purification, sun, life force, heart.
• Stone: Diamond, ruby
• Tree: Juniper, willow
• Flower: Sunflower
• Medicinal herb: Mistletoe, calendula, St. John's wort
• Animal: Hawk, golden pheasant
• Color: Gold, silver, white
• Body part: Energy centers, nerves
• Fragrance: Heliotrope, orange peel
• Tarot: The Sun, Strength
• Astrology: Sun in Leo, Moon in the 5th house, Sun, Leo

Complete Runes Alphabet >

Further Exploration

To deepen your knowledge about the runes and their symbolism, we invite you to explore the following pages:

• Viking Runes: Origins and Meanings
• Norse and Viking Symbols and their meanings
• The Secrets of Viking Runic Alphabet