The Twentyfourth Rune

The dawn reveals
a new beginning
to each day

Names - DAGAZ - day, DAG - day, DAGS - day, DAEG - day, DOGR - day

Pronunciations - "dahg ahz" "dahg" "dahgs" "dayg" "daghr"

Phonetic Value - "D" and voiced "th" as in "then"

Symbolism - The Dawn

Keywords - Awakening


Symbolically, this rune represents the first rays of the sun rising over the horizon, and is therefore associated with the dawn and dawnings.

The pictogram is very similar to the upper portion of the runic depiction for Mannaz which will lend meanings of new opportunities, insight or understandings on an individual basis.

Another point to note is that Dagaz, like Mannaz can be further reduced pictographically to a central image of crossed staves displayed in Gyfu. This should carry overtones of gift or promise to Dagaz and inded, this concept is reflected in phrases like "the promise of a new day".

Phonetically "Dagaz" has remained throughout the evolution of human language very similar to the pronunciation of "day" and it is therefore, fairly easy to relate the ancient meaning of this rune to it's present day correspondences.

Dagaz refers to the a day, a period of darkness and light, since the Norse counted their days from evening to evening, with the mid-point being dawn and the rising of the sun. It is the rune of awakening, and metaphorically, rebirth.

It is a rune of paradox, the balancing of opposites and movement, not as contradictions and opposition, but as counterbalances and compliments.

It represents light. It is the rune of "clear vision" and "enlightenment."

It represents time and space, and the weaving movement of the loom of life.

Often, Dagaz can be found as the last rune of the futhark, as in this one, which does have a certain symmetry to the placement, However, other experts in Runemal reverse Othal and Dagaz to maintain Dagaz in the 23rd placement and arrangement most often.

Magically this rune can be used to invoke a realization, a fresh start, an awakening of the senses, or greater understanding of the totality of existance.

Dagaz may be used to summon clarity, or to reveal the hidden motivations and actions of an enemy. It may further be invoked to set aside past "bad blood" and begin with a clean slate.

In working this rune a Vitki may summon an end to a period of darkness, confusion, or uncertainty and Dagaz may also serve as an indicator of correct action in conjunction with runes surrounding it in a casting or meditation.

In divination it is the rune of polarization, of sunlight and good fortune, and can be represented in any of the following forces

DAGAZ UPRIGHT: Day, dawn, breakthrough, awakening, awareness, daylight clarity, transformation, hope, happiness, the ideal, security and certainty, growth, balance point, the place where opposites meet.

DAGAZ MERKSTAVE (Dagaz cannot be reversed, but may lie in opposition): Darkness, night, confusion, ending, limit, coming full circle, blindness, uncertainty, misfortune, hopelessness.


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