Uruz (ᚢ) is the second rune of the first aett in the Elder Futhark. It embodies raw, untamed energy. This is the kind of strength that comes when you embrace life’s challenges and tap into your inner resilience. When Uruz appears in a reading, it often brings messages around courage, personal power, and transformation. It’s a reminder that growth requires strength, and sometimes, the power to reshape or transform our lives comes from the wild and raw parts of ourselves.

For me, Uruz is a reminder to trust in our primal instincts and let intuition lead. In a world where overthinking becomes the norm, Uruz calls us to embrace the deeper, instinctual wisdom within. It’s a part of us that contains insight that’s beyond logic, and guides us to act on what feels right. It also connects me to ancestral strength, a reminder that we inherit resilience from those who came before us. When I draw Uruz, I often think of how I can call upon the strength of my ancestors as a source of support and power.

Historical Context

Uruz takes its name from the aurochs, a massive wild ox that once roamed Europe, Asia, and North Africa. These animals were known for their sheer size and strength, symbols of untamed power. In ancient European societies, the aurochs held a significant place in culture and mythology, often representing primal strength, courage, and the raw energy of nature.

Basic Information

• Name: Uruz (Proto-Norse), also known as Ur (Old Norse), Ur (Anglo-Saxon)
• Pronunciation: “OO-rooz”
• English Translation: Aurochs (an extinct species of wild ox)
• Symbol: ᚢ

Uruz has expanded meanings beyond raw strength. It connects with themes such as personal growth, resilience, and the natural world.

• Physical or Mental Strength: Indicates that a boost in resilience may be needed. For example, this could involve a physically demanding goal, like training for a marathon, or building emotional stamina for an ongoing personal challenge.
• Courage in Challenges: A prompt to face something difficult head-on. This could mean speaking up in a tough situation or embracing a big life change, like a career shift or a move.
• Untapped Potential and Raw Energy: Signals unexplored strengths or skills. You might be encouraged to finally pursue a hobby, course, or project you’ve put off, as it could reveal new talents or sources of personal power.
• Health and Vitality: Often linked to physical well-being, this can be a call to improve your health habits, whether by starting a new fitness regimen, prioritizing rest, or adopting nourishing routines.
• New Beginnings and Initiation: Encourages stepping into a new phase of life. This could mean taking up a leadership role, launching a personal project, or beginning a fresh chapter in relationships or personal development.

Reminder: Uruz cautions us to balance raw power with wisdom, suggesting that strength, while powerful, needs to be wielded responsibly.

Orientation: Merkstave and Reversed Meanings

If Uruz appears reversed or merkstave, it may indicate:

• Depleted Strength: Feeling worn down physically or emotionally, suggesting a need to rest or reconnect with your power.

• Fear of Change: Resistance to transformation, where fear holds you back from progressing.

• Recklessness or Lack of Control: A warning against impulsivity; consider whether you’re rushing into situations without caution.

Uruz doesn’t have a direct link to any one deity, but its themes connect with various mythological figures:

• Thor: As the god of thunder and strength, Thor embodies the protective, powerful force that Uruz represents.
• Audhumla: The primeval cow from Norse creation myths, Audhumla, licked the first god, Buri, from the ice, symbolizing creation emerging from raw, elemental forces—similar to Uruz’s energy of transformation.

Some practitioners see (or want to better understand) connections between Uruz and astrology. Here are a few astrological themes that align with Uruz:

1. Aries: Ruled by Mars, Aries represents the bold, energetic drive that aligns with Uruz’s themes of strength and action.
2. Mars: As the planet of action and vitality, Mars echoes Uruz’s focus on energy and power.
3. First House: In astrology, the First House relates to identity, new beginnings, and physical presence—all themes connected to Uruz.

Uruz invites us to reflect on strength – both mental strength and physical as well as the ability to control our impulses and use our energy to pursue our goals in the best way for our needs:

• Tapping into Strength: How do you connect with your inner strength? Are there moments where you’ve needed to draw on that power?
• Facing Challenges: Think about a recent challenge. How did you find the courage to face it?
• Nature’s Energy: What is your relationship with the natural world? How can you better honor the energy that comes from nature
• Transformation: What areas of your life are ready for transformation? How can Uruz help guide that process?

Uruz’s association with strength, vitality, and transformation makes it a valuable for magic where you want to pursue change, or grant strength needed to endure challenges. Here’s how I’ve used Uruz in practice:

• Strength Rituals: Uruz is great for spells focused on building physical or mental strength.
• Healing Work: I’ve used Uruz in healing rituals, especially when trying to boost energy or promote long-term recovery.
• Transformation: Uruz’s energy of new beginnings makes it perfect for rituals aimed at personal transformation or breaking old habits.
• Protection: Drawing on its connection to Thor, Uruz can also be used in protective magic to shield yourself or others.

Third Ætt (Tyr's Ætt)
17. ᛏ (Tiwaz) - Tyr, justice
18. ᛒ (Berkano) - birch, fertility
19. ᛖ (Ehwaz) - horse, trust
20. ᛗ (Mannaz) - human, self
21. ᛚ (Laguz) - water, flow
22. ᛜ (Ingwaz) - Ing, fertility
23. ᛟ (Othala) - inheritance, homeland
24. ᛞ (Dagaz) - day, breakthrough