The Book of Runes: A Handbook for the Use of an Ancient Oracle: The Viking Runes with Stones: 10th Anniversary Edition

Product Description

Complete with The Book of Runes by Ralph Blum. Includes drawstring pouch for holding rune stones.

Customer Reviews:

A Classic.......2007-07-22

Although Ralph Blum's book has been around for a long time; it remains the classic on runes. Easy to understand and use. Makes a great gift.

good *MOJO* :).......2007-05-13

I found these runes to be an awesome prayer tool..... I'm not into a lot of the old "hoo-doo" touchey feely type stuff but this just works.... especially if like myself you have spiritual A.D.D. - my prayers usually consist of "dear God, I want to thank you for...... did I leave the iron on?..... AH CRAP!..... Dear God, I want to than...... I really liked that puppy... wasn't that a cute puppy that Marsha had for.... UUUGGGH! CRAP!......" ect.

They are what you make of them.... they're not magic or possessed.... you will just get back what you put into them.... read the directions/introduction and then do what works for you..... GREAT TOOL!

A piece of recent history.......2007-04-07

This book should be part of any collection for those interested in the recent (c 1980) revival of interest in the runes. It is still the highest selling rune book, but also one of the least researched.

When it was first published, the academic sources were not very available to the public, although they would have been available to Blum had he made the effort. Instead, he created a simple divination system, based more on his own readings of the I Ching than the known historical sources of runic knowledge.

There is a wealth of information in the old rune poems, and in the original futhark ordering of the runes. Blum ignores both. However, at least Blum never claimed to be reconstrucing an old system. On the other hand, unfortunately, most of his readers assume that there is some real historical content in the book.

For those who are looking for an esoteric book about runes based on the real available historical knowledge, this is certainly not it.

Sweyn
Author
The Rune Primer

Runes.......2007-03-16

This book is informative and easy to understand. If one is interested in reading runes, this is the book to read.

The Book of Runes speaks to me.......2007-03-03

I have tried many modalities in the past from cards, numerology, astrology, etc. The Book of Runes actually speaks to me whenever I lay the stones out and open the book. The words have hit on my situation every time whether I lay out 1 stone or 3. This book, with the stones has helped me in making important decisions where my life is concerned. I use them as a tool only and not as a total answer to my questions.

The Book of Runes : A Handbook for the Use of an Anceint Oracle: The Viking Runes with Stones

Average customer rating:

Insightful and Fascinating
A piece of recent history
Only for select readers
This is a wonderful book.
sadly it gets a 2

The Book of Runes : A Handbook for the Use of an Anceint Oracle: The Viking Runes with Stones
Ralph H. Blum
Manufacturer: St. Martin's
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Rune Cards: Ancient Wisdom For the New Millennium

ASIN: 0312108192

Customer Reviews:

Insightful and Fascinating.......2007-08-02

This is a fantastic and insightful tool for self-reflection. This is my first delve into the world of Runes and I have found this book excellent.

A piece of recent history.......2007-04-09

Only for select readers.......2006-09-30

This book has its ups and downs. It's good in that it helps beginning rune-casters to better understand the elder futhark, and effective ways to use them. Not to mention it comes with all 24 (+1) runestones of the elder futhark, which is a nice addition..

But this represents a problem also: the focus of the book is aimed only toward those who seek to learn about this particular futhark. Those who are more experienced won't find much help here, not to mention those who want to learn about other futharks. The use of the "blank rune" offers little to no historic info, having been recently invented (late 20th century).

What bothered me the most was the addition/injection of Christian ideals and messages to an originally heathen practice. Blum seems to be trying to disassociate runes and runecasting from Norse Pagan practices. In this book one can find passages from The Poetic Edda and drawings pertaining to Norse mythology, yet can also find Christian prayers and quotes. While references to the Poetic Edda and some to Norse mythology are made, there is little to nothing about the practice of rune-casting by Norse Pagans is mentioned. For one, knowing its true origin is vital in understanding the runes, and leaving such a thing out in favor of a more Christianized tone can divert young readers from the truth. Second, if I'm not mistaken, the bible condemns any occult practice, which rune-casting technically falls under.

