The Rune Dad

This morning I pulled the rune Thurisaz ᚦ. Defense often comes to mind with thinking about Thurisaz. I’ve heard it associated with several images: Thor’s hammer, a thorn, or a giant who’s hellbent on destruction. In addition, whether this rune is inherently positive or negative in a reading will also depend on the tradition of the reader. 

There’s no smoke without fire. Defense is a mechanism to prevent destruction. Whether you channel the essence of Thor riding into battle, plant thorny bushes around your walls, or prepare for an impending battle with a giant, it’s all because danger exists; it’s lurking and imminent. A decisive action must be made. It’s time to stop procrastinating and start moving into action.

In addition to defense, other words I associate with Thurisaz are self-assurance, confidence, preparedness, and boundaries. When first contemplating the rune, I always try to bring myself back to how the ancient Norse would have thought of “defense.” I associate this with building forts, creating call signals, battle training, and scouting. For me, defense implies that you’re on your turf. You know the land better than anyone else: the back paths, vantage points, weak spots, and the network of spies watching for the encroaching enemy. You will generally have the advantage of fighting on familiar land: confidence and preparedness. 

Ancient culture aside, what things in your life are you on the defense about? For me, it’s my health. As the owner of a dadbod and approaching my 40’s, I am taking strategic steps to ensure I protect and improve my health. An ill-equipped body is less victorious when confronted with sickness, stress, and an unsuspecting 4-year-old keen on piggybacks. So, I’m working on keeping my body in good defenses: morning walks, brimmed hats, more greens, better sleep, mindfulness, etc. 

When you are on the defensive in an unnerving situation, think about your defense mechanism and then this rune. Most people either go on the offensive (fight) or into withdrawal (flight)…or maybe you go into deer-in-headlights. If you find yourself agitated, pulling away, anxious or unsettled, ask yourself what is putting you on the defensive. You might find that you need to self-soothe once you’ve assessed that there’s no danger to your physical self. In that case, allow yourself to bring your defenses down. On the flip side, what is your intuition telling you to prepare for?

Defenses can also be associated with setting boundaries. If you’re a “yes” person, remind yourself that even “no” can be said in a loving way. Setting up these defenses can protect you from an onslaught of commitments and feelings of overwhelm. If you’re a “no” person, ask yourself if it’s time to bring your walls down and assess if the danger is only in your head.

Any way you look at it, there’s something in everyone’s life that will call you into action and mostly out of fear. Let fear motivate, but not control. While action is key, a clear head is necessary. Find your mechanism to enter a calm mind: meditation, exercise, journaling, etc.

In conclusion, when Thurisaz presents itself in your life, ask yourself: are you nervous or confident? Your gut response will tell you everything you need to know. You’re either prepared for whatever strikes or more preparedness is necessary.

How did this resonated with you? Feel free to share with me in the comments. I would love hearing from you.