The Hidden Lesson of Ehwaz

Ehwaz, the rune of the horse, often symbolizes movement, partnership, and trust. At its core, it represents the vehicle that carries us forward on our journey—whether that’s a horse in ancient times or, in our modern world, our car or even our physical body. Yet, the hidden lesson of Ehwaz isn’t just about progress. It’s about responsibility—the responsibility to care for the very vehicle that allows us to move forward.

This lesson became profoundly real for me this Thanksgiving.

A Thanksgiving Detour

Thanksgiving was supposed to be a joyful day spent with my girls. I had been looking forward to dinner together, sharing updates, laughter, and gratitude. But life, much like Ehwaz, has a way of teaching us lessons at unexpected moments.

On my way to dinner, I found myself on the side of the road with a flat tire. AAA came out to help, but the first technician couldn’t fix the problem. Hours passed as I waited for a second technician to arrive, and with each moment, my heart sank. By the time the tire was finally replaced, Thanksgiving dinner with my girls had already come and gone.

As frustrating as the experience was, it didn’t end there. I soon realized that the flat tire was just the beginning. My car now needed new brakes, an oil change, and additional maintenance—expenses I hadn’t planned for but couldn’t ignore.

The Ehwaz Connection

Driving around with the spare until I can take it to the shop, the message of Ehwaz came to me. Just as I rely on my car to take me where I need to go, I rely on my body, mind, and spirit to navigate the journey of life. And just as I wouldn’t think twice about spending time and money to ensure my car is in working order, I realized how often I neglect the care and maintenance of myself.

Why is it that we readily care for the external “vehicles” in our lives—our cars, our homes, our possessions—but hesitate to invest the same energy into ourselves? Or a more common theme I find these days is why are we so giving of our energy to others and not reciprocate the same to ourselves? Ehwaz challenges us to see that the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of our being require just as much attention and upkeep as the tools we use to move through the world.

Caring for the Whole Self

Ehwaz teaches that true movement requires harmony. If the vehicle isn’t functioning properly, the journey falters. This is true not only for a car or a horse but for our own well-being. To honor the lesson of Ehwaz, we must take responsibility for the care of our "Vehicle" (body, mind, and spirit):

• Body: Just like a car needs oil changes and new brakes, our bodies require nourishment, exercise, and rest. Ignoring these needs eventually leads to breakdowns.

• Mind: Our minds guide our journey, but without stimulation, clarity, and moments of rest, they can become clouded and overwhelmed.

• Spirit: The spirit is our compass, helping us navigate with purpose and intention. When disconnected, we lose sight of our direction.

On Thanksgiving, my car’s flat tire became a mirror reflecting my own neglect. I had been so focused on external responsibilities that I’d let my own maintenance—my health, my rest, my inner peace—fall by the wayside.

Finding Balance

Just as I’ve committed to taking care of my car, I now see the need to commit to myself. The Thanksgiving detour reminded me of a simple yet profound truth: if we don’t care for the vehicle, the journey comes to a halt. Whether that vehicle is a car, a horse, or our own being, it is our responsibility to ensure it remains strong and capable.

Ehwaz invites us to pause and reflect:

• What aspects of yourself have you been neglecting?

• How can you begin to nurture your (Vehicle) body, mind, and spirit with the same dedication you give to external responsibilities?

A Lesson in Gratitude

While I missed Thanksgiving dinner with my girls, the experience gave me a gift of its own: a moment of clarity. I am grateful for the lesson of Ehwaz and for the reminder that caring for myself is not a luxury but a necessity. Just as I wouldn’t drive my car without brakes or oil, I can’t move forward in life without tending to my own well-being.

So, as I schedule my next oil change and set aside funds for new brakes, I’m also scheduling time for self-care—time to rest, reflect, and reconnect with myself. Because the hidden lesson of Ehwaz is this: our journey is only as strong as the vehicle we ride. And it’s up to us to ensure that vehicle is ready for the road ahead.