To those who wish to learn the history and true origin of the elder futhark, this is not the book for you. I would only recommend this book to those who wish to learn about the elder futhark and what the tunes mean.

This is a wonderful book........2006-01-23

I've used this book for years and years. It's so great that I've been waiting for amazon.com to send me another copy since October 2005. I lost my original copy and since usually when it says will ship in 1 to 3 weeks it's been one to three weeks. But this time I'm still waiting. It's been delayed three times. Now maybe I'll get it in March 2006, or maybe it will be delayed again.

I recommend this book very highly and use no other. But you may want to know that if you want it quick, you're not going to get it quick from Amazon.

sadly it gets a 2.......2005-12-13

This used to be one of my favorite books -- back in the old days. When I first aquired it, it was basically the only text on the runs that I'd run into regularly. And, since I love the book, I'd probably rate it a 5 ... except that I've come to accept that it isn't very historically accurate. It's a sad state of affairs.

The Rune Cards: Ancient Wisdom For the New Millennium

Average customer rating:

Rune Cards with Book
For Ecelectic Pagans
Wonderful Artwork
Super!
great cards!

The Rune Cards: Ancient Wisdom For the New Millennium
Ralph H. Blum
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Book of Runes: A Handbook for the Use of an Ancient Oracle: The Viking Runes with Stones: 10th Anniversary Edition
The Healing Runes
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Futhark: A Handbook of Rune Magic

ASIN: 0312169922

Book Description

The RuneCards set includes: 25 richly evocative RuneCards, specially designed carrying box, and a beautifully illustrated new hardcover book.This new package is meant to serve both as a companion to The Book of Runes, and as an introduction for those who have yet to experience the Runes. The RuneCards are accompanied by a completely revised text-only the interpretations remain the same. Ralph H. Blum has created a series of fascinating techniques for use with the RuneCards-and with the Rune stones as well-techniques to guide you on your journal toward wholeness.These include: Runes and dreaming, runes and healing, runes and the Native American medicine wheel, and creating an oracular individual.

Customer Reviews:

Rune Cards with Book.......2007-01-10

I found the Rune Cards and the Book that accompanied them
in the box very helpful and informative. The book that explains
the meaning of the Cards was very significant.

For Ecelectic Pagans.......2005-07-11

If you are a searcher and need counsel, this book by Ralph Blum is for you. The beautiful cards and verses offer insight and wisdom. Ralph Blum connects the Runes with other traditions to form a whole for Christians and Ecelectic Pagans. For example, he has the Medicine Wheel Spread to connect with your mental, spiritual, physical, emotional selves on different levels.

However,if you are looking for an indepth study of the Runes and the Norse Gods, this book is not for you. Ralph Blum has his own version of the Elder Futhark. He also divorces the culture surrounding the Runes from the Runes themselves.

Wonderful Artwork.......2004-11-30

The way the Elder Futhark (runes) are incorporated into such beautiful scenarios is reason enough to buy this deck. The book is also very useful, and avoids repeating the Book of Runes that came with a clay set.

A card deck of runes is also a lot easier to travel with; whenver I went through airports with my other rune sets, I was always afraid someone would damage my stones.

Regardless of whether you are a beginner or an expert, anyone who loves runes would love this deck.

Super!.......2002-02-15

I have always liked using the rune stones for guidance; so my husband bought me these as a gift.What artwork! They are easy to use and pretty to look at. What more could you want? These are a must have for readers and collectors.

great cards!.......1999-10-21

I have found that the cards are much more to my liking than the stones. for some reason I can identify a bit more with cards. great set for people more comfy with cards. I highly recomend it.

Haindl Rune Oracle Book: Divinations by Runes Using Haindl Rune Oracle Cards

Average customer rating:

GREAT BOOK, information packed, well worth purchasing!
a new and fresh look for the ancient runes

Haindl Rune Oracle Book: Divinations by Runes Using Haindl Rune Oracle Cards
Nigel Pennick , and Hermann Haindl
Manufacturer: U.S. Games Systems
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Haindl Tarot Deck

ASIN: 1572810254

Book Description

Rune history and complete interpretations of Hermann Haindle's 25 beautiful Rune Oracle cards.

