The Awakening of Power
Turs causes sorrow to women; few are glad of misfortune.
The next step of the World Wheel is Pregnancy through Power. It seems paradoxical, but after Activity’s influence, Passivity acquires its properties.
It is no accident that the power of the Rune Turisaz is often associated with “creation in inactivity.” The symbolic field of this rune is indeed like an elevator: “you step in, press the button, wait (remain passive), get out.”
At the same time, the most important property of pregnancy is the protection of the developing embryo. Therefore Turisaz symbolizes a global protective force. This force is embodied in one of the principal gods of the Indo-European pantheon — the Thunderer: Thor, Perun, Indra — gods who defend our world and represent the rune’s active aspect. However, pregnancy is a complex process; it also includes a passive aspect — the aspect of resisting change. Stress and sudden change are contraindicated for the pregnant — this too is a property of the rune Turisaz. In this aspect, Turisaz is related to the primordial ancestors who enter into conflict with the developing mind — Turs as a counterweight to the Aesir. The shadow is the psyche’s other side.
It is no wonder the Old English name of this rune is Thorn.
“Thorn is very sharp, it harms anyone who seizes it, cruel to the one who lies on it.”
Thus the power of the rune Turisaz lies in the opposition between the active and passive defenses of the natural order. Moreover, each side has its own order.
The eternal struggle of Thor with the Turs (Perun with the giants) symbolizes this confrontation that gives birth to the power of manifested existence.
From a practical point of view, this means that any change requires a breakthrough; it requires actively releasing power. “For the sake of knowledge one must suffer.”
The symbolic field of Turisaz also includes Mjölnir — the hammer of Thor — a form of a fertilizing, returning force. One of the chief treasures of the Aesir, Mjölnir is their main weapon in disputes with the Turs; hence it (along with the goddess Freyja) is the object of the giants’ desire. From the runic system’s point of view, Mjölnir is, of course, the result of the action of Uruz and Fehu: it was forged by the Dark alfar — i.e., the result of a mixing of the powers of Earth and Fire.
The flight of Mjölnir is a paradigm of action — first it must be carefully aimed, but then released. And if the initial thrust was correct, the goal will be achieved, and the hammer will return to its owner. This principle of the warrior’s life is well known: “a spoon is useful at mealtime,” “after a fight one does not shake one’s fists,” etc. Thus the Power of Turisaz is Schopenhauerian pure will, unregulated by reason.
It is important that two Turisaz placed together yield Mannaz, meaning that humanity is the result of the joining of cosmos and chaos, of mind and the unconscious.
Moreover, Turisaz, deprived of its “point,” turns into Wunjo, since it is precisely the opposition to enemies that gives the warrior the joy of Valhalla.
At the same time, Turisaz is the primary protective rune. But its protection, as we have seen, is ambiguous. An inept application of this rune may protect not only cosmos (Thor) but also chaos (Turs).
In this aspect Turisaz relates to the wolf Fenrir — the chief enemy of the Aesir.
Thus the first three runes of the Futhark prepare the birth of Power. The Power itself unfolds in the following runes.
Good article, I haven’t found a more detailed description of this Rune anywhere else, thank you!
Two Turisas cannot form Mannaz – the diagram does not fit. Here, it is rather two Wunyo and an interpretation according to Asvin (Wunyo – ‘perfection’).
Just Wunyo fits poorly according to the diagram. And the interpretation ‘according to Asvin’ is quite questionable.
I really respect your opinion. You have a wonderful blog. I have gleaned a lot of useful information here. But with all due respect… I don’t remember that Mannaz had a continuation of the line above (after the intersection).
The question of the diagram of runes is quite problematic. There are many variants, and interpretations as well. And almost every rune can be linked with several others. In this case, I just wanted to say that for the interpretation of Mannaz as ‘humanity’, from my point of view, the contrast of two opposing forces – two Turisas, fits better than two negligence – two Wunyo. Although any interpretation, when it is justified and stems from personal experience, can of course have the right to exist.
For me, Turs is pure destruction. If it is an assault, then it is through attacking, destroying the old structure in order to create a new one in its place. Turs is Isa plus Kano, the closure of fire upon itself releasing a wave sweeping everything in its path.