: Middle English,
from Old English thres dæg, alteration (influenced by Old Norse thrsdagr,
Thor's day) of thunres dæg, Thor's day (translation of Late Latin Iovis dis, Jupiter's
day) :
thunres, genitive of thunor, thunder; see
"Thor's
Day" or "Thorsdagar" in Old Norse (Thursday), was named for a huge and
hearty Norse God who was a defender against the world of chaos with his hammer,
referred to as Mjollnir, the Destroyer.
Thor's hammer was
said to be made of stone and to have fallen from the heavens as a
meteorite. Ancient alchemists believed there were two kinds of meteorites: Glass and the Irons.
Moldavite, which is an extraterrestrial kind of peridot, is just one of many kinds of Glass
meteorites that reach the Earth's surface. The other kind of meteorite, The Irons, includes
metals such as copper, nickel and iron. It was thought the Mjollnir was an iron and nickel alloy
meteorite forged by Sindri the dwarf, an alchemist and smith of magical and mysterious metals.
Thor's hammer obeyed
his every command doing his bidding and returning to his hand once
thrown. Thor commanded the thunderbolts, and could sling them at his foes. Known as a
Storm God, Thor was easily irritated. He would roar like thunder and sling thunderbolts when
angered. On the other hand, he could be benevolent and a strong friend to peasants and
yeoman bringing rain when needed, stilling a storm, and above all as their protector and
defender.
A Rune to use on
this day is Thurisaz (Germanic), Thuith (Gothic), Thorn (Old English), Thurse
(Old Norse). A real thorn can be tiny, but irritating. Problems may appear bigger than they
really are. Thorn helps to put them in perspective, especially when an important decision must
be made. The advice of what was needed can result in a very successful outcome. Problems
and fears can then be encountered as creative challenges. Ask for advice and help when
needed, especially on this day!
1. Schedule