Customer Reviews:

GREAT BOOK, information packed, well worth purchasing!.......2007-01-30

The relatively small volume is packed tons of rune information that you would expect in a regular sized paperback. This book is jam packed with material
that has never been covered in any of the other rune books I have in my collection.

I highly recommend that this book be a part of any runester's library.

Great price, great info!

a new and fresh look for the ancient runes.......2000-06-15

The Futhark system of runes has been transferred to a deck format, with illustrated artwork incorporating the appropriate runic symbol on each cards. Hermann Haindl's paintings are fresh and unique insights into the ancient runes. A very delightfull and helpfull reading that explain carefully the diferent meanings that a symbol can take in several situations. Is a complete guide for the expert and a ideal begining for the rookie

Average customer rating:

Description from back cover of paperback edition
A Rare Treasure
What a shame it is out of print!

Rune Games
Marijane Osborn
Manufacturer: Routledge & Kegan Paul Books Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Exploring The Northern Tradition: A Guide To The Gods, Lore, Rites And Celebrations From The Norse, German And Anglo-saxon Traditions (Exploring Series)
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Runelore: A Handbook of Esoteric Runology
Northern Mysteries & Magick: Runes & Feminine Powers

ASIN: 0710093039

Customer Reviews:

Description from back cover of paperback edition.......2007-08-27

Runes were used in ancient times by the Germanic and Norse-speaking peoples of northern Europe for inscriptions, magic, and fortune-telling. Now Rune Games introduces the Angle-Saxon 'Rune Poem', and uses the runic letters as oracles, showing how the runes may be used like the Chinese I Ching for meditation and self-development as well as prophetic divination.

There are eight games, arranged in order of increasing complexity, designed to stimulate the intellect and the imagination, releasing potentials which are hidden from the everyday, non-magical mind. Players can project the possible outcome of particular aspects of their lives, and perceiving the degree to which they create their own fortune, they can take firmer control of their future.

A Rare Treasure.......2007-06-24

I bought my copy in the '80s, and only after collecting several shelves of rune books do I now appreciate what a treasure this one is.

This is one of the few esoteric rune manuals to focus on the historical rune poems, and other literature of the period, for the esoteric interpretations. It is well researched, and honest about the parts that are speculative.

This book sticks to the Anglo-Saxon Futhorc, rather than trying to theorise about the Elder Futhark as most other popular books do. This puts it on much firmer historical ground.

Given the multitude of far inferior rune manuals that have been churned out in since this one was written in 1982, this deserves to be in the book hoard of anyone interested in esoteric runology.

Sweyn
The Rune Primer: A Down to Earth Guide to the Runes

What a shame it is out of print!.......2004-08-07

I managed to get a copy of this book from a thrift-store.

I can't believe how lucky I was!

For anyone who wants to know how to use runes, and how to use them well, this is the book to buy!

I really can't stress it enough!

The Relationship Runes: A Compass for the Heart

Average customer rating:

Taking back the runes
Ignores history and tradition
Just the help you need when you can't get to your favorite psychic!
Elder Wisdom

The Relationship Runes: A Compass for the Heart
Ralph H. Blum , and Brownyn Jones
Manufacturer: Thomas Dunne Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Interpersonal Relations | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

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Practical Guide To The Runes: Their Uses in Divination and Magic (Llewellyn's New Age)

ASIN: 0312320981
Release Date: 2004-10-14

Book Description

Ralph Blum's commentaries on the Runes have been a source of wisdom, comfort, and guidance for millions of readers around the world. Now the Runes speak to all of us in loving relationships of every kind. Whether we need to face the challenges that arise with an intimate partner, or the issues between friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors, The Relationship Runes offers valuable counsel. This new interpretation will provide you with a reliable compass to help you get your bearings on your own journey of loving relationships.

