The Seventeenth Rune

The spear flies true
from the hand of the righteous

Names - TIWAZ - the god Tyr, TIEWS - the god Tyr, TIR - the god Tyr or glory, TYR - the god Tyr

Pronunciations - "tee waz" "tey waz" "teer"

Phonetic Value - "T"

Symbolism - The Spear

Keywords - Justice


Symbolically, this rune pictogram represents the vault of heaven intercepted by the world tree or axis. This image is intended to convey a pillar supporting the heavens and as such may act as a bridge between the affairs of humans and the divine will.

This particular pictogram has also been variously described as a spear point, an arrow, the pole star, or the North Star. This imagery will call to mind guidance in much the same way as the north star has served as a source of guidance to many journeyers who would otherwise lose their bearings and stray off course.

Phonetically, Tyr is harder to trace as there are few, if any, present day words with a root common to the derivations for this rune. Indications of meanings tend to be found more in rune poems and ancient language studies.

Since Tyr is the Norse god who presided at the Germanic general assembly, this rune can be interpreted as primarily a rune with meanings and overtones of justice and leadership.

Judgement in legal matters was not always arrived at by discussion or deliberation, judgement by arms was a more common concept to the Norse/Germanic cultures. It is associated with the idea that "justice will prevail" and victory will be granted by divine will to the contestant deserving of a favorable judgement. This cultural belief also lends strength to the connection between Tyr and the sword, spear, or arrow.

There is an Old English Rune Poem, than names Tiwaz and refers to it as a star that keeps its faith well and is always on course over the mists of night.

This rune, then, can be considered representative of the guiding principles which are steadfast and can be relied on to judge one's position. Again, the imagery of divine guidance through signs in the heavens hearkens back to the use of the North Star to determine ones course.

As a representation of Judgement, Tyr will also carry a reference to the authority of Justice and leadership. The spear of leadership points the true way.

Magically it can be invoked where justice should be done, to prevail in legal matters or lawsuits, and for victory in contests or combat.

Tyr may also be worked to effect a change in judgement, or to challenge a present and possibly corrupt leadership.

This rune is also used in rituals intended to call upon divine guidance or to reveal the will of the heavens to the Vitki.

In divination it will mean judgement, matters of law, decisions, or guidance and can represent any of the following forces.

TIWAZ UPRIGHT:Honor, justice, leadership, authority, analysis, rationality, guidance, victory and success in legal matters.

TIWAZ MERKSTAVE: Injustice, imbalance, strife, over-analysis,war, conflict, failure, absence of leadership, corruption.


To Return to the Midnight Moonchild Rune Page, please select the Runes icon to your left. For more detailed information on the meanings of each individual rune, please select the individual Rune icons to your left