Customer Reviews

TEUTONIC MAGIC

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

People who criticize Gundarsson's rune books too harshly should keep one thing in mind. The intended audience for _Teutonic Magic_ is not academia, SCA re-enactors, or role-players: the book was actually written by a modern follower of Norse paganism, for others like him.

From that perspective, I'm not exaggerating when I call this book a classic. Gundarsson has a doctorate in Germanic studies from Cambridge; he knows MUCH more about the rune poems, the Eddas, and other period texts than a typical "New Age" author would. He also writes vividly and fluently; the chapter on ritual poetry is a must-read for any Norse pagan who wants to compose his own. Finally, he debunks some popular misconceptions about Norse magic and mythology--enough to show a genuine interest in the facts, even though he does not always get them right.

Are there glaring errors in this book? A few (which Gundarsson later told me he would have corrected in a second edition). Is it meant to re-create ancient practices exactly? No; even matter-of-fact scholars can't do that. Does it show obvious influence from some non-Germanic magical traditions? Sometimes. (Associating each rune with a crystal? Come on!) Despite those flaws, however, _Teutonic Magic_ is worth adding to any serious Norse pagan's library.

....Gundarsson's work is similar in many ways to Edred Thorsson. I belive this is both because Gunarsson was influenced by Thorsson, and that it's solid truth and is right on with facts and practice of Asatru/Norse Heathenry. However, where Thorsson's works are dry and scholarly, Gundarssons writing is flowing and beautiful. He has sections on the norse deities, and on performing rituals. His rituals are more involved than what I would likely do, but for those who enjoy beautiful and complex ritual, this book has some excellent guidelines.

This book covers the bases of learning Rune Magic...the structure of the spiritual realms, and complete descriptions of the runes which each include a guided meditation(good to have someone read to you while you meditate and visualize) to better understand the depth of meaning for the runes and how they each fit into the cycles of life and death.

This book is out of print now, and therefore expensive. I'm glad to have purchaced a copy at only double cover price several years ago, now it's quadrupile or more the cover price. If you have the cash to spare for this book this is an excellent book to have around along with 'Teutonic Religion' also by Gundarsson and 'A book of Troth' by Edred Thorsson.

The author exhibits a greater understanding of runic history & Norse culture than most in academia. That he treats the runes as "real" & not simply myth may bother some readers, but not if they are truly interested in reviving the Scandinavian heritage & culture. Additionally, the guided meditations on the individual runes are well worth the price of the book on their own merit.

By far this is one of the best guides to the Elder Futhark written in modern times. I think it is a great loss to aspiring students of the runes that it and its companion text Teutonic Religion are no longer in print. It was the first text dealing solely with runic and Germanic magickal theory I read cover-to-cover, and in the course of reading Gundarsson's discussions and guided meditations on the futhark I had what I believe to be a true spiritual vision involving the runes and the World Tree itself. Few books on the subject have inspired me or enlightened me as much as Teutonic Magick has. Of course, runic study and practice is highly personal, and each of us must learn and work in our own way. Gundarsson's intuition as well as his scholarly knowledge are both very strong when it comes to runework, and he ably imparts both to the reader through his words.

Caveat: this review is focused upon the portion of the book covering runes and divination, because that was what I used it to study. That represents about half the book. Further caveat: I'm no expert on Asatru or the runes.

With all that said, I found Gundersson's study of rune-reading to be tremendously helpful. He includes rune-spreads, techniques and a thorough take on each rune itself, complete with a beautifully-written meditation. I'd also read other books if you were planning on working intensively with runes--just to get differing viewpoints--but this would be an essential reference.

Teutonic Magic

For anyone interested in persuing Asatru, this long out of print volume has finally been published again. IMHO this book is essential for any person who wishes to follow the principles of the True practices of Asatru.
An excellent treatment of the subject of the religion, the Gods, the Runes, & legends of this very relevent religious path. It is a "must" for the bookshelf of anyone who wishes to learn more of The Troth.
I also recommend any books by this author. Kveldulf Gundarsson is most helpful for those wishing to follow this path.
This book offers excellent explanations of the Runes, and meditations to deepen one's understanding of each Rune, which I consider essential, before attempting divination with them.

WOW! Two fantastic books on the Teutonic Path. This one for the "meat" of it, the magic, and one for the "heart" of it, the religion. (by the way both work, if you apply it to your life.) If you plan to study Asatru, or the runes, grab this book now. (and go grab "Teutonic Religion" while you're at it.)

i was fortunate enough to purchase this book just before it went out of print. this book has a wonderful insight on the runes and runic magic. the author gives a detailed description of the meaning behind each rune including wealful and woeful applications in spellwork, crystals that would likely work well with each runes energy, and a guided meditation through the different meanings of each. it also includes sections discussing galdr, carving the runes, and example rites to practice runic magic that will build strength and experience for the reader if they are new to the runes. in all i find this book to be invaluable. i cannot recommend it highly enough.

This book is wonderful. this focuses on the runes , but has a large wealth of other wisdom. I recomend this to any one intersed in northen Magick or just magick at all.

Teutonic Magic is a comprehensive guide to the runes as a system of magic and includes background information on Norse magic and culture which is not readily available elsewhere. The guided meditations for each rune are especially excellent. The book is readable and manages esoteric concepts in an unusually available form. Highly recommended