Pack contains:
- Book of interpretation
- 25 intensely beautiful frosted glass Rune stones
- Drawstring casting bag

Customer Reviews:

Taking back the runes.......2007-05-12

There is a movement happening, as the previous reviewer implies, for Northern Heathens to speak out against the exploitation of their sacred traditions by New-Age cultural pirates.

I was once told by a Native American that the most frustrating thing to him was seeing his traditions parodied by buckskin wearing New-Age gurus, who really had no idea of the culture they were stealing from.

This is just how Heathens feel about Blum's work. The runes are held sacred by many Northern traditions, and this is yet another book that cashes in on runes as a popular vehicle to carry the author's real message.

Surely, we can talk about relationships without bringing runes into it.

Sweyn
The Rune Primer

Ignores history and tradition.......2006-05-16

Ralph Blum should NOT be who to consult if you're looking for a work that is based in historical accuracy and the ancient Germanic traditions. If you prefer a more accurate take, based on decades of research and practice, that is respectful and as true as possible to the Germanic Tradition, I urge you to look elsewhere. I can highly recommend the following titles: (1) Futhark by Edred Thorsson, (2) Northern Mysteries and Magick (Runes and Feminine Powers) by Freya Aswynn, and (3) Taking Up The Runes by Diana L. Paxson (she cites the contributions of both Thorsson and Aswynn often, and shares their observations in comparision with her own).

The first set of runes I purchased was a Blum set in an occult bookstore in San Diego. The first clue that Blum wasn't for me was his assertion that his original meanings for the runes were obtained from ONE NIGHT of meditation on the symbols - not only that, but he created his own order for the runes based simply on the order that he drew them from the bag. There is a definite order to the futhark that is very important to maintain, as, there are associations between the runes and the sequence they are traditionally ordered.

Ralph Blum's contribution, in my opinion, is infuriating, because he disregards the tradition in favor of his personal interpretation which is NOT true to the traditions, and you will find that the authors who are respected for their knowledge of the tradition and their extensive practice - DO NOT cite Ralph Blum as a source in their bibliographies and recommended reading lists. Start with Thorsson's Futhark - or if you want to learn more about the icelandic runes (the younger futhark), Thorsson also has a great book called Northern Magic, which also includes the only section I have ever seen dedicated to a system of traditional american colonial magic. A wonderful find for those looking for a system of magic closer to American history and tradition ("Pennsylvania dutch").

Just the help you need when you can't get to your favorite psychic!.......2005-11-30

Mr. Blum once again shows that he understands the nature of oracles from a clear, genuine, and personal perspective. The challenges and magic that is the nature of relationships flows through his words and into your awareness as you work with this oracle. He is the bridge between the grounded tradition of the old ways and the insight and psychological understanding of our modern times. If you love tools which open and inspire then this is one to add to your collection. If you think that you already understand the runes, stop and take a look at this new perspective into this classic favorite.

Elder Wisdom.......2004-12-08

You must have the latest of Ralph Blum's Rune books. My partner and I love consulting the runes when in times of need - and inspiration always follows! This "Compass for the Heart" lights your way when the path is dark or simply wanders irrationally! Blum's carefully crafted wisdom melts any blocks so you can see your way back to open heart and loving arms. Give it to your loved ones too!

Nordic Runes: Understanding, Casting, and Interpreting the Ancient Viking Oracle

Average customer rating:

Nordic Runes
A good beginners book on rune reading

Nordic Runes: Understanding, Casting, and Interpreting the Ancient Viking Oracle
Paul Rhys Mountfort
Manufacturer: Destiny Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Folklore & Mythology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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Practical Guide To The Runes: Their Uses in Divination and Magic (Llewellyn's New Age)

ASIN: 0892810939
Release Date: 2003-05-05

Book Description

A comprehensive and practical guide to the ancient oracle based on the runic alphabet of the Norse

• Reveals the symbolism and divinatory significance of the 24 rune "staves"

• Provides clear instructions on how to craft your own rune stones

• Explains the role of runes in the Norse wisdom tradition and its influence on such works as Tolkien's Lord of the Rings

Nordic runes are a potent and profoundly transformative magic system that gives contemporary readers access to the ancient wisdom tradition of Northern European cultures. The runes have deep resonances within the pagan Norse world of gods and goddesses, giants, dwarves, warriors, and wizards, which have greatly influenced the work of J.R.R. Tolkien, among others. Norse tradition attributes the discovery of the runes to the "All-Father" Odin--a god of inspiration and secret wisdom and the mythical prototype for runecasters, who established the pattern for gaining his knowledge.

