
Uruz
Uruz, the primal rune, pulsates with untamed vitality, invoking raw strength and the unstoppable forces of nature. It serves as a potent reminder of the wild resilience that resides within us all. This rune represents a wellspring of transformative energy, encouraging individuals to tap into their inner reservoir of strength and and draw upon their innate wisdom for growth and vitality.
Uruz, an age-old runic symbol, has inspired and guided people for centuries. It resonates with humanity’s remarkable adaptability and unwavering determination in the face of adversity, igniting our instinctual will to survive and flourish. We often choose to work with the energies of Uruz when we are seeking personal transformation, enhanced resilience, and alignment with the elemental energies of the natural world.
Affirmation
“I embrace the primal power of Uruz, tapping into my inner strength and resilience to overcome any challenge that comes my way.”
Uruz Rune Meaning
Rune | Ūruz |
Alternate Names | Ūrą, Ūr, Ȳr, Úr |
Pronunciation | Ooo-Rooze |
Aett | Freyja (Freya, Freyr) |
Letter Represents | Aurochs (wild ox) |
Keywords | Manifestation, animating force, power, endurance, untamed energy, potential, willpower, formation, strength, vigor, origins, determination, life force, constancy, vitality, speed, luck, health, pragmatism, focus |
Reversed | Destructive force, ignorance, inconstancy, obsession, weakness, insensitivity, apathy, confusion, fatigue, power drained, misdirected force, sickness, uncontrolled rage, brutality, toxicity |
Element | Fire, Earth |
Polarity | Projective |
Chakra | Solar Plexus, Root |
Color | Yellow-green, Red |
Tarot Associations | Suit of Wands, Ace of Wands, Strength, The Emperor |
Crystals and Stones | Ruby, Mookaite Jasper, Garnet, Carnelian, Red Jasper, Tiger’s Eye, Olivine, Heliodor, Peridot, Sphene, Jargoon, Sulfur, Melichrysos, Pyrite, Chrysolite |

The Rune Poems: Uruz
The Rune Poems are ancient poetic texts associated with runic alphabets like the Elder Futhark. These poems originate from various Northern European cultures and provide insight into the symbolic meanings of each rune. Each poem offers a brief verse describing the rune’s attributes, making them valuable mnemonic tools for understanding the symbolism and interpretations of runic symbols in divination, magic, and spiritual practices.
Old Norwegian
ᚢ Úr er af illu jarne; opt løypr ræinn á hjarne. | Dross comes from bad iron; the reindeer often races over the frozen snow. |
Old Icelandic
ᚢ Úr er skýja grátr ok skára þverrir ok hirðis hatr. umbre vísi | Rain is lamentation of the clouds and ruin of the hay-harvest and abomination of the shepherd. |
Old English
ᚢ Ur bẏþ anmod ond oferhẏrned, felafrecne deor, feohteþ mid hornum mære morstapa; þæt is modig ƿuht. | The aurochs is proud and has great horns; it is a very savage beast and fights with its horns; a great ranger of the moors, it is a creature of mettle. |
This verse describes the aurochs, an ancient type of wild ox, as noble, horned, and fierce. It engages in battles with its horns, roaming solitary across the moorland.

Uruz Symbol
The symbol of Uruz resembles the sturdy and imposing horns of the aurochs and draws a powerful parallel to the meaning of the rune itself. These upward-pointing lines symbolize the inherent strength and resilience found in all of nature’s creations. Just as the aurochs’ horns are its tools for survival and dominance in the wild, the Uruz rune’s shape reflects strength and the upward thrust of primal energy.
Uruz’s twin lines also emphasize the dual aspect of this rune’s meaning, representing outer physical strength as well as the inner vitality and life force. Its very shape invokes the image of growth and ascension, mirroring the aurochs’s ability to adapt, endure, and evolve over time. The symbol points skyward, reminding us to rise above challenges, embrace change, and channel our inner strength and life force towards growth and transformation.
Elder Futhark: ᚢ
In the Elder Futhark, the Uruz rune is represented by a symbol that resembles the letter “U” or two upward-pointing lines that converge at the top, with a slight outward curve. This shape symbolizes the strength, resilience, and vital energy associated with the rune.
Younger Futhark: ᚢ
The Younger Futhark, a simplified runic script, often used a more streamlined version of the Uruz rune. In this script, the symbol became simpler, resembling a diagonal line slanting upwards from left to right, with a small diagonal line cutting across it near the top. This modified shape still retains the same feeling of strength and vitality.
Anglo-Saxon Futhorc: ᚢ / ᚣ
In the Anglo-Saxon runic tradition, the Uruz rune was represented by a symbol that looks like a letter “Y” with a vertical line bisecting it from top to bottom. This symbol retained the concept of strength and life force but had a distinctive design compared to its counterparts in other runic scripts.
Each of these runic scripts preserved the core meaning of Uruz, emphasizing the concept of strength, vitality, and resilience, while the symbols themselves evolved slightly to fit the variations in runic alphabets and regional traditions.
Uruz Rune
Rune | Elder Futhark | Younger Futhark | Anglo-Saxon Futhorc |
Name | Ūruz, Ūrą | Úr | Ūr / Ȳr |
Symbol | ᚢ | ᚢ | ᚢ / ᚣ |
Sound | u | u, y, o, v / w | u / y |

