While Fehu symbolizes domestic cattle and livestock, conversely Uruz represents a Wild Ox (Auroch) with huge horns and great agility and speed, at least according to Julius Caesar who wrote about them before they became extinct. He described them as a little smaller than an elephant with the color and shape of a bull. Thor embodies the warrior spirit of Uruz with the untamed power that needs to be governed, channeled and controlled. Although Uruz can signify a lightning-strength explosion of creativity, it can also herald a perilous time of trouble. Wild energy of entropy needs to be leashed. Uruz’s energy puts up a personal force field to empower you to retain your power, hindering those from robbing you of your spirit. Strength trained to your advantage forces others to stop exerting their power over you. “Hidden runes shalt thou seek and interpreted signs, many symbols of might and power,” was quoted in the Hávamál poem in the Icelandic Codex Regius about Odin when he received or won the wisdom of the runes. According to another Hávamál poem, runes were powerful enough to bring the dead to life, “If I see a hanged man, swinging high in a tree; I can carve and stain runes, so that the man walks and speaks with me.”

However, the Wild Ox was also a sacrificial animal, and this rune may call upon you to make sacrifices or incur losses. Alternately you may stand by and witness someone else close to you reach their goals through sacrifice. The concept of sacrifice can be hard work and fortitude or loss and uncontrollable energy. In the wild, nature takes it course without interference, and this rune expects the same from you.

This is a time to be flexible, adaptable and accept new challenges to mold the future to the changing tides. Think of this as a surfer who is riding the big wave; when the wave wanes, it’s time to find the next big wave. You don’t have to control the energy of the wave you only have to ride it. These challenges can lead to major life changes, and the responsibilities that go with the acceptance of these challenges.

Uruz hastens an ending for you to pick up anew. This rune reminds you of the Latin aphorism Capri Diem, to seize the day. Live life to the fullest each moment while taking your knocks and bumps as part of the whole. The experience of trying times is what gives us the meaning of life and a glimpse of your purpose in this life. Golden rings only come every so often, and it reminds you take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves by grabbing the rings. Recognize them for what they are–promises that can be molded into your future. However, these opportunities can come in disguise so you have to mindful of their potential. A diamond in the rough is waiting for you to see its potential. Throw off all the unwanted control and break down barriers as you go. Harness this primal force to have this wild energy captured for your use, as the Wild Ox had been trained to do the work of men.

Keywords: Wild Ox (Extinct Aurochs), Untamed, Savage, Impulse, Vitality, Strength, Speed, Potency, Prowess, Energy, Endurance, Tenacity, Mettle, Manifestation, Primal-Force, Healing, Courage, Responsibility, Freedom

Associated Tarot Cards: Magician, Emperor, Chariot, Strength, Hanged Man, Star & Sun

Astrological Signs: Taurus & Aries

Planets: Sun & Mars

Norse God: Thor was the Norse god of strength, thunder, war and storms and was the son of Odin

Other Spellings: Uraz, Urs, Urur & Urus

Pronunciation: Oor-ooze