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The horse was more than just a means of transportation to the early Germans. It was a sacred animal related to the cult of the sun. The sun was envisioned as riding across the heavens in his chariot drawn by shining steeds. Tacitus writes in his Germania: Kept at public expense in these same (consecrated) woods and groves are white horses, pure from the taint of earthly labor; these are yoked to a sacred car, and accompanied by the priest and the king, or chief of the tribe, who note their neighings and snortings.

At Trundholm, Denmark was discovered a bronze chariot which represents the solar disk being drawn by a horse. The disk was originally covered in gold leaf, most of which has fallen off. Both horse and chariot are mounted on wheels, perhaps to be pulled along in a procession. The wheels are of four spokes and very similar to the ten wheels that support the solar alter described under the Sigel rune. This model of the chariot of the sun has been dated by some authorities as early as 1000 B.C.E.

The snortings of the sacred white horses were used as auguries by the priests, who looked upon the horses as messengers of the gods. It is worth mentioning in passing the beautiful White Horse of Berkshire, England - a gigantic stylized horse carved in the crest of a hill which can only be properly seen from the air. The horse was probably a sacred animal for all Europe as far back as the Stone Age.

On the material plane the horse symbolized grace, speed and strength - the physical virtues. Beauty of form and function. It was not an end in itself but the means to and end. A medium through which the desires of men might be accomplished.

 

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MEANINGS:

 

UPRIGHT:

Rapid progress, transportation, conveyance, means to and end, medium, speed, grace, power, ability to leap over obstacles, movement on any level, advancement with ease; may represent a personal vehicle such as a car, boat or private plane.

 

REVERSED:

Blind precipitation, recklessness, haste, a fool rushing in, forcing an issue, intoxication with speed, racing, lack of control. tempting fate, throwing caution to the winds.

 

KEY: TRANSPORTATION