The Thurisaz (ᚦ) rune, also known as ‘thurs’ in Old Norse, translates to ‘frost giant.’ In Sweden, these giants are known as rimturse (singular) or tursar (plural). This is a rune of adversity, symbolising the ancient battle between the gods and the destructive primal forces represented by the giants. Norse mythology teaches that creation arises from the alchemical interplay of ice and fire, and maintaining this balance often requires struggle and discernment.
Go to the Thurisaz Bane of Obstacles Tarot Spread
The Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem for Thurisaz:
The thorn is exceedingly sharp,
an evil thing for any thegn to touch,
uncommonly severe on all who sit among them.
The Shape and Core Meaning
The Thurisaz rune resembles a thorn and signifies a thorn in one’s side, whether it be a person, situation, or internal struggle. The rune urges introspection: ‘As within, so without.’ By examining what irritates or angers us within, we can find a path to release resentment and attain peace.
Thurisaz also symbolises anger as a potent force that, when channelled positively, can break destructive patterns and barriers that hold us back.
Furthermore, the shape of the Thurisaz rune is also linked with Thor’s hammer. This is apt since he uses his hammer primarily to combat the frost giants.
Historical and Symbolic Context
In ancient Sweden, survival was often harsh. The term ättestupa refers to the practice of pushing those deemed too frail to survive the winter over a cliff. While this practice is no longer accepted, it reminds us that Thurisaz embodies life’s harsh realities and the necessity of making difficult decisions for the greater good. Today, we focus on finding solutions rooted in compassion and wisdom rather than resorting to cruelty.
Correspondences
- Polarity: Masculine
- Deity: Thor
- Planetary Correspondence: Mars
- Colours: Red, orange, magenta
- Herb: Onion
- Tarot Card Correspondence: The Tower
- Archangel Correspondence: Archangel Camael (Mars)
- Chakra Correspondence: Solar Plexus (Third Chakra)
- Health: Muscles, blood, male sexual organs, digestion, circulatory issues
Divinatory Meanings
- General: Resistance, adversity, breaking through blocks, choosing battles wisely
Reversed: Depression, resentment, impotence, apathy, ruin - Love & Relationships: Dynamic, sparring partnerships
Reversed: Adversarial relationships or love-life obstacles - Health/Wellbeing: Explosive strength, healthy anger expression;
Reversed: Grief impacting health, poor nutrition - Business: Tough competition
Reversed: Duplicitous/envious partners or false allies
Holistic Healing with Thurisaz
When Thurisaz appears, it’s a call to address anger and resistance. Unexpressed anger can manifest as depression, while destructive anger can damage relationships and progress. Transform this energy into a positive force for breaking through obstacles:
- Accept your emotions without judgment.
- Channel anger constructively.
- Make decisions for the Highest Good, considering long-term and karmic consequences.
Practical Tips
- For those struggling with assertiveness, hold the Thurisaz rune over the solar plexus chakra while chanting “THOOR-ee-sahz.”
- Reflect on whether anger is directed inward or outward, and guide its transformation into constructive action.
- Remember that even harsh emotions like grief and anger are part of the healing journey.
Affirmations
- I accept my feelings of anger and love myself completely.
- I accept my feelings of grief and love myself completely.
- I choose what is for the Highest Good.
- I have no enemies, only sparring partners.
- Life’s tests temper me and make me stronger.
The Thurisaz Tarot Spread: Bane of Obstacles
This spread will help you understand the meaning of Thurisaz and harness its power with discernment. The layout guides you in identifying obstacles, internal resistance, and effective strategies for overcoming challenges.
- What obstacle/difficulty am I called to overcome now for the Highest Good?
- Resistance within myself to overcome this obstacle
- Opposing forces in the world around me
- How to focus my energy to be victorious
- What temptation to avoid as I strike full force
Final Thoughts
Thurisaz is the hammer of destruction to apathy and a shield against chaos. While it represents adversity, it also carries the potential for strength and creation when approached with wisdom. Life’s trials temper us, and through the balanced use of our will, we can emerge victorious and transformed. Let Thurisaz remind you that even the most challenging situations hold the seeds of growth and renewal.