Thurisaz. The phoenetic “th” sound of the Elder Futhark, such as in thorn, thing, or thrust.
Thurisaz -Thur – Thor. The thorn, Mjolnir, the giant. Thurisaz is very much linked to the god of thunder, Thor, who wielded his mighty hammer Mjolnir in countless battles against the giant race known as the Jotuns. He was the thorn in their side, the adversary, the slayer of Jotuns.
Thurisaz has a distinct fiery Mars link in its destructive powers. It links very closely to pain, I find it often comes up during menstrual cycles or with hangovers. It is a double edged sword, one that can be used as a weapon to break down barriers and allow you to slay giants, but you will often have a price to pay. Directionality is particularly important in this rune, that the destructive force is wielded upon the intentional recipient.
It is a mighty and powerful rune, used to bust through whatever may be holding you back. It is a tool, that can be used for forward progress. It is wisely used when one feels a sense of stagnation, or being trapped. Your problems may appear to be overwhelming giants, but there is a tool waiting to be found to allow you to rise above and past them.
It is a mighty and powerful rune, used to bust through whatever may be holding you back.
Fehu began with matter, then in Uruz it was given character and independence. In Thurisaz our hero has found his sword, his hammer, what he needs to not just endure the forces of nature but shape it to the future he wants to see.
The rose is an important symbol, not just for the painful thorn, but for the message that there is a reward for the pain endured. A rose comes at a cost, after all.
The demon depicted is a rendition of Surtr, the fire Jotun born of Muspelheim who comes at Ragnarok. Though Surtr’s fate is linked with Freyr, and Thor with Jormundangr (the serpent that encircles the world), I chose to stylistically include Thor and Surtr both together for this rune to better portray the fiery Mars aspect.
