If you are starting out with Elder Futhark divination readings, you’re probably still getting to grips with their meanings. So if you’ve drawn the Thurisaz rune, you’re curious about what it means.
The Thurisaz rune is associated with protection and destruction. It is the third symbol of the Elder Futhark alphabet. The Thurisaz sign is ruled under Freya’s aett. The Thurisaz symbol is also related to action and regeneration.
That’s a brief idea of the Thurisaz symbol, but if you want to know more, keep reading. This guide will tell you everything you want to know about this rune symbol. You’ll also learn how to use with divination and energy work.
Let’s get started.
What is the Thurisaz Rune?
Thurisaz is the third symbol of the Elder Futhark Runes. You pronounce it as thoo-ree-sahz.
The whole elder futhark alphabet is split into three lots of eight. A Norse deity rules over each set as an aettir (family).
Thurisaz is the third symbol of Freya’s Aett. Freya was the Norse goddess of love, fertility, beauty, gold, and death.
Freya’s aett represents runes that encourage change and creation. These runes help to keep us on the right path when moving through everyday life.
For growth, we need to navigate new situations which can leave us vulnerable.
In addition to Thurisaz, the other symbols in this Aettir include the:
What is the Meaning of the Thurisaz Rune?
In a general rune reading, Thurisaz symbolizes protection. It translates as giant, in reference to those who attack Asgard. Thor uses his hammer (Mjölnir) as protection against the giants.
This meaning helps understand the purpose of Thurisaz. The notion that sometimes change will be thrust upon you, whether you want it or not. And without preparation, it can be devastatingly destructive for you.
Thurisaz can also represent the thorn on a rose. A source of harm amongst the distraction of the beauty of the flower.
Thurisaz can often be viewed as a negative rune. Yet, this of just fear of its uncontained force. Either you control it, or you let it cause chaos.
Once that type of energy is restrained, it becomes extremely powerful and can be used precisely.
Thurisaz keywords
- protection
- defense
- warning
- decisions
- contemplation
How to read the Thurisaz Rune
Rune divination starts with you having a question or intention in mind. Drawing the Thurisaz rune can bring answers to that which you seek guidance.
We’ve already discussed the general meaning of the Thurisaz rune. Yet, you may find this doesn’t really relate to your intention or question.
Thurisaz is not a chief rune for some intentions. On its own, it usually does not give the depth of answer you require.
When you’ve drawn a Thurisaz rune, it’s always better you get context from other runes. Often the order you read them will give you more details about the message of the Thurisaz.
On that note, the meanings in this guide are not set in stone. As a beginner, they may help you decipher the message’s meaning in your rune reading.
Use your own judgment and intuition to guide you through.
Can Thurisaz be reversed?
Thurisaz is a rune that can be reversed. That means a mirrored, inverted, or reversed position carries a shadow meaning (merkstave).
Reading a reversed rune is subjective. Some only consider it a merkstave rune if it falls at a position 180° flipped from upright (e.g the first rune above). Any other position is considered upright.
Another option is if a rune falls at an obscure angle, it is rotated in a clockwise direction until it reaches an upright or reversed position. This is shown in the other three examples above.
When Thurisaz is reversed, it can signal vulnerability or naivety.
It’s related to you being unprepared for the ups and downs that life throws at you. Nobody likes to have to face adversity, but it will happen to us all at some point or another. Don’t think you are immune from life’s hardships.
You may choose not to consider a reversed Thurisaz as a meaning. But, you could be missing an important message from the Divine.
Thurisaz For Love
Upright
Drawing Thurisaz for a love intention signals you to be wary in your loving relationships. If you are dating, then heed these as wise words to keep on your guard. Don’t overshare, as this can leave you extremely vulnerable to abusive partners.
In an established relationship, Thurisaz can indicate that you need to take time with big decisions. Don’t rush into a marriage or pregnancy. Take your time to think things through before acting in haste.
Reversed
Thurisaz is a rune intensely linked to sexuality. Drawing it in reverse can indicate that you are not dealing with issues related to sex. Often this is the imbalance of one partner having a higher sex drive than the other.
A Reversed Thurisaz can often indicate the chaos of a messy separation or divorce. Trust your instincts on this one. If the signs are there, put a secure plan in place to protect yourself from the fallout.
Thurisaz for Family and Friends
Upright
Thurisaz in matters of family and friends can indicate that they need some protection. Usually, this is due to a situation that has thrown you all into a crisis. Seek the ones that need support and focus on them.
Thurisaz can also indicate that a family member or a friend is not what you initially thought. An enemy from within. Be wary of backstabbing, jealousy, or resentment. These situations can tear families and friends apart if they are forced to pick a side.
Reversed
Drawing a reverse Thurisaz can mean that a situation has occurred that you were completely unprepared for. Something has thrown your whole life into chaos and left you questioning who your real supporters are.
It can also indicate that you need to tackle an issue between family and friends with less force. Try to control emotions, and react more logically when tensions are running high. You don’t want to cause irreversible damage to meaningful relationships which you can’t recover from.
Thurisaz for Health and wellbeing
Upright
Thurisaz drawn for health intentions signals that you need to protect your health. There is a forceful urgency, and these changes need to happen now to prevent serious ill health. That may be through regular exercise, a healthy diet, or mental health treatment. Your approach needs to be disciplined and balanced.
For women, Thurisaz is particularly damaging to reproductive health.
