The yew is a tree which life can span centuries. Its wood was used for longbows and arrows. The poison of the yew was used to creat a poisoned arrows. The yew is evergreen and its wood also was a favorite for amulets and runestaffs. The mysteries of the yew are the death trance, the madness, the inspiring madness of the fool.

     The picture of the rune is the bow.

Magic Powers

Initiation in the wisdom of the world-tree (axis mundi)
Recognition of the mysteries of Life and Death and the releasing from the Angst of Death
Furtherance of spiritual endurance and strong willpower
Spiritual visions and creativity
Protects from desastrous forces
Communication between the worlds of Yggdrasil
Recalling ancient forms of existence in our physical line of ancestors
Increasing of Endurance, forceful Protection against wizardry
Bannishes unwanted influences
Attacks and destroys enemies (Yews are powerful antimagic trees in folks believes), reveals diversions.
Amulets against charmings, cheating and fraud
Talisman for magical protection as well as love- and bondingspells.

Healing Powers

Sphere of influence: eye-diseases
Increasing of endurance and power of resistance
Diagnosis of psychsomatic diseases.

Meaning in Divination (according to B. King)

The impulse of achieving, which gives motivation and determination.

Numerical Meaning

Unlucky, destruction - creation