Algiz

"Secg is mostly found in marshes, it grows in water and inflicts a terrible wound. The blood burns in every man who grasps it."
                                                                        
                                                          "The Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem"
 
In some parts of England, the Anglo-Saxons called this rune, Secg, although it was more commonly called Eolh.
Usualy a long "Z", as in "buzz" is the pronunciation of this rune, but occasionally "R", or even "M", although there are other runes that represent these sounds, so i usualy use this rune as "Z".
This is another rune that is symbolically connected with the mighty elk, as well as the yew tree. It is, however, also associated with the lime tree and with semi-aquatic plants, such as reeds, rushes, eelgrass and sedge.
The form of the rune resembles an outstretched hand, probably representing the hand of Tyr, which was sacrificed for the safety of the universe. It also looks like the outstreched branches of a tree or the footprint of a bird, such as a crow or raven. The upright position of this rune was used to denote the date of birth on Viking tombstones. The inverted form was likewise used to give the date of death.


Upright Meaning:

Algiz is the supreme rune of healing and protection. In ancient  magic, it was said that the power of Algiz could protect not only oneself, but one's family and friends, too. Bearing this in mind, the appearance of Algiz in a reading suggests that there will be a successful outcome to an endeavour, that a health problem will be overcome and that help will be given to you by a caring friend.
Although this is a rune of self-interest, it does not denote selfishness. Its main message is that you should make time for yourself and hold on to your dreams and desires. The demands of others should be a secondary consideration, because if you don't look after yourself, then you will be in no position to look after anyone else in the future. Any creative ventures are favoured by the appearance of Algiz. You may take up a new and therapeutic hobby and delve into fascinating areas that have previously escaped your notice. Algiz is also a rune of meditation, and the message of its surrounding runes in a reading may point the way to personal illumination of some kind.

Inverted Meaning:

 
In the inverted position, this rune reinforces in message of its upright meaning. It can show that health problems are occuring, or  will occur very soon, and that you need to concern yourself with your own welfare. However, other people may refuse to recognise that you are overburdened and weary. The demands of these folk will not cease, because when Algiz is inverted, you will find that those around you are very insensitive indeed. While in this low state, you will be somewhat weak-willed and will tend to agree to anything simply to have some peace. You should bear this in mind and slow down. Go into retreat and seclusion and don't take on anything more just yet. Algiz signals a period of recuperation, so allow yourself the time to regain your strength.


Body Part: Head, face, skull.
Associated Maladies: Tension headaches. Migraine. Sinus problems.
Action: Being overprotective or oversensitive.
Solution: Toughening, building up a resistance.