Customer Reviews

The Book of Runes, 25th Anniversary Edition

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I put off getting The Book of Runes for years because I'd read some reviews that were highly critical of the non-traditional way they were set-up and used by Ralph Blum. But for a birthday gift, my husband let me choose whatever I wanted from our local bookstore and The Book of Runes finally found their way into my shopping basket as one of several items I chose that night. I absolutely do not regret my choice.

I had studied the more traditional use of Runes in the past but had no trouble at all understanding what Ralph Blum has tried to accomplish with his newer take on the Runes. If you are a strict re-constructionist, yes, you may have problems with this set. But if you are like me, you may find that you appreciate someone offering a somewhat new interpretation on an ancient oracle. I found Mr. Blum's presentation a meaningful way to use the Runes- imbued with a gentle spirit of guidance and relevance to the modern Runecaster. I did not find the interpretations shallow; on the contrary, although simply written the meanings assigned to each Rune have resonance and depth. Blum's text is written in a very user-friendly, inviting style that I found highly enjoyable. The readings I've done with The Book of Runes have never failed to offer me some needed enlightenment. Blum also includes some great layouts to get you started in interpreting the Runes, although it would also be very easy to create your own personal uses with this set. Overall, I give The Book of Runes a 5 star rating for the warm, inspiring text, ease of use, and for his obviously loving re-interpretation of an ancient oracle.

I have used the I Ching for years as my "oracle of choice". Recently a relative introduced me to The Book of Runes (3RD Edition) along with a set of runes made from abalone. I enjoyed reading the book and agreed with Mr. Blum's view of the I Ching. I was interested in what he said about using the I Ching to validate a Rune reading. I tried this and found that he was correct (at least in relation to my own experience). Since I am of Norwegian decent I also appreciated the story of how the runes were discovered (by Odin the Norse god). The story brought back childhood memories of Norwegian relatives.

I have been an intuitive for years and years. I also am always seeking ways to connect to my higher Self. Blums Runes are incredible, as long as you know how to self-reflect. They are as deep as you, yourself, are, and give immediate insight to the issue and what is in the energy surrounding you at the time of the reading. Believe or don't believe, they work for me!

This is a good beginner's book, but doesn't give the insight necessary to truely read the runes successfully. He tells you brief, mediocre meanings of the runes. I must say though, that he does welcome you to runes. I didn't know how the runes worked, but with his brief not so deep meanings, I was able to start. If you want a book to learn the basics this is the best book, but if you're looking for a book for more advanced people, you better keep scrolling

Since 2001, I have owned my Book of Runes, and stone set, and use them in times of challenge. I found comfort in knowing that my challenging times would soon pass, and that these times were needed for me to fully develop my talents. I could have paid money to an intuitive for my readings, but know that the answers all lie within myself. The Book of Runes is a great tool to help guide you when you need an explanation for why things have halted or dried up, when your deep desire is to move forward. Sometimes the lessons learned are what is important and The Book of Runes will clearly define exactly where you are in your life, so that you can draw wisdom from these life lessons, and move ahead with more understanding and strength. Andrea Samadi, author of The Secret for Teens Revealed: How Parents, Teachers, and Teenagers Can Inspire Leadership and Transform Lives

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 one of the best selling rune books, 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 reconstructing 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. Try these instead:

Rudiments of Runelore

Runic Amulets and Magic Objects

This is the Book of Runes that I have referred to throughout my early to late adulthood. I have reordered it many times for myself as well as for friends and wouldn't want to be without it. It's a gem!

The book of Runes,25th Edition
I am considering the purchase of "The Book of Runes" however I am confused. THe UK Amazon store has this product including the stones however the US edition appears to be the book only. Why is there a difference in product between the two sites.

I have the Second Edition of "The Book of Runes" by Ralph Blum. I have used it for many years and it has always been worth having. True, it might be a different interpretation, so for hard-core traditionalists...I say "lighten up!"

The main thing I want to make note of is that the description for the book says it was first published in 1983. Inside the 2nd Edition, it says: "The Book of Runes, Copyright (c) 1982 by Ralph Blum." A little further down it says:

ISBN 0-312-08999-6
Second Edition
The Book of Runes was first published in a slightly different
version in the U.S. in 1982 by Oracle Books.

So, Amazon, you might want to correct your "first published" year a little bit. :)

Also, with the edition that I have, it came with a small cloth bag the same color as the cover of the book (kind of a reddish-brown) with a set of rune stones. I still have the bag, though I put my runes into a sturdy suede leather drawstring bag of my own making.

I will definitely be getting this 25th Anniversary Edition as a gift to a long-time good friend.

I received this item very quickly and it was exactly as the seller described. Thanks for the good service!