Uruz - The Basics

Today (July 14) is an important day in the runic cycle, marking the beginning of the second rune, Uruz.

Runic Number: 2
Calendar dates: 14th July – 29th July
Alternative Names: Ur, Uraz, Uros, Urs, Urur, Urus
English Letter Equivalent: U
Pronunciation: "ooo-rooze"
Symbolism: The Auroch (a wild bison - now extinct)
Literal Translation: The Giant Wild Ox,
Color: Dark Green, Orange
Element: Earth
Associated gods: Thor, Urdl
Astrological Correspondence: Taurus
Tarot Correspondence: Strength
Gemstone: Carbuncle, Tiger Eye
Tree: Birch
Plant: Iceland Moss
Polarity: Male

The Rune Poem - Verse II: The Auroch is fierce with powerful horns, a ferocious fighter that roams the moor with mighty courage.

Metaphysical Meaning: Horns represent penetration into the astral world, and the turning down of Uruz that the spiritual is brought into solid form.

Key words: Strength, Manhood, Womanhood, Virility (Male), Fertility (Female), Terminations, new beginnings. An opportunity disguised as a threat. Mental agility. Physical development, mental and bodily health. Power.

Deeper meaning: Strength is always preferred to Weakness. We are proud of our strength. We follow strong gods.

Spiritually, Uruz may be taken to represent the untamed nature of beast or human, the basic concepts of creativity and fertility. But it may also signify danger because the aurochs was a wild creature, dangerous to hunt and difficult to capture. Following from this, Uruz can also mean success and increase in wealth, just as the hunter would benefit from overcoming such a beast. Thus, Uruz may also indicate power, prowess, or potential resulting from the brave act.

The energy of Uruz is the masculine life-force, striving to overcome all obstacles and survive all dangers, to adapt to new challenges, to recover from wounding and rebuild power from weakness.

When Uruz appears in a reading, it generally represents the strength to break through and move on. Uruz indicates that a life change is required. A descent into darkness may be required as part of the cycle of life, bringing new prosperity and opportunities. Uruz is a sign of new beginnings, a time to shake off the past and to take advantage of new opportunities. Remember before each new beginning must come an ending and endings can be an emotional time but know that, ultimately, it will be to your benefit.

The Querant should be on the lookout for upcoming problems, knowing that sacrifice and struggle will lead to triumph. Uruz is the symbol of the wild animal. Taming chaos and wildness is not a task for the faint-hearted. Adapting to the requirements of a difficult force requires understanding and creativity.

Live each day to its fullest, knowing that from every ending comes new life. Do whatever it takes to succeed and seize each moment so you will never come to regret missed chances. A favourable time for high risk ventures.

Reversed: Signals a possible time of ill health, lack of vitality or general weakness. May manifest itself in weak will power or lack of clarity in thought.

A potential threat or weakening of position will require careful consideration and planning if it is to be dealt with successfully. There is a potential advantage to be gained but it may require an extraordinary or unusual act to capitalise.

Compiled from various sources including:

• Mystic Mouse
• Rune Wiki
• Runemaker