Contained within Eihwaz (Eihaz) lies the power of the yew, sacred tree of eternal life. Evergreen in the harshest winters, the yew symbolizes the will to survive. The ancients believed that, like the yew, our soul's will persists throughout the multiple deaths and rebirth of existence. By focusing the runic energy of Eihwaz, Runemasters were able to unlock their past knowledge and wisdom. The Mystical Odin, father of the Norse Gods, passed his knowledge of magic and rune lore to poets, sorcerers, and sages. Mythology says that Odin gained his knowledge of runes through suffering and sacrifice. In the European Dark Ages, kings and priests were suspicious of runes; those in possession of rune knowledge were often burned to death! Runes are more than a mere alphabet; they are the tools which unlock the mysteries of the universe for those who understand them. Our runes are fashioned after the futhark alphabet. They stand for objects and actions. They can be used in healing and meditation, as well as magic and divination. Retaining the authenticity of the original alphabet, our runes are attractively designed for the modern wearer.