Customer Reviews

Principles of Runes

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A good introduction, but unnecessary if you have her other book, LEAVES of IGGRADSIL. Or if you have any of Edred Thorsson's books on Runes

Thorsons Principles of Runes

A Review of Freya Aswynn's introduction to Runic Lore

The purpose of Thorsons Principles of Runes in Aswynn's own words is, "to bridge the gap between advanced books such as Teutonic Magic by Kveldulfr Gundarsson, Futhark and Runelore by Edred Thorsson and my own Northern Mysteries, and the mediocre rubbish which is so commonplace today" (Aswynn 3). By the author's very own words, and the subtitle listed on the cover of the book itself, one would expect to find a book with information that bridges the gap between introductory books such as Peschel's Practical Guide to the Runes and other books written by Edred Thorsson, one of the authors with whom Aswynn chooses to associate her work on occasion. Such an expectation however is one that fails to be met by this book in any form.

The book begins with a series of inaccuracies, one which compares Wyrd to Karma, without mentioning Orlog or the conceptual differences between the Heathen and Eastern ideas themselves. These inaccuracies continue throughout the Book's introduction - the first chapter which is presumably dedicated to the origins of the runes. In truth, the book gives little information in the way of substance, and instead incorporates such strange comparisons involving the DNA of Odin and using Tolkein and Futhark in the same sentence. Such phrases concealed within watered-down bodies of text are not only misleading, but have a tendency to attract the minds of those less interested in the cultural heritage associated with Runelore and the Heathen Ways - and more interested with `doing cool things'.

As the book continues onwards into the Traditional Meanings of the Runes, the text becomes further littered with misleading associations which focus more on a single aspect of each rune, and less upon an entire series of concepts which each rune has the potential to embody. These associations are supported by textual information which is watered-down with generalizations best served to a younger audience first embarking upon a journey, and only then - best done with other books made ready for them to turn to. Aswynn's textual definitions of the runes themselves are so very generalized, basic, and rudimentary in nature that not only do they fail to accomplish the author's goal of bridging any alleged gap which exists between books that already exist, the book itself simply caters to the rubbish she herself mentioned.

Aswynn's Principles of Runes fails to accomplish even the most basic goal the author had established as its purpose. The inaccuracies only cater to a watered-down flavor that can offer nothing of real substance or value to someone seeking something `meaty' in terms of information. This book is best read for the purpose of humor, or for the purpose of learning how to recognize text devoid of any real intellectual or spiritual value. Nothing further.

The BEST guide to the Runes. No one gives you the insight like Freya !!! I suggests this book to everyone who has a true calling and passion for Rune reading.