Elder Futhark Runes: Thurisaz ᚦ

Thurisaz, often represented as ᚦ, is the rune of gateways, contemplation, and transformation. It embodies the boundary between the divine and the mundane, marking a significant point in one’s spiritual journey. This rune emphasizes the need for inner work and reflection before taking decisive action.

The Shape and Meaning

The shape of Thurisaz resembles a thorn or a gateway, formed by a vertical line with a perpendicular line branching out near the top. This shape symbolizes a portal, representing the threshold between the known and the unknown. Thurisaz suggests a period of introspection, where one must confront hidden aspects of the self and contemplate deeply before moving forward. It highlights the importance of non-action and waiting, allowing transformational forces to work within you.

Historical Context

In ancient times, Thurisaz was closely associated with thresholds and the protective forces guarding them. It represented a point of transition, where one must pause and reflect before proceeding. This rune was often used in rituals to invoke protection and to mark significant moments of change or decision. It served as a reminder of the necessity to recognize and honor the divine within everyday experiences.

Modern Interpretations

In contemporary practice, Thurisaz is often seen as a reminder of the importance of contemplation and inner work. It encourages us to be mindful of the transformative forces at play and to approach decisions with caution and thoughtfulness. This rune urges us to stand before our personal gateways and to reflect on our past, acknowledging and releasing it to reclaim our power.

Thurisaz inspires us to visualize ourselves standing before a gateway on a hilltop, with our entire life laid out behind us. It calls us to pause, review our past experiences, and let go of what no longer serves us. By blessing and releasing our past, we prepare ourselves to step through the gateway and embrace the future. This rune serves as a powerful symbol of the need for introspection and the readiness to contact the divine, illuminating our experiences and guiding us towards meaningful action.

Drawing Thurisaz ᚦ

Think about how you want to proceed. You may be at a boundary whether you realized it or not. And before you cross that boundary, please make sure you're doing what you really want to do. I use this to say you need to engage critical thinking. Not over-thinking or anxiety driven thinking, critical thinking in a non-biased way. It can mean you need to pause. It can mean you need to allow yourself to accept that you've arrived at a goal. It means you're at some kind of threshold.