Tiwaz (ᛏ) is the seventeenth rune in the Norse Futhark runic alphabet and represents the sound t. It also represents the concepts of justice, honor, and creation.
Tiwaz is also the first rune in the third aett. The Norse runes are divided into three eight-rune families, which represent the culmination of the runic journey, so the realms of divinity, mastery, and completeness. The third aett is ruled by Tyr, a god of war and justice. He was very likely the original leader of the Aesir gods until he was supplanted by Odin. He represents the sacrifice required to achieve your dreams. For example, he sacrificed his hand to trick the mighty wolf Fenrir and trap him until Ragnarok.
In divination, the Tiwaz rune represents standing firm on your principles even when it is difficult and always living according to your values. It also represents the sacrifices required to achieve what you want. Remember that many people have big dreams, but very few people are willing to make the sacrifices necessary to make it happen.
The Tiwaz rune is named for Tyr, and it was often considered a rune of protection. Many inscriptions survive of Tiwaz runes stacked on top of each other. This may be specifically to invoke Tyr for protection. This pattern with three stacked can be seen on the Lindholm amulet from the 4th century CE, and eight stacked runes appear on the Klyver Stone. A gold bracteate from around 500 CE also features three stacked Tiwaz runes.
Tiwaz Rune Poems
Our understanding of the Old Norse runes comes from rune poems, which provide explanatory stanzas for each letter. There are Norwegian, Icelandic, and Anglo-Saxon poems for many runes.
Norwegian
Tyr is a one-handed god; often has the smith to blow
Icelandic
Tyr is the god with one hand and leavings of the wolf and prince of temples
Anglo-Saxon
Tyr is a guiding star; well does it keep faith with princes; it is ever on its course over the mists of night and never fails
The poems make clear references to the god Tyr and the story of his losing his hand to Fenrir. The reference to him as the patron of princes and temples suggests that he was the principal god at some point. The mention of a “smith’s blow” suggests an association with blacksmiths, and the Anglo-Saxon poem might suggest that Tyr was linked with the North Star.
Tiwaz in Divination
In divination practices, the Tiwaz rune represents fairness in outcomes, just victories, and achievement through sacrifice.
- Fairness and Justice – situations being resolved fairly and justice being served
- Just Rewards – maintaining your integrity and having it pay off in the long run
- Self-Sacrifice for Success – success through making the appropriate hard decisions and sacrifices to make your vision a reality
- Actions and Consequences – a reminder that actions have consequences, and your current challenges are often a result of your own actions
- Creation – a reminder that you are the creator of your own destiny through your actions and attitudes
- Finding Your Path – revealing the right path ahead when decisions are difficult
- Leadership and Ambition – a call to take on a leadership role and steer the ship in the right direction
The position of the runestone in relation to the reader influences the reading:
- Upright: The Tiwaz rune can point you towards the right decision when you are in a moral conundrum
- Merkstave (reversed): Tiwaz reversed can suggest that you are compromising yourself to find a quicker path, and be a warning that it will not work out in the long run
- Sideways: In this case, the Tiwaz rune can point toward where you need to be making sacrifices for long-term success elsewhere
How it should be read also depends on where it falls in relation to other runes.
- Combined with Sowilo – brilliant success after a long struggle
- Combined with Ansuz – using your words to resolve conflict fairly
- Combined with Algiz – divine protection
- Combined with Raidho – a difficult journey that brings just rewards
- Combined with Thurisaz – a conflict that is the consequence of your previous actions
Tiwaz Associations
Libra – a sign of balance, justice, and empathy
First House – governs self-identity, leadership, and integrity
Mars – the planet of war and courage
Justice – a reminder that actions have consequences and we are responsible for ourselves
Knight of Swords – symbolizes action, ambition, and swift pursuit of ideas and goals
27 February-14 March – a time to fight for what you want and follow your integrity
Tiwaz in Magical Rituals
Use the Tiwaz rune in magical rituals to find your direction,
- Combine the Tiwaz rune with a blue or white candle for candle magic spells to find your “north star” and decide your direction
- Use the Tiwaz rune during journaling to help define your principles and reinforce your integrity
- Integrate the Tiwaz rune into rituals to commit to a course of action to reach important goals
- Wear talismans with stacked Tiwaz runes for divine protection.
Use the Vegvisir runic stave for spiritual guidance along your path.
Leave a Reply