Rune Study : Uruz
Uruz : Aurochs (Old Norse)
The aurochs is a now extinct breed of wild oxen. To the peoples of Northern Europe, this animal held a sacredness similar to the Buffalo to the Indigenous people of North America. This beautiful, powerful animal was a source of food, hide, and all parts were used. The aurochs was deeply respected, and a rite-of-passage for young men was to overcome one in the wild.
The runic energies of this rune speak loudly of tenacity, endurance and raw power. The vital life-force of these animals was recognized, and Uruz shares this energy. Looking at this rune in the context of the inner journey, this runic energy represents the spark of life within all of us. The drive to grow, learn, and survive. It is a primal force, and immensely strong. Uruz reminds us that we all carry this fire within us, and we must choose to use that when it is needed. If we face a challenge that seems insurmountable, we can remember we carry the force of creation within us.
This force, is the ability to create life. It drives us to seek another tomorrow. It keeps us going. Uruz also carries the energy of purification by fire. Trial beset us, and we are strengthened through our endurance of the challenges we face. Those challenges shape and mold us. We can choose how we respond to things that are beyond our own control. This is how we can harness the energy of Uruz. We can influence the shape we become, the person we become, with Uruz. Like the refining fire, or the kiln-fire, we all go through trials, and come out the other side stronger, and more resilient.
We can look at challenges as opportunities with Uruz, to grow and learn as people. Uruz can encourage us to endure, to hang on, and use our circumstances to better ourselves. we can choose to create strength where there was weakness, and overcome fear with courage. This is why the aurochs was chosen as the game for the first hunt as a man. The wild, untamed energy of the aurochs gave the opportunity to face one’s fear, and overcome that fear.
Uruz represents raw, masculine power. It teaches us to use our strengths, to face our fears, to endure life’s challenges, and to have a strong heart.
Blessings.
ALU:ULA