Tiwaz (ᛏ)
Rune Name: Tiwaz (also Tīw, Týr, Tir) Pronunciation: TEE-wahz / TEE-vahz Literal Meaning: The god Týr / Justice / Honor / Victory Core Concepts: Justice, honor, victory, righteous battle, self-sacrifice, law, order, courage, cosmic balance, the spear, the one-handed god, moral integrity, heroic sacrifice
Position in the Rune Row: 17th rune of the Elder Futhark (Elder Futhark has 24 runes) Phonetic Value: t (voiceless alveolar stop)
Traditional Rune Poem (Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem – for “Tīr”):
Tīr biþ tācna sum, healdeð trēowa wel wiþ æþelingas; ā biþ on wīce hæleþa hyht, heofones wyrtra.
Translation (approximate):
Týr is a star, it keeps faith well with princes; it is ever on its course over the mists of night, the hope of warriors.
Modern Keywords & Themes Justice • Honor • Victory • Self-sacrifice • Righteous battle • Moral integrity • Courage • Cosmic balance • The spear • The one-handed god • Law & order • Heroic sacrifice • Truth in action • Leadership through integrity
Key Divinatory Meanings
Upright / Direct
- Justice will be done — truth and fairness prevail
- Act with honor, integrity, and courage — even at personal cost
- Victory through sacrifice or standing firm in principle
- Leadership, authority, or taking responsibility is required
- A moral or ethical dilemma is present — choose the high road
- Týr energy — self-sacrifice for the greater good brings ultimate reward
- Strength of character is tested and will shine
- “The spear points true. Stand for what is right, no matter the price.”
Reversed / Merkstave / Shadow
- Injustice, unfairness, or moral compromise
- Cowardice, avoidance of responsibility, or betrayal of principle
- Victory at the cost of honor or ethics
- Abuse of power, tyranny, or rigid authority
- Self-sacrifice that is unnecessary or manipulative
- Blocked justice or delayed reckoning
- Inner conflict between desire and duty
Magical & Ritual Uses
- Justice & legal magic
- One of the strongest runes for legal matters, court cases, or seeking justice - Carve Tiwaz on legal documents, contracts, or courtroom talismans - Use with Raidho for just resolution of disputes
- Courage & heroic sacrifice
- Invoke Týr for bravery in impossible situations - Use in oaths of service, protection, or standing against odds
- Protection & victory
- Excellent for victory in battle (literal or metaphorical) - Bind with Sowilo for victorious light - Tiwaz + Algiz = righteous protection
- Moral integrity & truth
- Use when needing to stand in truth or face ethical dilemmas - Meditate with Tiwaz to strengthen moral backbone
- Leadership & authority
- Invoke for fair leadership or rightful authority - Combine with Mannaz for enlightened leadership
Common Bindrunes & Combinations
- Tiwaz + Sowilo = victorious justice, shining success
- Tiwaz + Algiz = righteous protection, sacred defense
- Tiwaz + Raidho = just path, rightful journey
- Tiwaz + Thurisaz = aggressive justice, forceful righteousness
- Tiwaz + Othala = protected ancestral right, sacred heritage
Practical Magical Applications
- Draw Tiwaz on legal papers, contracts, or oaths for binding truth
- Carve on weapons, tools, or shields (symbolic or literal) for victory
- Whisper Tiwaz before entering courtrooms or confrontations
- Use as sigil on resumes, leadership applications, or ethical commitments
- Meditate with Tiwaz visualized at the solar plexus for moral courage
Cautionary Notes Tiwaz is the rune of Týr — the god who sacrificed his hand to bind Fenrir. It demands integrity and sacrifice for the greater good. Working deeply with Tiwaz often brings tests of character, moral dilemmas, or situations requiring selfless action. It can feel heavy or sacrificial — the price of victory is often personal cost.
Traditional Rune Poem (Old English Rune Poem – Tīr)
Tīr biþ tācna sum, healdeð trēowa wel wiþ æþelingas; ā biþ on wīce hæleþa hyht, heofones wyrtra.
(The poem describes Týr as a guiding star, keeping faith with princes, ever on course over the mists — a symbol of steadfast honor and hope.)