-1.avif)
We have now arrived at the 17th rune in the Futhark, and this is the first rune in Tyr's ætt. Tyr is a god few people notice. He has somehow slipped behind "the veil of oblivion that time draws," and I find that a shame, for there are few gods who command as much respect as Tyr.
Tyr was greater than Odin in Germany, but he was gradually pushed aside by Odin and Thor. Like Odin, he is a "sky god." Tyr's hallmark is courage, justice, and law and order. Tyr does not make laws that restrict the individual human being, but he attends to the laws of society. I believe his foremost law is: "Behave yourself!" and "Be easygoing."
Tyr was also the god who sacrificed his right hand so that the Fenris wolf could be bound in chains. Fenris trusted Tyr, and this is probably the only time Tyr broke his word and a promise. At any rate I have never heard of any other episode in which Tyr made himself guilty of anything at all.
We know little about Tyr's "private life." We do not know what his dwelling is called, we do not know whom he is married to – there is talk of Ziza. And it is possible he is married to Ziza. A great deal of work is being done to bring this to light, so we shall see what happens on that front. It is fun that Tyr is being brought forward more and more :-)
When I look at the rune itself, I think it resembles an arrow telling me which way to go. A "sensible direction of travel," so to speak. But the rune also reminds me of the Irminsul – the pillar that was really the opposite of the "níðstang." While the níðstang was a curse that promised trouble, the Irminsul promised this: "come here, here there is blessing to be found."
I hear people cry out: "Just wait, he/she will meet their karma," and that is fine, but when you experienced something terrible, was that not your karma then? Or are you without blame, perhaps? I cannot say this out loud, because then the karma-criers get angry with me and then I get a karma-snap … so I often keep this to myself. But I think my thoughts :-)
In any case, with Tyr you find justice, but it can be a little scary. You know how it is: you get into a quarrel and you retell it. Often with a theatrical voice when you reproduce what the other person said, and a lovely voice when you reproduce yourself. When the heat of battle has died down, you start to think a little about the conflict, and I often come to the conclusion that I am not so innocent after all. I have often contributed my share. Sometimes I am innocent, but it is honestly not often. Ahem!
Tiwaz helps you take a closer look at the events of your life. Tiwaz makes you reflect on matters, and perhaps you arrive at a completely different result from the "verdict" you handed down earlier.
Tiwaz is also the "sacrifice rune." It often asks you what you are willing to sacrifice. Mothers and fathers often sacrifice much for their children, just as their parents sacrificed much for them – this is "inherited sacrifice" – but now and then Tiwaz asks about a somewhat different sacrifice. Is it wise to sacrifice something for the peace of the household, for the neighbourhood, for society, or for peace of soul? Tiwaz helps you weigh this.
If Tiwaz comes up reversed – then I would say you are on the wrong path, unless you have asked which direction you ought to go, of course. Now and then I take out Tiwaz and shake and spin and lay it out to see which direction I should turn toward. Then I go in the direction the arrow points. Tiwaz is said to be the man's rune … I think Tiwaz suits us women well too. I draw Tiwaz on myself when I want justice, and then I take what comes, even if it means I "lose." Justice is often synonymous with "peace of soul," I discovered long ago.
As for zodiac signs, I imagine a division between Capricorn and Virgo. Both signs are concerned with justice, both signs wish that people would analyse a little more before they reach a conclusion, and both signs wish to have a nuanced view of most things.
Mars is the planet that resonates with Tiwaz. Mars is fearless, and Mars can be very tactical. Mars is also a planet that is not afraid to lend a hand.
Among tarot cards I bring out "Justice" – for that card is truly a natural choice for this rune. When Justice appears in a reading, you do not always get your way, but you get justice. In matters where you yourself must judge, I find it helps to bring out this card, meditate on it and "rub" the rune a little. I can also write Tiwaz on my forehead with some oil or other – before I sit down to think. And I find this works best on Tuesdays – which is, of course, Tyr's day.
Irene Resaland chooses bloodstone for this rune.
Bloodstone, also known as heliotrope, is associated with courage and justice.
People have used bloodstone as a protective amulet, and it is said to strengthen the ability to stand up for what one believes in.
The stone has a deep green colour with red flecks, reminiscent of the gravity of battle and the importance of sacrifice – qualities strongly tied to Tyr's energy.
Bloodstone can help bring clarity and resolve when you face difficult choices, and that is why it goes well with the Tiwaz rune, in my opinion.
Plants that resonate with Tiwaz
Now I will start with greater celandine. This herb truly has a Tiwaz personality. Let me suggest a tincture of the herb for working with "inner demons" – greater celandine is truly a herb that clears things up.
To make a tincture of greater celandine you need:
• Fresh greater celandine, preferably newly picked from a clean area
• 70% alcohol (e.g. vodka or spirits)
• A clean jar with a lid
Rinse the greater celandine gently and cut it into small pieces. Fill the jar halfway with the herb, and pour over alcohol until the herb is completely covered.
Put on the lid, and let the mixture stand in a dark, cool place for 2–4 weeks. Shake the jar gently every day.
After three weeks you strain off the herb and store the tincture in bottles, preferably a dark glass bottle.
Take four drops in half a glass of water, morning and evening, for six weeks – and you are ready to meet the "demon crew."
Otherwise I do not know of any other medicinal use for this plant. I know there is a homeopathic remedy called Chelidonium 30C, used for various cramps and imbalance of the gallbladder.
Greater celandine is also powerful to use in various magic concerning "judgment and justice."
Figs were eaten by the ancient Greeks and Spartans to raise their courage and bring out the strength to meet various forms of opposition. Fruit with many seeds is also regarded as fertility-promoting, so there are many reasons to eat figs :-)
I have seen it written and I have heard it said that figs are especially suited to those who have the wolf as a totem, so I include it here. The strange thing is that I myself feel figs are so right to offer to Tyr, without knowing why. But when I have something to take up with Tyr, it always ends with me going out into nature and leaving some figs as an offering. I am fond of dogs, of course, and the wolf is a distant relative, but I do not think I have the wolf as a power animal or totem – yet figs and Tyr, that is a sure thing in my world :-)
I know figs strengthen the heart.
In Croatia the Croats would pinch off a fig leaf and smear the "milk" on insect bites. I did this myself once and it actually helped. Otherwise one must never ingest the "milk," as it is poisonous.
Wood betony is also a plant I think of in connection with Tyr and Tiwaz.
I find this herb so lovely to have in a dream pillow to ward off bad dreams. This herb is also good for offering to the spirits when you are going to cleanse an outdoor area of negative energies. I actually experienced this once in my younger days. We were three horse-mad girls who loved taking the horses on forest rides. There was one trail we could never ride without one or all of the horses starting to grow anxious and hesitant. I took this up with Reserve-Granny Alette, and she brought a bag of wood betony to the spot and made an offering. "Now everything will be fine," she said, and so it was. The horses stopped fretting for the rest of that summer half-year. The next summer the offering had to be repeated, but it worked, it really did!
The plant is also effective against fear and nervousness. You brew a tea with 2–3 teaspoons of the dried herb. Let it steep for 10–15 minutes before straining. Feel free to drink two cups at a time. I know it has also been used against hyperactivity – but that I have only heard on the rumour mill, so I am not sure about it.
Then I am done with this rune and move on to Berkana.
:-)
