The Rune Dad

Alright, folks. I get to talk about Thurisaz ᚦ for the second time. For those who haven’t read my first post on Thurisaz, you can read it here.

Thurisaz, as I understand it, represents defense, self-assurance, and confidence. However, it can also be interpreted as a warning for chaos and imminent danger. It warns that you must take cover and protect what you can. In this interpretation, figuratively, the rune represents the giants who are hell-bent on destruction. They will destroy whatever is in their path.

Chaos in life is always imminent. There will always be bad days (or years), but it’s how we work through these times to transform them into tackled challenges. Because chaos is always imminent, we must do what we can to prepare in the present. When we put in the work towards healing, maintenance, back-up plans, shadow work, etc. we are actively defending against the inevitable. The stronger our defenses are, the more readily we can overcome the giants of chaos. We will be fighting with the home advantage. 

Identify your weakest areas. What learning and actions can you put in place to improve? [See Kennaz]. Identify your strongest areas. How can you share this wisdom with your loved ones?

The book series of my generation comes to mind when I think about Thurisaz: Harry Potter.  The students at Hogwarts, every year, take the class Defense of the Dark Arts.  They are taught the techniques necessary to rise up against a future attack from magic far darker than their own. Interestingly, almost every teacher of this class has a tremendously dark past. Sometimes, we have to learn defense by descending into our darkest selves. When we explore and acknowledge our darkest sides, we bring them into light in order to heal. What are the darkest aspects of yourself that you can identify? Lovingly acknowledge them and examine how this shapes you. Once you’ve accepted this side of you, teach yourself how to flip and channel it for good.

Sometimes, preparation isn’t enough. If you are currently experiencing the onslaught of a giant’s attack, buckle down. It’s currently spring in Texas and due to the storms this season, many people in my state have, unfortunately, lost their lives to the devastation of tornados and flooding. While disaster prep can certainly help, sometimes destruction wins. But one Norse god who is compelled to defeat such giants is Thor. He is often associated with this rune, as you can tell by its name. With his mighty hammer, Mjölnir, he blasts into battle to protect Midgard (Earth). While you may be under attack, take cover and have faith that the fearsome Thor will come to your defense. In Norse mythology, he always does. 

Thurisaz is a powerful reminder that although chaos occurs, the Universe has our back. After the most brutal of storms, a rainbow can regularly be spotted peaking through a gap of clouds. Judeo-Christian tradition would suggest it’s a reminder of God’s promise to never again flood the Earth. The ancient Norse, however, would have seen a rainbow bridge connecting Valhalla (Heaven) to Earth: proof that a god crossed over to be among us and come to our aid.  There will always be hope. 

When you think of Thurisaz, remember that chaos is imminent but with practice, we can defend ourselves. And when all else fails, look towards the rainbow bridge.