Today, we continue our runic study journey by looking at Isa (EE-sah), the Ice rune. It is sometimes viewed as the rune of death as the ultimate stillness or pause in life is death. It's a traditional symbol of winter but also represents strength and perseverance in the face of adversity.
As seen in my previous runic guides, today's post will include a deep dive into the runic poems, Isa's cultural significance, its correspondences, how to work with it, its meaning in a spread, and its relationships with runes. Also included is a free printable for your Book of Shadows or Grimoire!
Isa's Portrayal in the Rune Poems
Isa ᛁ is the third rune in the second ætt, which represents stillness and cycles. It is coupled with Jera, the Harvest or Year rune that represents cycles of time and reward. Isa, on the other hand, captures the stillness before rebirth. Like Jera, Isa appears in all three runic poems, suggesting similar cultural meanings across the continent.
Icelandic Rune Poem Translation:
Íss er árbörkr Ice is bark of rivers
ok unnar þak and roof of the wave
ok feigra manna fár. and destruction of the doomed.
glacies jöfurr.
Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem Translation:
Is byþ ofereald, ungemetum slidor, Ice is very cold and immeasurably slippery;
glisnaþ glæshluttur gimmum gelicust, it glistens as clear as glass and most like to gems;
flor forste geworuht, fæger ansyne. it is a floor wrought by the frost, fair to look upon.
Norwegian Rune Poem Translation:
Ís kǫllum brú bræiða; Ice is called the broad bridge;
blindan þarf at læiða. the blind man must be led.
From each of these three poems, a pattern emerges. First and foremost, Isa ᛁ is referred to as "Ice." This is where Isa gets its modern English name "Ice" and why it's associated with stillness, stasis, and inactivity. Secondly, the dangers of ice are mentioned in all three poems, particularly how dangerous crossing bridges of ice can be. This points to the darker side of Isa, suggesting death and destruction if not taken seriously. Isa is a reminder that ice is a barrier, but an untrustworthy one at that. We must slow down, pause, and wait until we act. Moving too soon or too quickly will most likely end poorly, but this forced stasis is not all bad. Resting is required for rebirth, and in that rest, beautiful things can still happen; "like to gems."
The winter months were particularly difficult for Nordic peoples as they made it impossible to grow food for several months each year. People relied on their communities to ensure they made it safely through these harsh months, as referenced in the Norwegian Rune Poem: "the blind must be led." This is a reference not just to aiding the blind, but to helping all those in need during the winter months.
We see further reference to the Isa or ice in Havamal 81 which says "Give praise to the day at evening, to a woman on her pyre, To a weapon which is tried, to a maid at wed lock, To ice when it is crossed, to ale that is drunk." This particular passage reminds us to be cautious of acting without thinking and planning first. You shouldn't cross a bridge of ice without first testing it just as you shouldn't drink ale from a stranger or use a weapon you haven't tried first. However, ice is not all doom and gloom as seen two passages later.
Havamal 83 tells says "By the fire drink ale, over ice go on skates..." This tells us that while ice and winter are harsh, there is joy to be found. The only time you can ice skate is during the winter, reminding us to enjoy the stillness.
Being in the second ætt, Isa is associated with Heimdal, the guardian of the Bifrost. All runes within the second ætt are symbolized by resilience, strength, survival, and the cyclical nature of life, and Isa is no exception.
Isa's Cultural Significance
Nature played a pivotal role in Norse society, especially the changing seasons and the wildlife available. This connection is seen in the language and symbolism of the Elder Futhark. The word Isa has its roots in the Proto-Germanic word īsaz meaning "ice," referencing the harsh winters the Norse people were accustomed to. Some suggest Isa's simplistic design (ᛁ) is reminiscent of an icicle, further signifying ice, winter, stillness, delay, and stasis. Others have suggested it could represent a pillar of strength and the strength needed to survive the dark winters.Some have suggested Isa, like Algiz, may have been carved into weapons or amulets, but I could find no verifiable sources to corroborate this suggestion. Most Nordic weapons have severely deteriorated with time, leaving any inscriptions illegible. Despite the lack of evidence on weapons, Isa is found on tons of waystones and grave markers.
 |
| Restored runic waystone |
 |
| The south side of inscription Ög 224 |
The above gravemarker depicts ships on the south side and a serpent on the north side and says, "This stone raised in memory of Halfdan, their father; and Ástríðr in memory of her good husbandman." Like all runes, Isa was used to depict sounds and words to communicate with others in the same way our modern alphabets are used.
Isa was also used to create bind runes, most famously in the Vegvísir (Wayfinder) and Ægishjálmur (Helm of Awe). Sometimes referred to as the "Viking Compass" or "Norse Compass", the Vegvísir originated in Iceland but was probably not used by ancient Norse people as the earliest record of it is from the 19th century.
Some suggest the Vegvísir is a Christian magic symbol as the three Icelandic books it appears in state: "To avoid getting lost: keep this sign under your left arm, its name is Vegvísir and it will serve you if you believe in it – if you believe in God in the name of Jesus – the meaning of this sign is hidden in these words, so you may not perish. May God give me luck and blessing in the name of Jesus.” However, it's important to note that the Christianization of the Norse people resulted in a number of kings commissioning runestones that dedicated their lands to Christ. It is possible the three Icelandic books that feature the Vegvísir connected an older pagan symbol of unknown age and origin with 19th-century Icelandic Christianity or that it is a blend of two faiths, which was fairly common during the post-Viking age in Iceland. Furthermore, we know a number of books were burned during "witch hunts" including one in 1664. A schoolmaster confiscated a book from one of his students that supposedly contained 80 spells and 237 figures including "#41: To get no storms at sea, accompanied by a figure." Could this figure have been Vegvísir? We will never know because it is not specifically mentioned by name.
