Teutonic Magic: The Magical & Spiritual Practices of the Germanic Peoples (Llewellyn's Teutonic Magick Series) [Paperback]

Kveldulf Gundarsson (Author)

Book Description

Series: Llewellyn's Teutonic Magick Series | Publication Date: January 8, 1990

The theory and practice of Teutonic magick, a style of magick of particular interest to anyone of Northern European descent. The focus of the book is primarily on the Elder Furhark, the magickal rune alphabet. Gundarsson explains runic divination, rune magick, rituals for carving rune-tines and more.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

xx --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications (January 8, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0875422918
• ISBN-13: 978-0875422916
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,091,462 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #67 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > New Age > Divination > Runes

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A classic--SOMEONE should reprint this!, June 21, 2000

By 

Ingeborg S. Nordén - See all my reviews

This review is from: Teutonic Magic: The Magical & Spiritual Practices of the Germanic Peoples (Llewellyn's Teutonic Magick Series) (Paperback)

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.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ...why do the best books go out of print?, October 22, 2002

By 

Rachel Watkins "Rachel Watkins" (Joshua, Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Teutonic Magic: The Magical & Spiritual Practices of the Germanic Peoples (Llewellyn's Teutonic Magick Series) (Paperback)

....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.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent practical application of runes in daily life., November 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Teutonic Magic: The Magical & Spiritual Practices of the Germanic Peoples (Llewellyn's Teutonic Magick Series) (Paperback)

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.