Embracing the Fire of Necessity: A Deep Dive into Nauthiz and Its Wisdom

I have been dedicated to working with the runic calendar of the year from S. Kelley Harrell’s Runic Book of Days. Though I have been studying the runes for years, I’ve wanted to deepen my understanding of them, and this practice is doing just that. The first portion of this post is the research I’ve gleaned through the aforementioned book, in addition to Freya Aswynn’s Northern Mysteries & Magick, Renna Shesso’s Rune-Reader, and Cosmic Whisper by Cocorrina. I will end it with the associations and insights I’ve discovered myself.

Nauthiz (pronounced now-theez or not-this): November 13–28

This is the second of the Winter Runes, and it means Need, Necessity, or Need-Fire.

On a basic level, Nauthiz embodies:

• Desire, craving, and compulsion

• The force of growth through resistance

• Life lessons, creative friction, and consequences of past actions

• Urgency and effort

Nauthiz is a rune of personal development through life’s trials—short-term pain for long-term gain. Its shape is often likened to an imbalanced scale, two sticks rubbing together to create fire, or even fingers crossed for luck.

Core Meanings of Nauthiz

Nauthiz represents an unfulfilled craving or yearning within the soul. It asks us to discern between what we want and what we truly need. It pushes us to identify the necessities that sustain us and to question whether our desires serve our growth or blind us to deeper truths.

When Nauthiz appears, it often signals imbalance or actions that are “not right.” It asks:

• Are we being blinded by our perceived needs?

• Are we indulging in excess or being driven by selfish desires?

• What are the essentials we should focus on?

This rune warns of decadence and urges modesty—seeking only what is essential and avoiding indulgence. It reminds us that every action has an opposite reaction and encourages us to consider how our actions affect not just ourselves but also others and the greater whole.

The Norns and the Weight of “Shoulds”

In Norse mythology, the Norns are the goddesses of fate who govern the past, present, and future. They are Urd (what was), Verdandi (what is becoming), and Skuld (what should be). Each plays a vital role in weaving the threads of life on Yggdrasil, the World Tree.

Nauthiz is closely associated with Skuld, the youngest Norn, who presides over the future. Her name is derived from the Old Norse word skuldr, which translates to “debt” or “obligation.” This implies that Skuld embodies what is owed—whether in the karmic sense of cause and effect or the burdens we impose on ourselves through expectations.

Skuld’s connection to Nauthiz suggests a deep interplay between our needs, wants, and the pressures we feel to fulfill them. She governs what “should” be based on conditions, highlighting that outcomes rely on our actions but also on unseen forces beyond our control. Like dominoes set up with care, we may anticipate a particular result, but unexpected variables can change everything.

This is where the lesson of Nauthiz becomes clear: we must learn to respond to what is, rather than clinging to rigid expectations of what “should” happen. The rune teaches us to release the weight of unmet “shoulds” and focus instead on what is essential and attainable.

"Shoulders of Should" – Embodied Wisdom

One of my teachers once said, “Shoulds live in our shoulders.” When we carry the weight of what we think we should do, it often manifests as physical tension. This isn’t just metaphorical—it’s a deeply embodied truth.

When reflecting on the concept of shoulds, ask yourself:

• Are these obligations true needs, or are they based on societal expectations, guilt, or perfectionism?

• What happens if I let go of something I think I “should” do?

Nauthiz asks us to lighten our load. Sometimes, the things we think we “should” do are nothing more than self-imposed burdens. Balancing these “shoulds” with what truly matters allows us to move forward without unnecessary resistance.

Nauthiz in Myth and Magic

Magically, Nauthiz can be used to restrict others, much like Thurisaz can. It is linked to the binding of Loki—a fire god—when his actions became destructive. In Eddaic poems, Nauthiz was used for protection by inscribing it on fingernails.

Nauthiz also rules over Nifelhel, one of the nine worlds in Norse cosmology. Nifelhel is home to the dragon Nidhog, known as the “gnawer from beneath.” Nidhog chews on the roots of Yggdrasil, symbolizing the unconscious forces that undermine the self—or even the collective. Nifelhel represents a state of mind where fears reside, reminding us that fear is one of the greatest restrictions.

However, fear also serves as an omen, highlighting what needs attention. It is both an inhibitor and a survival instinct. Facing these fears with awareness allows for transformation and growth.

Need-Fire: A Ritual of Cleansing

Nauthiz is also called the “Need-Fire.” In ancient traditions, Need-Fires were ritualistically kindled during times of drought, disease, or famine. Livestock would be driven between two fires to cleanse and protect them.

This ritual reflects a deeper truth: to cleanse and protect ourselves, we must actively participate in letting go of what hinders us. During the cold, dark winters of the North, fire symbolized creativity, transformation, and survival.

Embodied Insights and Balance

Fire represents creativity, light, and passion. I associate Nauthiz with the sacral chakra, located in the uterus or prostate area. This is where our drive to create—whether life, art, or ideas—resides. To embody this rune, we must tend to our inner fire and balance our passions. What fuels our creative spark?

Nauthiz reminds us to focus on true needs rather than fleeting desires. For example, someone might say, “I need a cigarette.” But do they really? This distinction between craving and necessity is at the heart of Nauthiz.

Balancing postures can help bring this energy into our bodies. Mimicking the shape of Nauthiz, with its imbalance, can be a powerful practice. Spend time reflecting on the difference between wants, needs, and desires. Cultivate a sense of balance in your life and actions.

Final Reflections

Nauthiz challenges us to find peace regardless of circumstances. It doesn’t promise that we’ll meet all our needs, but it assures us that we can handle whatever comes. It teaches us to respond to life’s challenges with persistence and patience, helping us cultivate strength through creative friction.

Think of Nauthiz as the “not this” rune—a signal that something in the current plan isn’t right. Before we can move forward, we must identify and address the unmet need. When we do this work, we find balance and unlock momentum.

Ultimately, Nauthiz is a rune of transformation. It asks us to step into the heart of what’s missing and take a leap of faith, knowing that what we truly need will appear—even if we don’t know what it is yet.