Nordic Runes addresses three major areas: Runelore, the history of this 2000-year-old Norse oracle; Runestaves, the meaning of the individual runes of the Elder Futhark alphabet and their powerful mythological, magical, and practical lessons for daily life; and Runecasting, a comprehensive guide to the oracular application of the ancient runes, including their crafting, divination, and self-development. As Nordic Runes shows, the runes do more than simply reflect the path of fate; they help develop and enhance intuition. By learning to cast and interpret the runes, the user becomes receptive to the energy currents in material reality and empowered in the arts of its transformation.

Customer Reviews:

Nordic Runes.......2007-02-13

This is a very adequate book for people new to the runes, and in fact, I would even recommend it for those who have limited experience. The author gives solid, traditional descriptions of the runes and does a good job of explaining where he derives his meaning from by presenting the rune poems and applicable lore. In that regard, it is an excellent teaching tool for anyone who wants to delve into the primary sources.

The problem that I have with this book is that the author breaks no new ground whatsoever, aside from a few spreads he explains in the final section. Thus, for those with even a little experience, everything you'll find should be old hat. As a previous reviewer stated, reversed runes are explained very poorly.

A good beginners book on rune reading.......2003-07-01

The Author has established a niche for his trilogy on divination techniques from the ancient Celts, Norse, and western Europeans and he has kept within that niche with this book. It does not provide an elaborate discussion of the history of the runes and the different systems in use. He takes the Elder Futhark, using dagaz and othila as the twenty-third and twenty-fourth runes, respectively and provides the pronunciation guides, poetry, lore, and more needed to develop an understanding of each of the individual runes. I have a fair-sized collection of rune reading books but the spreads and casting techniques provided in "Nordic Runes" were new to me.

Two problems: (1) reversed runes are not well explained initially, however, the Author clarifies them in the spreads and casting section; (2) the Author denies any significance to the aettir - i.e. he believes that their order does not have any hidden meaning.

For folks new to rune work, the final chapter provides an overview of the major books and authors from the past 20 years.

"Nordic Runes" is a good platform for further runic studies for folks drawn to this kind of work.

The Book of Runes: Read the Secrets in the Language of the Stones
Average customer rating:

Good book for the meaning of the runes

The Book of Runes: Read the Secrets in the Language of the Stones
Francis Melville
Manufacturer: Barron's Educational Series
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Divination | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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Runecaster's Handbook: The Well of Wyrd

ASIN: 0764155512

Book Description

Readers learn to decipher and harness the magic of the ancient Nordic runes! Feogh symbolizes financial gain and status . . . Thorn stands for protection, defense, and caution. These and each of the runic alphabet’s many other magic symbols have special meanings all their own. Author Francis Melville presents directions for making amulets and talismans to invoke the power of Norse gods. He describes the method of conducting readings with rune stones to predict future events and bring good fortune. This heavily illustrated volume also presents the history of rune stones, the meaning of the runic alphabet, and the secret symbols attached to each meaning. Rune stones and rune sticks can be purchased from many outlets, but readers who follow the author’s instructions can make runes of their own, using any of several different natural materials, including pebbles, wood, and clay. This fascinating collection of ancient magic lore, with instructions for making and reading runes, is complemented with more than 150 vivid, full-color photos and illustrations.

