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Tiwaz rune stone (ᛏ), rune 17 of 24 in the Elder Futhark

Courage, Justice, Sacrifice

Tiwaz

Rune 17 of 24 · Tyr's Aett

Upright position

Tiwaz looks like an arrow pointing up. It is a rune of justice, leadership, and courage. It reminds you to stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult.

When Tiwaz appears, it means you are being called to act with integrity and bravery. This isn't about being fearless; it's about facing your fears to do what needs to be done. Think about a time you had to make a tough decision that honored your values, even if it meant a personal cost. That's the energy of Tiwaz.

This rune asks you to examine your core beliefs. What principles are you willing to stand up for? It’s about being a leader not just for others, but for yourself, by living in alignment with your deepest truths. You might find yourself needing to champion a cause, or speak up for someone who can't speak for themselves.

The gift of Tiwaz is the strength to pursue justice and truth. You have an inner compass that guides you towards what is fair and honorable. It’s about having the courage of your convictions, even when the path is challenging or requires you to let go of something comfortable.

The growth edge here is understanding what true sacrifice means. It’s not about suffering, but about consciously choosing to give up something smaller for a greater good. This could be giving up a comfortable routine to pursue a more meaningful goal, or letting go of a grudge to find peace. Tiwaz invites you to be purposeful and clear in your actions, knowing that your efforts are part of a larger, just outcome.

Rune energy

I stand with courage and integrity, guided by my inner truth and a sense of justice.

Reversed position

When Tiwaz appears reversed, it suggests a challenge to your sense of justice or your ability to act with conviction. You might feel a lack of direction, or as if your efforts are not leading to a fair outcome.

This is an invitation to pause and reflect. Are you questioning your own beliefs, or perhaps feeling indecisive? It could also point to a situation where you feel a sense of injustice, or like you're fighting a losing battle. The lesson here is to reconnect with your inner compass and remember what truly matters to you. Where might you be compromising your values? This isn't a warning, but a chance to realign and find your inner strength again, perhaps by seeking clarity or taking a step back before acting.

In everyday life

Love & relationships

For singles, this rune encourages you to be clear about your relationship values. For couples, it asks you to stand up for fairness and honesty within your partnership, even if it’s tough.

Career & money

In your career, Tiwaz calls for integrity and leadership. You might need to make a principled decision or advocate for what is right, even if it means a personal cost.

Yes or no

This rune leans towards a 'yes' that requires courage and conviction.

Rune profile

Element
This rune is strongly connected to the element of Air, representing intellect and truth.
Deity
Tiwaz is associated with Tyr, the Norse god of justice, law, and heroic glory.
Symbolism
Tiwaz symbolizes an arrow pointing upwards, representing direction and justice.
Aett
Tyr's Aett
Sound value
t

More runes from Tyr's Aett

The Tiwaz rune at a glance

Tiwaz rune (ᛏ) fact sheet
AttributeValue
PositionRune 17 of 24
Ætt (group)Tyr's Aett, place 1 of 8
Glyphᛏ
Sound value/t/
KeywordsCourage, Justice, Sacrifice
Reversed (merkstave)yes, has its own reversed reading
ElementThis rune is strongly connected to the element of Air, representing intellect and truth.
DeityTiwaz is associated with Tyr, the Norse god of justice, law, and heroic glory.

Its place in the rune row

Counting the 24 symbols in order, Tiwaz comes in at number 17 — the first rune of Tyr's Aett. Directly before it stands Sowilo (ᛊ, sun), and after it follows Berkano (ᛒ, birth). Tyr's Aett is about people, relationships and what lasts; within it, Tiwaz brings the theme of courage, justice, sacrifice. The sign ᛏ was spoken roughly as /t/.

Tiwaz looks different upside down than upright. When it falls that way it is read as merkstave — the themes of courage and justice then tilt towards blocked or overdone. If that happens, check where something is stuck in your day.

Fact-sheet graphic for the Tiwaz rune: position 17 of 24 in the Elder Futhark, Tyr's Aett, sound value /t/, keywords courage, justice, sacrifice.
Tiwaz in figures: position, group and sound value in the Elder Futhark.

Three questions when Tiwaz turns up

  • Where does "courage" show up concretely in your week — in a place, with a person?
  • Is there too much or too little justice in your life right now?
  • If sacrifice were a conversation: who would you need to have it with this week?

A rune does not answer a question for you — it gives your question a direction. For comparison, place it next to a daily tarot card or your life-path number and see whether they touch the same theme.

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Theresa TouheyReviewed by Theresa Touhey · Astrologer & Tarot Reader