Thurisaz (ᚦ) is the third rune in the Norse Futhark runic alphabet and represents the phonetic sound TH. It also represents the giants, Jotunn, the force for Chaos in the Norse universe, and thorns.
The giants represent raw strength, often things that are unharnessed and therefore can be a source of healing or hurt. Thorns embody defence, and more specifically, self-defence. Together, the Thurisaz rune represents the strength and power that we possess but may not yet fully understand, and has the potential to be transformational. It also represents self-defence mechanisms that we use to protect ourselves. But when we aren’t careful, sometimes we are the ones who get stung.
The Thurisaz rune was linked to the god Thor, who was considered the strongest of the Aesir gods and the protector of Asgard and Midgard with his mighty hammer Mjolnir. Many people, whether they are born under Thurisaz or not, wear mjolnir pendants as symbols of protection.
Thurisaz 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:
Giants cause anguish to women; misfortune makes few men cheerful.
Icelandic:
Giants are torture to women and cliff-dweller and husband of giantess Saturn’s thegn.
Anglo-Saxon:
The thorn is exceedingly sharp, an evil thing for any thegn to touch, uncommonly severe on all who sit among them.
These poems warn that power, when not wielded with thought and control, can be dangerous.
Thurisaz in Divination
In runic divination practices, the Thurisaz rune can have several meanings:
- Protection and Defence – it refers to the way you protect yourself and raise your defences, which can be positive boundaries or violent reactions
- Reflexes and Counterattacks – linked to reflexive reactions that often come without thinking and counterattacks that are often immediately satisfying but rarely wise in the long term
- Breaking Down Obstacles – highlighting untapped strength that can break down obstacles that otherwise seem insurmountable
- Conflict – the way you deal with conflict
- Transformation – usually through extreme experiences and challenges
The position of the runestone in relation to the reader influences the reading:
- Upright: Thurisaz indicates that you have the power you need to protect yourself and can point to a major upcoming change, probably following a period of strife and challenge
- Merkstave (reversed): misdirection of your energy and feeling defenseless to deal with certain situations
- Sideways: a reminder that actions are often double-edged; they don’t just affect others, you will also need to deal with the consequences
How it should be read also depends on where it falls in relation to other runes.
- Combined with Algiz – impenetrable defences that protect you, but also block connection and aid
- Combined with Uruz – breaking through a major barrier to achieve transformation
- Combined with Hagalaz – painful, destructive experiences that result in transformative change
- Combined with Ansuz – tapping inner wisdom to overcome major challenges
Thurisaz Associations
Aries – represents strength but also a bold and brash approach to conflict that can often leave you fighting on your own
Eighth House – governs transformation, the sources of your power, and the internal psyche, especially around conflict and connection
Mars – the planet of vitality and action that reflects your approach to challenges and conflict
The Tower – in the Major Arcana, it warns of catastrophic or disastrous change on the horizon that cannot be stopped, but you will be able to rebuild from the ashes
Five of Wands – in the Minor Arcana, it appears when you are facing competition, conflict, or the challenge of aligning different interests
29 July-13 August – During this time, you can expect your defences to feel like they are on high alert and to feel like threats are closing in from all directions
Thurisaz in Magical Rituals
Use the Thurisaz rune in magical rituals for protection, to build your spiritual psyche, and to aid in transformation
- Combine the Thurisaz rune with a white candle for candle magic spells for protection and Enhanced vision
- The rune can be used in entryways to banish negative energy
- Incorporate into runic symbols for defence against curses, or to cast curses
- Meditate while focusing on the Thurisaz rune to visualize and realize transformation
Leave a Reply