Its potential and connection to rawness or the essence of fire I suppose, although I can be a pretty fiery person at times I tend to think its use and its abuse is the most dangerous thing that civilization does.

Thorn has always had more of a close homely feeling to it, somewhat because I connect it with lightning and Lugh (even thou he's a celtic god) I still feel there is more of a personal attachment there. It also always remind me of the jethro tull song jack in the green, no idea why.

Ihwaz is not a name for a rune I am familiar with (although I am sure it is one) probably not one of the translations/versions of the name my teacher felt important (considering how many there are).