Reversed
Drawing a reversed Thurisaz can indicate that you will have an unexpected period of bad health. The circumstances will often be sudden and ones that you can’t prevent.
Although this seems scary, the message from Thurisaz is to let the chaos happen. You can’t control it, but you can control how you react to what’s happened. This is where you will find your power.
Thurisaz For Money and finances
Upright
In matters of money, Thurisaz warns of the intentions of those who promise you riches. Make your due diligence and listen to someone you trust, even if you don’t like their advice. If it seems too good to be true, then Thurisaz is warning you that it probably is.
Thurisaz is the ultimate rune to promote insurance. It signals that unexpected things happen, so you need to be prepared. If you don’t, your finances are likely to suffer drastically.
Reversed
A reversed Thurisaz in money can mean that there may be a financial obstacle in your way. This is something that you cannot affect. You will need to take time to work through the issue, which can be costly.
You may also be burying your head in the sand over a financial issue. Thurisaz is warning you that you must take control before it causes long-term financial damage. This may be as serious as bankruptcy or foreclosure.
Thurisaz for Career
Upright
When Thurisaz is drawn in career intention, it signals you to take a step back and reassess. Be wary of a business partner or colleagues who may be out to harm your career. Keeping a diary of events will help to protect you from workplace issues that end up with HR or down the legal route.
Thurisaz also warns of boxing yourself in with your career. Don’t become too reliant on one path. Try to keep your options open, regardless of promises made to you. Remember that you are replaceable in the workplace.
Reversed
Thurisaz reversed in your career can indicate a devastating blow to all you have worked for. This may be redundancy or an unexpected change to your role.
It may be time to change jobs or even your whole career path. Don’t hold onto the bitterness that this can bring.
Thurisaz for Personal development
Upright
Thurisaz is a great rune in intentions of personal development. Although it’s seen as a rune of chaos, it also signifies that this often happens before a big life change. Think of the storm before the rainbow.
But don’t leave yourself exposed to the chaos; prepare for it beforehand. Nobody likes to go through times of adversity, but it is what gives us experience and growth in life.
Reversed
Thurisaz reversed indicates the ousting of hidden truths, whether you like it or not. Don’t ignore the work you have to do to resolve these issues. These changes are going to hurt, but they need to happen.
Thurisaz teaches you that uncontrolled emotions will destroy you. Explore them and work through them carefully. The process may be long, don’t rush it.
Thurisaz for Spirituality
Upright
Drawing a Thurisaz rune can indicate that connecting to your spirituality will bring extreme power. Use this to protect yourself from dangers ahead.
You may choose to seek cosmic insight into how to navigate a situation. Yet you must be ready to take action; otherwise, Thurisaz will force it upon you regardless of the outcome.
Reversed
A reversed Thurisaz can alert you to pay attention to unconscious signals of impending danger. You may have been ignoring a recurring dream or message from the divine. The wheels of chaos are already in motion, and the time to prepare has passed. You now need to weather the storm and hope for the best.
Magical uses
- Protection from attack or harm
- Awaken your ability to take action
- Enhancing decision making
- Increasing magic energy and power
- Weather magic
- Regeneration spells
Thurisaz Associations
The Thurisaz rune connects with many other universal energies. Each of these may suggest ways to incorporate the Thurisaz energy into your divination work.
Thurisaz has associates with the following:
| Animals | Goat, Ram, Dragon |
| Archangel | Michael |
| Body | genitals |
| Chakra | Solar Plexus |
| Colour | Bright Red |
| Crystals | Sapphire, obsidian |
| Element | Fire and water |
| God/Goddesses | Thor |
| Half month | July 29th – August 13th |
| Plant | Bramble |
| Hour | 2.30pm-3.30pm |
| Incense | Frankincense |
| Letter | TH |
| Metals | Iron |
| Mythology | Mjollner |
| Number | 3 |
| Ruling planet | Mars |
| Tarot | Justice |
| Tree | blackthorn |
| Zodiac | Scorpio |
Thurisaz Rune Poems
Anglo-Saxon Thurisaz Poem
The thorn is exceedingly sharp,
an evil thing for any knght to touch,
uncommonly severe on all who sit among them.
Norwegian Thurisaz Poem
Giant causes anguish to women,
misfortune makes few men cheerful.
Icelandic Thurisaz Poem
Giant
torture of women
and cliff-dweller
and husband of a giantess
Thurisaz Galdr (Runic Chant)
Thurisaz thurisaz thurisaz
Th th th th th th th th th
Thur thar thir ther thor
Thu tha thi the tho
Th th th th th th th th th
Thurisaz Rune Other Names
- Old Germanic name: Thyth, Thurisaz
- Old Norwegian name: Thurse
- Anglo-Saxon name: Thorn
- Old Celtic name: Thiuth
- Old Icelandic name: þurs
Final thoughts
Thurisaz is an extremely chaotic rune that offers a powerful defense and protection against the storm of change. It enables you to be precise in your action.
Thurisaz warns that changes are coming, and you need to be prepared. It’s about learning to toughen up and prevent the impact from ultimately destroying you. It brings on a deep and aggressive cleansing that isn’t comfortable by its nature.
Even in reverse, it brings the message that chaos happens regardless of your actions. It forces you to reflect on how you cope and become resilient to life.
Use the Thurisaz rune to harness these energies into your life and divination work.