THORN

THORN can have several different meanings. It is sacred to the Norse thunder god, Thor, and therefore represents a lightning flash that comes down from heaven, destroying everything.
It can also refer to thorns, which seem harmless but can cause severe discomfort, even death.

The blackthorn may be small yet can be highly poisonous, as reflected in fairy tales where the princess pricks her finger on one then falls into a 100-year sleep. However, thorns can also be defensive: hawthorn or blackthorn hedges are still used to protect property boundaries from burglars or vandals.

Ultimately the goal of the seeker is to reconcile the opposing forces of fire and ice on both an outer and inner level. Only when that is achieved can there be the hope of transformation and enlightenment.

This rune refers to the tests of endurance to be expected by the seeker on the occult path. On a more mundane level it can denote news or a sudden change that quite literally comes like a 'bolt from the blue' causing the querent to take an important, possibly life-changing decision.