Runa Uruz
Polarity of Uruz
The projective polarity of the Uruz rune is a potent force that symbolizes assertiveness, determination, and the ability to actively shape one’s life. It mirrors the untamed energy of the aurochs charging forward with unyielding strength. In this aspect, Uruz represents the courage to face challenges head-on and the power to overcome obstacles. It encourages us to be proactive, harnessing our inner vitality to manifest our desires and achieve our goals. The projective energy of this rune reminds us that we have the ability to shape our destiny through focused effort by channeling our primal force to create positive change in our lives.
Uruz Tarot Associations
The Uruz rune resonates with several tarot cards including the Ace of Wands, Strength, and The Emperor. Much like the Ace of Wands, Uruz embodies the essence of raw, untamed potential and the initiation of new beginnings. Both symbolize the ignition of one’s inner fire and the drive to transform one’s life. In parallel, the Strength tarot card shares the theme of inner strength and courage. This tarot card also represents the taming of one’s inner beast in order to harness it’s primal energy. The Emperor card reflects Uruz’s qualities of authority and mastery and emphasizes the importance of a structured and disciplined approach in order to achieve one’s goals. Each of these tarot cards echo Uruz’s themes of personal power, vitality, and the ability to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and determination.
Uruz Crystals and Stones
Garnet, Carnelian, Peridot, and Chrysolite are gemstones that share intriguing associations with the Uruz rune through various esoteric traditions. Garnet, known for its deep red hues, embodies strength, vitality, and passionate energy of the root chakra. Carnelian grounds and stabilizes, connecting us to the physical world and our own resilience. Peridot promotes personal power, confidence, and transformation that is often associate with the solar plexus chakra. Chrysolite, often radiating shades of yellow and green, aligns with this rune’s themes of prosperity, abundance, and the ability to shape one’s destiny. These gemstones invite us to tap into the energies of Uruz, promoting personal growth, inner strength, and a deep connection with the primal forces of life.

Uruz Vitality Talisman Ritual
Intent
This ritual is designed to unlock the inherent strength represented by the Uruz rune. This talisman is a symbolic doorway to the wellspring of power and resilience that already resides within you. Carry when you feel the need to access your inner aurochs.
Materials Needed
- A piece of brown fabric
- Red or yellow-green thread
- A small piece of Carnelian or Garnet
- A small piece of Peridot
- A black permanent marker
- A small piece of paper
- A small cloth pouch
- A quiet, sacred space
Ritual Practice
Preparation: Find a quiet, peaceful space where you won’t be disturbed. Light a red candle or incense.
Center and Ground Yourself: Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and visualize a grounding cord extending from just above your belly button, down through your root chakra into the Earth. Feel your connection to the Earth’s energy.
Creating the Talisman: Take the piece of brown fabric and cut it into a small square. Thread the needle with the red or yellow-green thread, representing the bold colors associated with Uruz. Place the Carnelian or Garnet in the center of the fabric, signifying vitality and strength. Surround the Carnelian or Garnet with Peridot, symbolizing personal power. Fold the fabric into a pouch, ensuring the stones remain securely inside. Sew the pouch closed. Feel yourself, as the needle moves through the fabric, pushing the energy of vital strength and resilience into the talisman with each stitch.
Runic Inscription: Using the black permanent marker, write the symbol of Uruz (ᚢ) on the outside of the pouch, infusing it with your intent for fortitude and inner strength.
Charging the Talisman: Hold the talisman in your hands and close your eyes. Visualize a stream of vibrant yellow-green energy flowing from the Earth, through your body, and into the talisman. Speak aloud or in your mind: “With the power of Uruz, I draw upon the primal strength deep within me. Let this talisman be my source of vitality and resilience in times of need.” Repeat this affirmation of your intention 3-7 times. Feel the energy building within the talisman as you infuse it with your intent.
Closing: Place the charged talisman in a safe place for future use. Thank the Earth and any deities or energies you invoked during the ritual. Snuff out the red candle or incense. During challenging times, carry your Uruz Vitality Talisman with you as a reminder of your inner strength and fortitude.

How Will You Harness The Transformative Power of Runes?
Humanity has long used sacred tools for awakening the soul and illuminating our path toward enlightenment. Runes are simply an instrument that can be used to amplify your own intrinsic power to manifest your highest truth.
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Mystic Doorway is always gaining new insight about the many ways we can connect to universal energy through ritual and meditation. We look forward to sharing additional forms of divination as we explore the many paths people take to connect with their inner wisdom. Check back with us soon to see what we’ve added to our Library.