The Runes Workbook: A Step-By-Step Guide to Learning the Wisdom of the Staves (Paperback)

by Leon D. Wild (Author) "The runes were probably in use from some time before the beginning of the common era (C.E)..." (more)
Key Phrases: World Tree, Elder Futhark, Hammer Working (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
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, the rune staves (or stones) are a powerful divinatory tool, and are steeped in a rich folkloric tradition. The Runes Workbook provides illustrations throughout and 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, and methods for runic divination. The Runes Workbook also explores the connections between the Runes, mythology, archaeology and magic, and provides an insight into runic psychology for beginner and devotee alike.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Thunder Bay Press (CA); Workbook edition (June 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592230423
• ISBN-13: 978-1592230426
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 6.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #307,948 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love this book!, September 21, 2004

By	JackiW (Canada) - See all my reviews

This is such an excellent book for beginners! It encourages you to keep a journal of your experiences studying the runes as well as providing all kinds of exercises and activities to cement the ideas in your mind. Additionally, it teaches you how to create your own runes.

It starts with a brief history on the runes and Norse mythology, as well as outlining a few methods of meditiation and visualization. These sections are not indepth, but are certainly enough to get started.

Next is an introduction to the Elder Futhark, and several exercises to help the reader become familiar with the names, pronunciations, forms and numbers corresponding to each rune.

Each rune is then presented in detail, along with five or six ways to incorporate the principles of the rune into your everyday life and three thoughts to meditate on. For instance, for the rune "kenaz", some of the activities are to try making a traditional food, support a local artist, and hand-make gifts for friends and family. Some of the thoughts to meditate upon are "What are my most creative abilities?" and "When am I most aware?".

The next section presents a brief introduction to divination techniques, followed by a chapter on rune magic. Finally, there is a section on "Lore and Literature" of the runes, and a recommended reading list.

I would not recommend this book to the person who wishes to use runes only as a method of fortune telling. This book is for someone who really wants to "seek the mysteries" of the runes and needs a place to start. It is a complete starter course and you will get as much out of it as you put into it.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!, October 24, 2005

By	Ren - See all my reviews

I love this book. I use it for reference all the time because it's so simple to read. It doesn't get into long winded paragraphs, all the information is right there and easy to find. It also has some neat artwork for each rune and a few pages dedicated to each. Each rune has a paragraph or two of description, practical applications of the rune in daily life, then some galdor exercises which I've found to be very helpful because not alot of books deal with galdor. This book has a great section on runic divination and methods of casting. The author also touches on psychology a bit, and he encourages further study and writing your experience with the runes in a journal.

One of the best things about this book is he doesn't get hung up on personal opinions, tell you not to do this or that, or criticize anything. It's very to the point.

This book is essential to a runic library!

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great introduction for Beginners, August 1, 2005

By	Analemma Leia Burrows (Hillsborough, NC, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is one of the clearest and simplest books that I have seen for those just beginning to study runes. I do have some complaint about the Rune Guild basis that the author has, and his use of some of Thorsson's more questionable material. But in all, it's still one of the best books out there for beginners. The vast majority of the "facts" presented really are documented historical facts, not things that someone just came up with on their own, like you see in so many rune books. If the bit about "Runic Psychology" (or something else) bothers you, skip it and go on to the rest! The activities and exercies for beginners really set this book apart from others.