Thurisaz
The mountain, forbidding, implacable. Thrust up from the belly of the Earth. Shrouded in cloud and snow, a land impenetrable to all but the bravest, strongest and most single-minded. Its reflection in the waters is still and alluring, the dangers of the subconscious, of dreams. Difficult to separate truth from illusion – a path demanding a different sort of strength. Desire for truth, spiritual fearlessness.
Thurisaz is a rune that is often shunned by runesters, it represents the forces of chaos – that which we fear, the powerful emotions and drivers lurking beneath the surface. A giant, a thorn, a powerful, uncontrollable force. Interestingly, it is Thor (part giant himself) who wields Mjollnir, the hammer that controls the force of Thurisaz. Turned on its back, Thurisaz resembles an anvil – when the hammer and anvil come together the Smith creates his magick.
There is also an interesting connection between Thurisaz and the concept of the thorn hedge which the witch or shaman is able to cross. Juniper’s ‘Walking the Hedge’ blog gives a very intesting account of what ‘walking the hedge’ entails – note the importance of habit breaking and forming.
Traditional meaning: Thorn, giant
Old Norse Rune Poem: Þurs. A giant, demon, or wizard.
Thurs causes the sickness of women;
few are cheerful from misfortune.
Translated by Thorsson, Rune Lore
Present significance: The subconscious, anger, passion, violence, attack, aggression. When reversed, this rune tends to mean defensiveness rather than aggression. Although it is not mentioned in the rune poems, the Hammer of Thor, Mjolnir is often considered as a balancing aspect of Thurisaz – the positive manifestation of this troublesome rune, which, once mastered is unmatched in power and might.
Key terms: Power, impulse, anger, subconscious urges, vital force
Pronunciation: thur-ee-sarz
Number: 3
Gods: Thor, Loki
Colour: Purple, red
Hour: 14:30-15:30
Half month: July 29th-August 13th
Plants: Blackthorn, hawthorn, bramble
Body: Genitals, libido, heart
Animal: Snake
Mineral: Sapphire
Aroma: Frankincense, angelica
Object of power: Dagger
The hagzissa or witch, is a ‘hedgesitter’ who has learned to pass through the barrier and to connect the needs of the village (conscious mind) with the unknown world beyond (the collective sub-consciousness). That the passage can be dangerous and painful needs hardly be mentioned. (Helrunar: A Manual of Rune Magick
)
Journeys with the Elder Futhark – Thurisaz
Take a journey to encounter the rune Thurisaz for yourself, this guided meditation provides an accessible way for you to encounter the rune. The download includes three recordings covering setting up your space, the rune journey itself, and closing your space. A PDF is also provided, taking you through what you will need to do and giving some of the basic correspondences for the rune to help you relate your journey to the traditional rune meanings. All for only £1.00.
- Oswald the Runemaker’s in-depth analysis of Thurisaz
- Oswald the Runemaker’s summary analysis of Thurisaz
- Magin’s half-month discussion of Thurisaz 2010
- Thurisaz rising from the deep – my half-month article and You Tube meditation 2011
- BACK TO URUZ – ON TO ANSUZ -
