Today’s affirmation comes from the second rune of the first aett (or “family”) in the Elder Futhark, Uruz. Its traditional meaning comes from the Rune Poems, the oldest of which translates as follows:
The Aurochs is fearless and huge of horn
A ferocious beast, it fights with its horns
A famous moor-stalker that:
A spirited beast.–The Anglo-Saxon rune poem, Verse II
Now extinct, the aurochs was a large and aggressive breed of ox present in northern Europe until the early 1600’s. The hunter who killed one was regarded as having great courage and fortitude, and aurochs horns were coveted trophies often used as drinking vessels, displaying the owner’s prowess for all to see.
Few would argue that it can take the strength and will of an ox to stay focused, centered, and balanced as we try to navigate the ever-changing landscape of daily life. Many of us continually encounter people and situations that threaten to knock us off our gait by pulling us out of a peaceful center.
The simple but powerful wisdom of this rune is that the actions of others and the circumstances we face can only upset us if we allow it. It counsels being the hunter, and not the hunted; being proactive instead of reactive. A successful hunter remains calm, confident, and focused regardless of how the landscape changes or how the quarry reacts. The hunted however is completely reactive, and can become agitated and aggressive in response to the hunter (everyday circumstances).
Every day I “hunt” for peace and balance, and aim to stay centered and focused regardless of who or what I come across.
And so the affirmation for Uruz is,
I remain peaceful and compassionate even when those around me are not. I stay centered and balanced regardless of what the day brings.
Click here to see other affirmations in this series.
Affirmations inspired by Orin and Sanaya Roman
Source material: Oswald the Runemaker
I’ve been a runology student for 20 years. See the About page or click here to learn more about my work with the runes.
Under a Violet Sun 