Uruz (ᚢ) is the second rune in the Norse Futhark runic alphabet and represents the phonetic sound O. It also represents an Auroch, which is a kind of wild ox that once roamed Europe. It was also sometimes used to refer to drizzle or sleet.
The Auroch were massive and known for their strength, so they represented untamed, primal power. In readings, Uruz represents inner strength that comes from embracing life’s challenges and learning to rely on yourself and your instincts. It is linked with masculine energy.
The Uruz rune was linked to the god Thor, who was considered the strongest of the Aesir gods. It is also linked to the primordial cow Audhumla, one of the first animals to emerge at the start of time, feeding the primordial giant Ymir from its udders and licking the first god, Buri, out of the hardened primordial ooze.
Uruz 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 even Anglo-Saxon poems for each rune.
Norwegian:
Uruz is of ill iron; often leap (strut) the reindeer over the frozen snow.
Icelandic:
Uruz (drizzle) is the cloud cover’s weeping, and falls diagonally across, a hatred of the shepherd, the late traveling man.
Anglo-Saxon:
The aurochs is proud and has great horns; it is a very savage beast and fights with its horns; a great ranger of the moors, it is a creature of mettle.
The Norwegian and Anglo-Saxon poems refer to the brute strength and even savagery of the Auroch, and how this allows it to tackle life’s challenges. The Vikings respected strength and had a “might is right” attitude to power.
Uruz in Divination
In runic divination practices, the Uruz rune can have several meanings:
- Physical or Mental Strength – both brute strength and personal resilience that allow a person to face life’s challenges
- Courage – it can be an encouragement to face life’s challenges head-on and commit to making difficult decisions
- Raw Potential – the rune can refer to unexplored strengths and skills that have yet to be harnessed for their full potential
- Health and Vitality – Uruz can link to physical well-being and to ideas such as healthy habits and fitness routines
The position of the runestone in relation to the reader influences the reading:
- Upright: Uruz indicates that you have the strength or knowledge needed to achieve something, and now it is a matter of applying yourself fully
- Merkstave (reversed): feeling worn out physically and mentally, and failing to move forward due to fear of change
- Sideways: the need to look for balance between force and compromise, pushing forward and going with the flow
How it should be read also depends on where it falls in relation to other runes.
- Combined with Fehu – utilizing energy to reach financial goals
- Combined with Thurisaz – the need for resilience and endurance to face upcoming challenges
- Combined with Isa – breaking through a period of stagnation to reach your potential
- Combined with Tiewaz – victory and achievement through strength and brute force
- Combined with Ehwaz and Mannaz – the coming together of human forces and talents to achieve a shared goal
Uruz Associations
Aries – represents strength and boldness of action, often ploughing ahead and acting before properly thinking through consequences
First House – this governs your physical presence, both in terms of appearance and the energy you project into the world
Mars – the planet of vitality and action, it reflects how you spend your energy, which is limited and should be allocated wisely
The Emperor – in the Major Arcana, the Emperor represents masculine energy, authority, and control
Knight of Swords – in the Minor Arcana, this card represents untamed energy that often moves quickly and recklessly
14 July – 29 July – People born on these dates usually have natural good health and physical conditioning, plus strong reserves of inner resilience
Uruz in Magical Rituals
Use the Uruz rune in magical rituals for building strength, healing, or promoting transformation.
- Combine the Uruz rune with an orange or gold candle for candle magic spells
- Inscribe the Uruz rune on a talisman to tap into your inner strength
- Meditate while focusing on the Uruz rune to release fear of change
You can incorporate the Uruz rune into sigils for strength and courage.
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