[Vilturj] 16 - Teiwaurz

[moonvoice]

Teiwaurz (TAY-warz) - (also known as: tiwaz, TYR, tiews, tir, teiwaz)

Value - T

Numeric Order - 16 or 17

Traditionally Represents - Tyr. Spear. Sword.

Represents - Justice. Loyalty. Honour. Honesty. Courage. Balance. Sacrifice. War. Law and Order. Integrity.

The temple ruler stands
with sword in one-hand
and its point dances
with the fiery sun,
like a guiding star
keeping faith with kings.

- Vilturj Rune Poem

Teiwaurz is the rune of sky-god Tyr (a chief deity) who also rules over the third Aett (the Aett of transformation) in which Tyr is positioned. Runes in this Aett are concerned with human existence, and often aspects of our existence that we have control over. Teiwaurz represents war as an instrument of justice, and oversees and enforces oaths. He is also the god of contracts and courts. This is reflected in Teiwaurz.

This rune represents a spear point, the position of upright (righteous) warrior. It is often found in ancient weapons to increase effectiveness. This glyph is also said to represent the Irminsul column which holds up the heavens. Therefore it represents order.

Teiwaurz promises the coming of spring after a long winter which can be likened to the coming of life after a war.

Teiwaurz is not to be used lightly, as it represents that which should be maintained and honoured 100%. The symbolism of this can be seen in the mythology of Fenris. Fenris was the third terrible offspring of Loki, a gargantuan wolf. When young and not that much of a danger, Tyr fed Fenris, and became the only god the great wolf trusted. As Fenris grew, his size and appetite became destructive and life-threatening, and the gods decided to bind the beast to prevent further destruction. All the chains they made would not hold Fenris, so eventually the gods enlisted the Dwarves to make a magic cord which would hold the wolf.

When Fenris saw the cord he would not let any god near him, and said he would only let himself be bound if he could hold Tyr's hand in his mouth. Tyr gave his word, and as the wolf realised he would be bound he bit Tyr's hand off at the wrist. Tyr could have saved his hand through trickery if he wished, but honour was more important to him. Tyr and Teiwaurz represent sacrifice for the common good.

Teiwaurz in a reading can represent a battle for justice, impending, occurring or in the past. It suggests that victory will come when sacrifices have been made. It symbolises good leadership, and good authority.

Merk - Reversed Teiwaurz can represent a breaking of a promise and forgetting to uphold sacred oaths and honour. It can also represent fighting for the wrong reasons, or war for the wrong reasons. It can signify injustice in your life, and fighting a losing battle even if you are right. Abuse of power falls under the Merk stave of Teiwaurz. The antithesis of Tyr is a cruel totalitarian leader who has no respect for himself or the community.

In Ritual - Can be used to aid one in court proceedings, but if you have done something wrong, it will err on the side of justice and might be your 'downfall' in many respects. It can promote honesty/honour when dealing with others, and wisdom and courage in leadership.