Offers a full introduction to and survey of runes and runology: their history, how they were used, and their interpretation. Runes, often considered magical symbols of mystery and power, are in fact an alphabetic form of writing. Derived from one or more Mediterranean prototypes, they were used by Germanic peoples to write different kinds of Germanic language, principally Anglo-Saxon and the various Scandinavian idioms, and were carved into stone, wood, bone, metal, and other hard surfaces; types of inscription range from memorials to the dead, through Christian prayers and everyday messages to crude graffiti. First reliably attested in the second century AD, runes were in due course supplanted by the roman alphabet, though in Anglo-Saxon England they continued in use until the early eleventh century, inScandinavia until the fifteenth (and later still in one or two outlying areas). This book provides an accessible, general account of runes and runic writing from their inception to their final demise. It also covers modern uses of runes, and deals with such topics as encoded texts, rune names, how runic inscriptions were made, runological method, and the history of runic research. A final chapter explains where those keen to see runic inscriptions can most easily find them. Professor MICHAEL P, BARNES is Emeritus Professor of Scandinavian Studies, University College London.

A complete guide to the ancient Nordic stones of divination and their meanings, with four color throughout. Clear explanation of what each stone stands for, how to cast, read, and interpret them to provide information, insight, and guidance,

Runes are the ancient Norse alphabet used for communication, divination, and magical work. Here, American runologist Edred Thorsson provides an in-depth guide to the world of runes for beginners and enthusiasts alike. Thorsson's presentation of this powerful system provides a valuable tool for self-development and spiritual transformation. The Big Book of Runes and Rune Magic: Introduces the 24 runes of the Elder Futhark along with their definitions and mystical properties Explores the historical lore of runes using archaeological evidence to explain where the runes come from, what they mean, and how they evolved Reveals the hidden lore and esoteric dimension of runes, looking at the cosmology of the Old Norse to explain the role runes played and how they were used over time Includes specific sections on rune magic and divination, rune poems, and runic numerology, as well as instructions on how to make your own runes and imbue them with numinous power, arrange the optimum setting for a rune reading, and prepare yourself psychologically and spiritually for casting the runes This book includes material from the author's previous books Futhark, Runelore, and Runecaster's Handbook.

Runes are a tool for personal growth and spiritual transformation. They can assist you in your everyday life and decisions. When you cast the runes they tap into your unconscious - they talk to you, teach you, guide you. They help you to get to know the real you. Harmonia Saille will guide you in forming a spiritual and personal connection with your runes. She discusses how when you become familiar with them, the runes communicate with you helping you to develop your intuitive abilities. You will learn how to interpret the rune signs drawing on this intuition in combination with rune symbolism. This guide to the Elder Futhark addresses all aspects of rune philosophy, including mythology, cosmology, psychology and magic.

The ancient origins and divinatory power of the runes • Uncovers the original divinatory meaning of each rune through the myths of its corresponding Norse god or goddess • Includes beautiful full-color illustrations of the runic gods and goddesses • Presents rune-casting spreads for divination and character analysis • Explores the controversial history of runes from the Paleolithic Stone Age to today Invented long before the appearance of the runic alphabet Futhark less than two thousand years ago, the runes were originally created as symbols for specific deities. Representing the twenty-four Norse gods and goddesses from the Vanir and Aesir pantheons, the runes provide a way to establish direct contact with the divine shapers of fate. Based on the work of Austrian mystic and runologist Guido von List and anthropologist Marija Gimbutas as well as the oldest rune artifacts to survive from pre-Christian Europe, this book reveals the long history of runes from their appearances in Paleolithic cave paintings through their rechristening in Medieval times to their modern resurgence as a popular tool of divination. It uncovers the original names and divinatory meanings of each rune by exploring the myths, personality traits, astrological periods, identifying colors, and gemstones of the rune’s corresponding god or goddess. It also illustrates and explains five ancient rune-casting spreads used by Norse adepts for divination as well as character analysis. By renewing their link with the divine, Gods of the Runes shows how working with the runes can be a genuine mystical experience, enabling a personal connection with the gods and a rediscovery of their perennial truths.

Learn how to use the powerful Secrets of the Runes! Runecasting originated in Scandinavia and Northern Germany, and Runes were once the sacred alphabet of the northern people. Jan's book shows you how to use the Runes to suggest the best way forward under whatever circumstances may be affecting you. They also offer a glimpse into the future, thus helping you to make the most of forthcoming opportunities. If you are after a particular outcome, try a little Rune magic by laying out a couple of appropriate Runes and lighting a candle next to them, to encourage the universal forces of the past to come to your aid. The "In Focus" books in this series help you to delve into a variety of Mind, Body & Spirit subjects, expanding your understanding of our universe, and presenting you with key data in a compact, accessible format.

An accessible, in-depth exploration of the runes as a living spiritual tradition. Diana Paxson has distilled her many years of experience working with the runes into this essential source book. Readers will learn the historical meaning of each individual rune and its use and meaning now, in contemporary culture. But, Paxson reveals, the real power of the runes comes from internalizing them and using their symbols as sources of wisdom and power. At the end of each chapter are rituals and spells for all levels of ability that aim to help internalize the attributions, meanings, symbolism, and use of the runes. Everything regarding runes is covered in this definitive workbook, from the history of runes and how to make your own rune sets, to how to work with them on a psychic, spiritual, and magical level.

The books in this series contain short texts from the original stories from Viking Age. These new translations unlock the treasures of the Classical texts and will make a valued gift for friends, relatives or business associates. A little guide to understanding the ancient rune letters. Where-ever the Vikings went, they took the language of the runes with them. Runes have been found from the Black Sea and Russia in the East, all over Europe and Scandinavia and in Greenland. There are runes on memorial stones, weapons and tools. They were used to send messages, mark possessions, make calendars and other writings. Each letter is explained with the help of a runic verse dating from the Viking Age.

The runes are not only a writing system used by some of the ancient Germanic peoples – they are also known as the Mysteries. Carved on wood, metal or stone and steeped in a rich folkloric tradition, the runes are a powerful divinatory tool. The Runes Workbook provides a fascinating insight into these Mysteries – including the history of the runes, the significance of the runic poems and runic literature, the meanings of the individual staves (stones) and methods for runic divination. Let The Runes Workbook guide you, step by step through the ancient wisdom of the runes. Learn how to cast the rune staves, then do insightful readings for yourself and others. Follow the exercises and enhance your readings with knowledge of the runic world – the mythic beings, runic lore and literature and rune magic. Learn how to enact the energy of each rune in your everyday life, carve runic talismans and prepare yourself for readings using meditation. Leon D. Wild is a Fellow of the Rune Gild, an international organisation dedicated to learning the runes, and an independent scholar who has published articles in a range of journals. He lives with his wife and animals in Australia.

The Book of Runes is something very special: a part of the ancient past and, perhaps, a part of your future... Based on a tradition over one thousand years old, the Runes are seen by many as a contemporary Oracle and collectively, have established themselves as a remarkable aid in practical decision making. A huge success with over 900,000 copies sold, since its original publication in 1983, The Book of Runes has proved to be a modern classic. For this, the 25th anniversary of the work, Ralph H. Blum has expanded and refined the runic system, making the Runes one of the most profoundly useful self-help tools of the new century.