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Uruz: (U: Auroch, a wild ox.)
Physical strength and speed, untamed potential. A time of great energy and health. Freedom, energy, action, courage, strength, tenacity, understanding, wisdom. Sudden or unexpected changes (usually for the better). Sexual desire, masculine potency. The shaping of power and pattern, formulation of the self. Uruz Reversed or Merkstave: Weakness, obsession, misdirected force, domination by others. Sickness, inconsistency, ignorance. Lust, brutality, rashness, callousness, violence. |
UR - Silver Birch The Silver Birch (Betula pendula) is a slender and graceful tree which grows in profusion in Scandinavia and is regarded there as 'the shaman's pillar', providing access to the inner-worlds. The word birch is derived from a root which means 'bright, shining, or shimmering', referring not just to the glittering bark but to the tree's inner light. Its resilient wood was often used to make cradles, indicating its protective properties and symbolic of rebirth and new beginnings. The tree's silvery-white trunk symbolizes purity and clarity, indicating that purity of motive and clarity of intent are essential in any shamanic endeavour. Like UR, the Rune in which it is associated, the Silver Birch characterizes new beginnings and the upsurge of energy usually associated with things that are fresh and new. It also stresses the need to be free from those things that have now served their purpose and might block progress if they are held onto. Silver Birch and the UR-Rune can help to strengthen the image of what is desired and bring into sharp focus the intention. Furthermore, they guard the image from diffusion. Silver Birch can be a helper in guiding you along the rightful path of your Soul's journey. It can help you to release things that are limiting your progress, teaching you that endings are part of the cycle of growth, and providing you with the stimulus to accept the challenges of a fresh cycle of activity and the opportunity to forge new relationships. |