When I first began studying the runes, I read many different interpretations of both Uruz and Thurisaz. I had a hard time figuring out exactly how they spoke to me. While runes such as Fehu and Ansuz were crystal clear, the waters were a bit murky for Uruz and Thurisaz. Eventually I settled on the following interpretations of each of these runes. That being said, you will have to decide what they mean to you since you are the one who is interacting with them. My advice is to read as much as you can and trust your instinct regarding how they speak to you.

URUZ is a reference to the wild aurochs that used to roam the forests of prehistoric Europe. It was a formidable beast standing six feet at the shoulder with large forward-curling horns. If what I read is true, young men fought this beast as a test of their courage and strength. With this in mind, the keywords I associate with Uruz are “challenge, trial, rite of initiation, and test of strength that results in personal growth.”

When Uruz appears in a reading it tells me that there is a challenge you will have to face. This challenge will reveal what you’re made of and will require strength and courage on your part to defeat it. Think of it as a battle you need to wage or a rite of initiation you need to pass for your personal growth.

The rune poem I wrote to help me remember its meaning is as follows:

David Taliesin Rune Poem:
URUZ the ox is wild and untamed,
A formidable foe, a test of strength.
Have courage when you face the beast.
This leads to growth and victory.

In contrast to Uruz, Thurisaz is the giant who ransacks the village. Forget the soft Christianization of this rune as Thurnuz, meaning “thorn.” Thurisaz is a force to be reckoned with. The key words I associate with Thurisaz are “a hostile force that is undeserved or unfair, attack, danger, enemy ambush, chaos, blockage, disruption, and boundaries being threatened.” What is needed when the giant appears is defense, protection, reaction, and caution.

When Thurisaz appears in a reading, it’s a warning that trouble is coming your way that threatens to disrupt your life. Proceed with caution, knowing that you’ll need defensive weapons and protection to combat whatever is attacking you. Hold your ground and seek help from the Higher Powers who are more than willing to assist you. And above all, you need to remember that this attack is undeserved and unfair. You did nothing to deserve this!

The rune poem I wrote to help me remember its meaning is as follows:

David Taliesin (me) Rune Poem:
The giant THURISAZ is headed your way,
So stand your ground and muster your strength,
Defend whatever you hold dear.
Proceed with caution and have no fear!

Hope that helps. If you like, let me know how these two powerful runes speak to you.

Copyright ©2025, David Taliesin, http://www.sabbatsandsabbaths.com