No matter its origin, the Vegvísir, which means "That which shows the way" was a magical stave used for protection against getting lost, particularly at sea. The incorporation of Isa runes may suggest finding your way through frozen or treacherous waters.
 |
| Old magic scroll with Ægisjálmur |
While the Vegvísir is not mentioned by name in the 1664 account, the Ægishjálmur, or Helm of Awe, is. It also appears in the 1670 Galdrakver manuscript, suggesting it was likely used for far longer than Vegvísir. Furthermore, Ægishjálmur is mentioned in the Eddic poems and Volsung Saga, but these mentions refer to a physical helmet and not the symbol. However, the symbol by the same name is believed to have the same powers as the physical helm with eight arms emitting from the center. It features Algiz runes that are intersected by a number of Isa runes which combined likely means a hardening or victory or protection or the ability to overcome adversity.
Like all runes, Isa held cultural and likely spiritual significance, much of which has been lost over time, but remains a symbol of reflection, solidification, control, stillness, and endurance.
Isa's Correspondences
It should be noted that general correspondences are not mentioned in any Nordic text. Instead, these are a best guess based on experiences from both myself and others. In fact, most of these are of modern invention, pulling inspiration from Wicca. As with all correspondence lists, you can add and subtract based on your experiences.
- Upright Meaning: stasis, stillness, introspection, challenges, self-preservation, delay, focus, self-control, roadblocks, forced pause before rebirth, lack of change, stagnation, ego
- Reversed Meaning: None
- Letter: I
- Element: Water
- Zodiac: Sagittarius
- Planet: Moon
- Animal: reindeer, polar bear, penguin, moose, arctic fox
- Colors: white, light blue, black
- Deities: Freya, Skadi, Verdandi
- Plants: alder, henbane, lavender
- Crystals: chrysoberyl, milky quartz, clear quartz, moonstone, opal
How to Work with the Isa Rune
Incorporating runes into your magical practice can be incredibly rewarding and bring new energies to spells and rituals. But how exactly can you use Isa in your workings?
- Use in spells to bind or bring stillness when things are getting out of hand.
- Draw the Isa rune on your forehead in a calming anointing oil or visualize it to still your mind.
- To stop gossip, write the gossip onto a piece of paper and draw the Isa rune over the top of it before placing it in water and freezing it.
- Use in healing spells to help halt the spread of disease through the body.
- Wear it as an amulet if you want a less emotional outlook on life or are prone to "overreacting."
- To cool heated tempers, draw the rune in food or drinks and share it with whoever you are fighting with.
- Draw the Isa rune into a piece of ice and place it on your tongue to still your words.
- Draw the rune on a candle before performing shadow work to enhance reflection and concentration while keeping impulsive reactions at bay.
- Use in love spells to cool things down or stop a relationship from continuing.
- Visualize the Isa rune radiating around you and your home to create a barrier to slow things down when you feel overwhelmed or like time is flying by too quickly.
Isa's Meaning in Rune Spread
Below are some examples of how to interpret Isa when it's next to or near other runes:
- In proximity to Thurisaz suggests someone at work is trying to sabotage you.
- Next to a reverse Laguz can indicate infidelity in a relationship.
- Near Ehwaz means that there is nothing you can do to change the current course of events. Keep an eye on what you might be missing so you can see things clearly.
- Near Ansuz, the stasis or barrier you are currently facing will soon thaw.
- In proximity to Fehu suggests a pause or delay in a new venture, potential gain, or fulfillment of your ambitions.
- Next to a reverse Uruz or Wunjo indicates a period of falling out of love in a relationship and a growing distance between lovers.
- Near Raidho suggests a potential need to pause vacation or traveling plans or implies the need for more careful consideration and reflection before attempting to move forward with any plans.
Isa's Relationships with Other Runes
Isa generally opposes other runes in the Elder Futhark, particularly those with a positive meaning. When found with Wunjo, Ehwaz, or a reversed Uruz, it often points to a relationship cooling and potentially ending. You may experience coldness from your partner or a sense that the relationship is not moving to the next step. There is a disconnect or barrier preventing movement forward. When found with abundance runes such as Fehu or Jera, it can symbolize a freeze on wealth, abundance, or fertility or a potential barrier blocking your future success.
However, opposing the other runes does not suggest everything is all bad. Instead, Isa reminds us to pause and reflect. While we may or may not be able to do anything about the current path, we can still learn from it. Sometimes stillness is what is needed for things to correct themselves, and instead of pushing forward into further disaster, we should wait patiently for things to work themselves out. You have no idea what the Universe has planned for you, and often times you just need to take a step back and wait patiently for things to unfold.
Isa also reminds us to rest, even when we feel like we should continue pushing forward. Just because it opposes Uruz, the rune of health, strength, and vitality, doesn't necessarily mean sickness is on the horizon. Instead, it could mean that you need to rest and relax in order to maintain your health and well-being. Isa is not an inherently negative rune, despite how things may appear on the surface.
***
Isa invites us to remember that caution, patience, rest, and reflection are necessary for growth and development. It's a reminder that good things come to those who wait. Below you will find a printable, cheat-sheet that includes a summary of all important information that you can incorporate into your Book of Shadows or Grimoire.
Click the image below to download your free cheat sheet for your Book of Shadows or Grimoire.
If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar.
