Runes have been around for centuries. These symbols represent letters of one of the oldest alphabets in ancient history. They also hold a story and strong meaning to them. The Uruz (oo-rooz) rune is the second rune in this old runic alphabet. It is also the second rune in the first aett family runes. In Old English, the Uruz rune represents the letter “U”.
Uruz Rune Meaning
Uruz means aurochs or wild ox. Much like the Fehu rune, however instead of domestic cattle like Fehu, the Uruz rune is wild and untamed. The upside down “U” shape of this rune symbolizes the horns of this wild beast.
In other cultures, Uruz can symbolize water buffalo (Africa) or bison (North America).
Uruz holds the rule of order. It is the form that makes other forms. Its energy passes through everything. If an animal is killed by another, that animal will not only provide nourishment for the other animal that killed it, but it will provide nourishment to other scavengers, insects, plants and soil. As with every living thing, it eventually dies. But that death is never in vain for it provides more life to everything else.
Ancient Story
The story behind the Uruz rune is how the world came to be. How everything came to be. According to the Younger Edda, the rivers of Niflheim (world of ice) collided with Muspelheim (world of fire). The two elements hardened over and cooled into rime. The rime would later melt away and the giant Ymir (Earth) emerges along with a cow named Audhumla.
Audhumla was said to have licked away the ice away from the first God, Buri. She freed him from the ice and used her milk to nurture him. Buri is the grandfather of the All Father Odin.
The Uruz rune is believed to represent Audhumla.
Using the Uruz Rune
The Uruz rune symbolizes strength, physical health, power, virility, self-knowledge, self-awareness, and risk taking.
When working with Uruz, you are connecting to your primal energy. This is the energy that gives you courage, endurance, but also some aggressive energy. Which is fine, we all have this within us. It is about how you channel and use it.
Use this rune to help you with your manifestations. Allow it to fill you with the strength you need to succeed. But pay attention to where you are directing this energy. Like I stated before, you’re harnessing your primal energies.
Rune Casting
Just like in tarot, when you cast your runes upon a surface, how they land is how you read them. There is an upright and a reverse. Upright meaning the symbol is facing the right direction. When its reversed, this means that the symbol is in an upside-down direction.
What do these rune positions mean?
Upright
Physical energy, health, take action, protection, change, take risks
When Uruz is casted upright it means take action on your plans. Don’t be afraid of taking risks and embracing the changes that may come your way.
Reverse
Difficulty making changes, unable to rid the past
If you get Uruz in reverse, you may find it challenging to make any sudden changes at the moment. This could be due to your past holding you back from moving forward.
First Aett Family
Wish to learn more about the other runes in the first aett, check out these links below:
Sources
Taking Up the Runes by: Diana L. Paxson
Norse Magic & Runes by: Frederick Strom
The Rites of Odin by: Ed Fitch