Runes, the ancient symbols used by the Germanic peoples, carry deep meanings and powerful messages. Each rune has its own story and represents different aspects of life. For example Tiwaz is a symbol of justice, leadership, and sacrifice.
In this blog post, I’ll explore the meaning of the Tiwaz rune, how it appears in rune readings, how to use it as a talisman, and some rituals involving Tiwaz to harness its powerful energy. I’ll also look at which runes pair best with Tiwaz for even greater benefits.
Table of Contents
Tiwaz Rune Meaning
The seventeenth rune of the Elder Futhark, Tiwaz (ᛏ), resembles an upward-pointing arrow. Phonetically it corresponds to the “T” sound.
Tiwaz is associated with justice, leadership, and sacrifice. This rune represents the god Tyr, known for his bravery, fairness, and willingness to sacrifice for the greater good. Tiwaz symbolizes the qualities of a strong leader who upholds justice and is willing to make personal sacrifices to achieve what is right. It encourages us to stand up for our beliefs, act with integrity, and lead by example.
Tiwaz reminds us that true leadership requires courage, fairness, and a commitment to justice.
Tiwaz in Rune Readings
Upright Tiwaz
When Tiwaz appears upright in a rune reading, it signifies justice, leadership, and sacrifice. This rune suggests that you are in a position to lead and that your actions should be guided by fairness and integrity. Tiwaz encourages you to stand up for what is right and to be willing to make sacrifices for the greater good. It signals a time to embrace your leadership qualities and to act with courage and determination. This rune urges you to uphold justice and to lead by example.
Reversed Tiwaz
When Tiwaz appears reversed, it serves as a warning to reassess your actions and intentions. This position may indicate a lack of direction, unfairness, or reluctance to make necessary sacrifices. Reversed Tiwaz prompts you to reflect on areas where you may need to realign your actions with your principles and to ensure that you are acting with integrity. It advises you to be honest with yourself and to address any issues of injustice or imbalance. This rune suggests the need for greater self-awareness and a commitment to fairness.
Using Tiwaz as a Talisman
Tiwaz can be used as a talisman to enhance justice, leadership, and personal sacrifice. Tiwaz can be a powerful reminder to act with honor when worn as jewelry or placed somewhere you can see it every day, such as on your bathroom mirror.
You can use any material you like to make your talisman but it’s best to choose something that is suited to the intended purpose. For jewelry, solid precious metals are best. If you’d like to tuck it into a purse or pocket, a stone would do nicely.
You can also incorporate materials that resonate with strength and integrity, such as hematite, iron, or tiger’s eye.
Design the talisman with the Tiwaz rune, either engraved or drawn, and consecrate it through a ritual to charge it with your intention. The talisman serves as a constant reminder of your ability to lead with courage and to uphold justice.
Rituals Involving Tiwaz
Justice and Integrity Ritual
To invoke Tiwaz’s energy for enhancing justice and integrity, perform this ritual. If you feel like you’ve been wronged or have wronged another, this ritual can help bring things back into balance.
What you’ll need:
- Drawing or token of the Tiwaz rune
- Red or White Candle
- Offerings that represent justice (scale, iron, etc.)
Begin by lighting a red or white candle and placing the Tiwaz rune in front of it. Offerings such as a piece of iron or a small scale charm can be placed around the rune.
Focus on your intention for justice and integrity and chant: “Tiwaz, guide me with your strength, let justice and fairness prevail.” Visualize the energy of the rune surrounding you with a sense of integrity and determination, helping you to act with fairness and courage, even if you yourself have been treated unfairly.
Let the candle burn itself out safely.
Leadership with Courage Ritual
For enhancing leadership qualities and fostering courage, incorporate Tiwaz into this ritual. If you’re about to move into a new role that requires you to lead others, this ritual can be helpful to make sure your intentions are aligned with courage and honor.
What you’ll need:
- Drawing or token of the Tiwaz rune
- Gold or Blue Candle
Meditate on the Tiwaz rune, focusing on the areas of your life where you seek to enhance your leadership and courage. Light a gold or blue candle to symbolize strength and leadership, and place the Tiwaz rune nearby.
Visualize a wave of empowering energy flowing from the rune into your life, enhancing your ability to lead and to face challenges with bravery. Picture yourself acting honorably in every situation, listening to those you lead with patience and understanding, and guiding them along a just path.
Let the candle burn itself out safely.
Sacrifice and Commitment Ritual
To use Tiwaz’s energy for fostering sacrifice and commitment to your goals, perform a sacrifice and commitment ritual. If you feel like you’re faltering in your completion of a goal or task, this ritual can help to remind you to stay the course.
What you’ll need:
- Drawing or token of the Tiwaz rune
- Black or Silver Candle
Light a black or silver candle to represent determination and sacrifice, and place the Tiwaz rune in front of it. Reflect on the areas where you need to make sacrifices for the greater good and visualize the energy of the rune guiding you.
Chant: “Tiwaz, grant me the strength to sacrifice, let my commitment be unwavering.”
Think about the end goal and what it means to you. Know that whatever sacrifices you are making now are in service of this goal. Sit with this knowledge until you feel your determination is renewed.
Let the candle burn itself out safely.
Pairing Tiwaz with Other Runes
Each rune carries its own unique meanings, and when combined thoughtfully, these energies can complement and reinforce one another. By using runes in conjunction, you can create more powerful and nuanced outcomes, tapping into a deeper well of wisdom and guidance from the ancient symbols.
Below are some of my favorite rune pairings with Tiwaz:
Sowilo and Tiwaz - Victory and Justice
Pairing Tiwaz with Sowilo can enhance your ability to achieve success through fairness and integrity. Sowilo, the rune of success and enlightenment, combines with Tiwaz’s energy to create a powerful force for achieving goals with honor and justice. This combination fosters both personal success and the pursuit of just outcomes.
Tiwaz and Ansuz - Leadership and Communication
Tiwaz and Ansuz together can support achieving leadership through clear and positive communication. Ansuz, the rune of communication and wisdom, enhances Tiwaz’s energy by promoting understanding and effective exchange of ideas. This pairing fosters both personal leadership and the sharing of wisdom.
Other Runes to Pair with Tiwaz
- Algiz: The rune of protection and higher self, Algiz enhances Tiwaz’s energy by providing additional protection and spiritual guidance. This combination supports achieving leadership through spiritual awareness.
- Raidho: The rune of journey and movement, Raidho complements Tiwaz by fostering progress and purposeful direction. This pairing encourages the successful navigation of life’s journey with integrity and fairness.
- Eihwaz: The rune of endurance and protection, Eihwaz, when paired with Tiwaz, enhances your ability to lead with resilience and determination. This combination promotes both personal strength and the ability to withstand challenges.
Tiwaz is a powerful rune that symbolizes justice, leadership, and sacrifice. It reminds us of the importance of standing up for our beliefs, acting with integrity, and leading by example. Tiwaz offers guidance and support in achieving leadership and upholding justice.
How do you use Tiwaz? Share your ideas in the comments.
If you enjoyed learning about Tiwaz, check out the blog for more rune-related content. Stay tuned for upcoming posts exploring other runes and their uses.