Customer Reviews:

Good book for the meaning of the runes.......2004-05-23

Melville explains well the meanings of the runes and what they are related to. He also gives a brief background into the Gods of the old Germanic peoples. A very well informative and well researched book. However, I think he lacks a little on the part of runecasting, runemagic, and runebinds, But there is enough there to get started if you are a beginner. Very well worth the time and money to read the book.

Average customer rating:

An Interesting Rune Oracle Deck

Rune Oracle
Lo Scarabeo
Manufacturer: Llewellyn Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Cards

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ASIN: 0738705691

Customer Reviews:

An Interesting Rune Oracle Deck.......2005-07-14

"The Runes are the elements of an ancient Nordic writing that is believed to have had a celestial and magical origin, and are characterized by many sticks that, tradition says, fell from the sky as gifts to man. According to tradition, the Runes were hung onto the tree of life, Yggdrasil, so that everyone could draw from them based on the needs of his or her own spirit." -from the Rune Oracle booklet

The Rune Oracle depicts 32 magical symbols culled from various runic alphabets. Cards 1 through 24 feature a colorful image at center, an olive green paisley background, and a runic symbol at the top. Cards 25 through 32 depict the same paisley background, but the runic symbol itself is embedded into a green marble rectangle. A 32 page "little white book" accompanies the Rune Oracle, with card meanings in five languages: English, Italian, Spanish, French, and German. Both upright and reversed meanings are provided.

Some of the card meanings in this deck include:

Power - This card primarily reveals your willpower. (Reversed: Something hurts too deeply and doesn't let you listen to your inner voice.)

Time - Your life unfolds as in a movie, predestines. Time will bring clarity. (Reversed: If you are unjustly accused, remember that time is the best judge of all.)

Work - Tyr wants to shape souls with his powerful hammer. (Reversed: Life is hard under Tyr's blows.)

Castle - You will receive proof of respect, affection, and excellent news. (Reversed: Not everyone supports you-make a shrewd decision in order to avoid being hindered.)

Ascent - Positive rays will reach you: Will power succeeds in accomplishing miracles. (Reversed: You will have moments of uncertainty and doubt that will shake your faith.)

If you have an affinity for Northern paganism, Celtic spirituality, Ogham sticks, and runic language, you'll likely enjoy this oracle. If you're looking for a comprehensive companion book, then the Rune Oracle and booklet will probably not appeal to you.

(To see 6 card images from this deck, visit the Reviews--Decks section at http://JanetBoyer.com)

The Runic Workbook: Understanding and Using the Power of Runes (Aquarian Press Divination Series)

Average customer rating:

New Age Flowers Gems and Quaballa overlays
A strange piece of work
Wonderful. Very informative.
Great resource
Almost a waste of time.

The Runic Workbook: Understanding and Using the Power of Runes (Aquarian Press Divination Series)
Tony Willis
Manufacturer: Sterling Pub Co Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0850304695

Customer Reviews:

New Age Flowers Gems and Quaballa overlays.......2007-09-30

I'm giving this book a middle to slightly negative rating. It contains some useful information. But it is trying to incoroporate too much of today's melting pot messages which eventually becomes an overlay in this book to the Runes clarity and concepts themselves. The concepts are difficult to understand today since we are taught to filter our understandings through different lenses.

Since sometimes various religious or political modis operandi has unfortunately for many been to stamp out another's belief systems via wars or outright genocides, a culture's ancient teachings have tended to be misunderstood. This makes such a topic particularly difficult to cover. To the author's credit, this topic is an important and a challenging one especially since the earth and all in it need true diversity and tolerance of difference (in contrast to today's melted pots which ultimately destroy all unique cultures). Understanding and studying the ancient ways may help the ancestors of many different ones to retain their old ways, practice them, and not reinvent them into a superficial New World theme park melting pot.

The author misses the point entirely that for those of the Runes, the ancients partner with the gods and goddesses. Unlike many modern religions, the rune people did not consider themselves and were not powerless at the whims of the seasons or correct god picks. Since ancient times, both the gods themselves and the people are evolving in an active working partnership. Humans just as the different gods have free will; therefore, the outcomes are worked together. Not all ancient runemasters were the Vikings or sacrifice tribes as implied in the book. Without understanding and emphasizing the sensational, unfortunately today's myth makers melts a few alien prevalent and dominant themes into one horrible pot which would make any reasonable person look no further and miss the connection to nature and the cycles offered in Runic studies and personal development.

