Tiwaz: the Sword of Justice

Tiwaz: the God Tyr

Meaning: Fairness, Honor, Justice, Order, Righteousness, Sacrifice

Affirmation: I am fair and just in all my actions and intent.

Associations: Judges, the Law, the Letter T, Warriors

Tiwaz is sometimes called Tyr, for the God which embodies its energy. Touching to the essence of Tiwaz can feel vastly different to each individual, depending on their moral stance, especially in regards to their relationship to their communities. Tyr is the God of Justice. Tyr knows right from wrong. And, Tiwaz, an extension of Tyr's wisdom, much like a sword, will cut or bless you, depending on the current state of your soul. It even looks a bit like a sword, don't you think?

Tiwaz asks us to take the time to consider the overall morality of any and all situations we might find ourselves in. Morality, Tiwaz tells me, is not what we might think it is, either, mostly because humans tend to make decisions based on their ego. What is right and wrong has nothing to do with what we want or desire, or perceive to be one way or the other. Right and wrong just are what they are, and, in all cases, are perceived from a much higher place of thinking than most people ever reach for.

What is best for everyone, not just yourself? Tiwaz asks. Is this truly what is "good," or is it "wrong?" Consider the consequences, Tiwaz suggests, because action must be taken to adjust the scales back to a balanced state. Sometimes this means raising our swords to strike down whatever must be cut away or cleared, and sometimes, this means that we must sheathe our weapons, and offer benevolence or apology instead.

When I look at Tiwaz, I see three runes: Kenaz, Isa, and Laguz. The first of these, Kenaz, is shining its light to the earth, reminding us to remain grounded, especially while dealing with Tiwaz. The consequences of Justice spread far and beyond, to be certain, but the true effects of them are felt here, on earth. It is here, in life, that we play out our karmic cycles for the actions we have taken. Kenaz asks us to remember to consider, not only what we want, but what everyone wants, and what is best for our physical world as a whole. Integrating exterior understanding into our interior wisdom is very important when attempting to understand the demands of Tyr.

Isa reminds us to pause to consider the impact of any action on ourselves and others. It asks us to consider whether we should draw our sword at all. It also reminds us that what is just or honorable is steady and unchanging. Right is right, just as wrong is wrong. What society or someone else decrees to be either or does not really make them so.

Laguz is present to instill in each of us an emotional compass with which to gauge right from wrong. I know I feel it in my heart when someone is wronging me, even if I cannot rationalize who, why, or how. I think we all do, to some extent. Laguz makes us feel guilty when we have done wrong that we have not atoned for. It makes us feel proud of and humbled by things that are good. By following the cues of Laguz that flow through each of our hearts, we can live more aligned with the energies of Tiwaz.

The following is a spread featuring the wisdom of Tyr, known as the Scales of Justice. It is one of several spreads using Tyr featured in my upcoming book, Runic Wisdom. This particular spread helps determine the best way to bring more justice into their lives. There is an easily shareable version of this spread layout available on our Instagram. If you enjoy this spread or use it, I'd love to see! Please consider sharing an image of your spread on Instagram using the tag #RunicWisdom or #RunicWisdomTiwaz to give me and others the opportunity, as well.