Uruz: the Wild Unknown

Uruz: the Aurochs

Meaning: Endurance, Instinct, Freedom, Power, Strength

Affirmation: I am strong.

Associations: Disregard for Society, Elemental or Primal Energies

The last rune being introduced in the Runic Wisdom series, Uruz is the rune of the Aurochs, which was an animal very similar to a very large cow or oxen. It became extinct early in human history, but is remembered for its incredible size, and ability to survive in the harsh wilderness seemingly with ease. Above all, it is remembered for refusing to domestication, unlike the horse and cow, also honored in the Futhark. Fearless when challenged but otherwise passive, the memory of the Auroch lives on in the shape of Uruz.

As the Auroch has since become extinct, it is strongly associated with the primal energies of the wilderness they once roamed. They have always been symbolic of our natural freedom, and the instinctual drive needed to survive in the wild world. As civilization spread across the earth, Uruz has also become associated with the inherent nature of some to fight the systems of civilized order all together, or to at least return it more to its wild roots.

When I look at Uruz, I do not see many other shapes without having to stretch my imagination besides Isa and Laguz. That is rune is so simple and yet unique is an important hint as to the importance of its energy; while many runes contain Uruz, not many are contained within it. Endurance, strength, and a true knowledge of what freedom actually is are all very simple energies, too, and so it's not surprising the rune that embodies them is a simple and unique being of its own. Besides, if it embodies a bit of anarchy, why shouldn't its very shape refuse to fit in as well as the others?

Isa provides the steady nature of this rune, and its ability to withstand any and all things. It is the rune of ice that provides Uruz the sense of independence and self-assurance that allows it to continue on after what its instincts motivate it to seek. If we are not able to provide ourselves with all the tools and confidence we need to reach a goal, it is no wonder we do not believe we can, or will find ourselves unable to, make it the distance.

Laguz, the rune of water and emotion, is present in the nature of Uruz in many ways. As mentioned above, our instincts, or intuition, are ruled by the energy of Laguz. It is with this runes help that Uruz is given the ability to seek out that which is best for it and us, knowing what "best" actually is, using the compass of our dreams and desires. Endurance is also a largely emotional feat; while there are certainly things that are primarily physical in nature, even they have a mental or emotional aspect that must be managed. Laguz is also free flowing and fluid, which I feel lends Uruz its motivation to be free, and allowed to go wherever its spirit calls it.

Today's spread is The Stone, and asks what advice Uruz can give us to fortify our endurance and inner strength at this time. It is one of many spreads utilizing the wisdom of Uruz in my upcoming book, Runic Wisdom. I hope you enjoy it! If you decide to try it out and feel inclined, let me know about your results in the comments below, or tag me on Instagram! Feel free to use the hashtags #RunicWisdom or #RunicWisdomUruz to make sure I get a good gander.