Many different peoples have worked with the Runes. Casting them like Tarot cards may be for some people and depends on the integrity and understanding of the person casting (sounds like a technique for both scammers as well as good practitioners), but may have some benefit of helping people become familiar with the Runes again. The book also talks about standing on "the brink of a new Runic instruction". This sounds to me like another attempt to reinvent another Ages' overlay to further obscure the ancient path from the few salmon swimming back up ancient streams. Instead of a new instruction set, reconnecting today with the ancient ones are vital to survival of many peoples. The ancient tree people of Middle Earth seem like a different group than any described in the book.

To the author's credit, the Runes are a difficult topic to write about. The ancient teachings even say "none may hold [contain or own] the Runes". To work with the Runes is a journey just as this life is one. May we each journey well and may the best of this book help those seeking to understand the Runes. It was also good to read many of the explanations about how to expand ones ability to sense and grow in this understanding.

Here is a classic explanation of the origin of the Runes and the journey to even beginning with them here in Middle Earth:

The Speech of the High One

Suspended on that windswept tree,
I swung there for nine long nights,
Wounded by my own blade (thought),
Bloodied for Odin
Myself an offering to myself:
Bound to the tree,
That no man knows,
Whither the roots of it run.

None gave me bread,
None gave me drink,
Down to the deepest depths I peered,
Until I spied the Runes.
With a roaring cry I seized them up,
Then dizzy and fainting, I fell.
Well being I won,
And wisdom too.
I grew and took joy in my growth:
From a word to a word,
I was led to a word,
From a deed to another deed.
The Poetic Edda
(circa A.D. 1200)

A strange piece of work.......2007-08-18

There are some things about Tony Willis' book that I do appreciate. However, at times, this book seems to stretch the truth.

The best thing about this book is that Tony Willis touches on many different interpretations of the runes and his definitions of a number of runic combinations that he finds significant. The worst part about this book is that when I say that he "touches upon" them, I mean that the more universal meaning of each rune is summed up by a single sentence, following pages of mundane descriptions.

He attempts to analyze the runes in terms of astrological signs and Greek and Roman mythology, which is a decent approach given that Willis' background seems to be in Astrology, but unfortunately, he spends too much time trying to fit the runes into astrological categories, even when they don't really fit. For someone more well-versed in Astrology than me, this could be a meaningful way of learning the runes, but according to the simple descriptions that Willis gives, he seems to be forcing the connection.

There are much better rune books out there, most especially Diana Paxson's book "Taking up the Runes" and Edred Thorsson's "Futhark", but for someone looking to get a more "new age" perspective on the runes, I've seen far worse than this one.

Wonderful. Very informative........2006-05-14

One of the best books I have ever seen on the subject. Great for beginers and experts alike. Easy to understand meanings. Covers many ways runes can be used, and is in a format perfect for newcomers. Start here.

Great resource.......2004-03-08

One of the better runes for beginners. While the author ties a lot of info in with astrology, the detailed information on the meanings of the runes are great for any beginner.

Almost a waste of time........2002-10-31

Although Willis' book has many good exercises within its pages, I have a hard time getting past the flagrent misinterpretations within its covers. Willis tries hard to fuse the Grecko/Roman philosophies, and the Astrology that is based on those philosophies, with the mythos and ideals of the Norse, but it just cannot be done successfully. The two philosophies are just too different. He tries to equate Jupiter with Thor. Beside the point that Jupiter was a king of gods and Thor wasn't, Jupiter was feared by his people and Thor was loved and was treated as if he were blood kin.
If you are looking for a good book to learn the esoteric meanings of the runes, avoid this book at all costs. "Northern Mysteries" by Freyja Aswynn, "Futhark" by Edred Thorson, and "Runecasters" by Edred Thorson, are far better.

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