Magin Rose

Uruz

This is not a ‘busy’ rune – its energy is primal and powerful.  Although the great aurochs are now extinct, nature has provided many other immensly powerful examples for us to work with when trying to experience the energy of Uruz.  Think of the blue whale, the grand canyon or any other aspect of the natural world that makes you forget yourself in the contemplation of the vastness and power of creation.

I associate both earth and water with Uruz through the symbolism of the aurochs and the drinking horn.  Although I have found no traditional connection, for me, this rune also has strong lunar qualities (Jan Fries also makes this connection in Helrunar).  This may be because of associations in the Western magical tradition between the moon, horns and the bull but I think it goes deeper than that.  Like Uruz, the moon speaks of purity, of peace and solitude, but also of power and of the deep currents that govern life on Earth.

Uruz is an excellent rune to experiment with when trying out voice work.  The sound ‘oooooo’ can be used at a fairly low pitch that is comfortable for you.   Imagine that the ‘source’ of the sound is deep down in the pit of your stomach.  If it helps you can visualise the sound expanding outwards from the source as vibrant green or pure white light.  You could also use use your song while meditating on the symbolism and meaning of the rune.

The Uruz rune is also a useful reminder to ground – its shape is solid and stable, resting upon the earth.  I find that placing my hands and feet upon the ground – either while sitting or crouching - and singing ‘Uruz’ while visualising the excess energy flowing down into the earth, is effective.

Traditional meaning: Aurochs (a large, wild cow – now extinct), slag (a by-product of making iron), drizzle

Old English rune poem:  ūr meaning aurochs, a large species of wild cattle.

Aurochs is fearless and greatly horned
a very fierce beast, it fights with its horns,
a famous roamer on the moor it is a courageous animal.
Translated by Thorsson, Rune Lore

Present significance:  The most popular meaning of this rune is the aurochs (from the Old English Rune Poem).  The rune will often appear as a signifier of physical strength, patience and endurance while, reversed, it can indicate physical weakness or a defensive stance (the aurochs with his horns down, ready to charge).  Meditation on the other meanings (above) will yield useful insights into this rune’s power for purification and healing.  At the beginning of creation the energies of ice and fire unite within the void, becoming fluid (like the drops of drizzle) and forming the elements – the Uruz rune is associated with this union and process of formation. 

Key terms:  Strength, well-being, endurance, healing, purification, will-power, determination

Pronunciation: oo-rooz

Number: 2

Gods: Loge (wild-fire), Kari (air), Hler (water), Erda (fruitful earth), Rinda (frozen earth), Thor, Urd, Vidar

Colour: Green

Hour: 13:30-14:30

Half month: July 14th-July 29th

Plants: Oak moss, cypress, birch

Body: Musculature, strength, stamina (primary rune for healing)

Animal: Aurochs, wild cow, bull

Mineral: Carbuncle (garnet)

Aroma: Cypress

Object of power: Drinking horn

Uruz is the result of a series of transformations that take place in the liminal space where opposites meet.  From the chaos of creation, order emerges, personified by the Divine Cow, but it is an order that depends on the tension of opposites.  Uruz is energy and sustenance that has to be fought for, and it provides the energy to defend and preserve one’s community.  However, in a natural society there is a cooperative and religious relationship between hunter and prey; each takes risks for survival, and the hunt is a transformative experience for both.  When the uplifted horns of the wild ox sink earthward, the wild energy is changed into available resources, and there is food for both body and soul.  This is also the energy that is used in healing, a powerful flow that revitalizes the patient by strengthening the will to live. (Taking Up the Runes: A Complete Guide to Using Runes in Spells, Rituals, Divination, and Magic)

Journeys with the Elder Futhark – Uruz

Take a journey to encounter the rune Uruz for yourself, testing your resolve as you face the mighty aurochs and search for the healing power of Uruz.  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 Uruz
• Oswald the Runemaker’s summary analysis of Uruz
• Magin’s discussio of Uruz, the healer’s rune 2011

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