The Book of Runes: A Handbook for the Use of an Ancient Oracle: The Viking Runes with Stones: 10th Anniversary Edition [SPECIAL EDITION] (Hardcover)

by Ralph H. Blum (Author) "The purpose of this book is to reintroduce an ancient Oracle, the Runes..." (more)
Key Phrases: Spiritual Warrior, Cycle Runes, Destiny Profile (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"The Runes are one of the world's greatest spiritual resources. They always speak to us from the depths of our own hearts." --Marianne Williamson, author of A Return to Love

"A guidepost for our dark and troubled times." --Seattle Times

"Its wisdom is remarkable." --San Francisco Chronicle
-- Review

Review

"The Runes are one of the world's greatest spiritual resources. They always speak to us from the depths of our own hearts." --Marianne Williamson, author of A Return to Love

"A guidepost for our dark and troubled times." --Seattle Times

"Its wisdom is remarkable." --San Francisco Chronicle

See all Editorial Reviews

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Product Details Hardcover: 160 pages Publisher: St. Martin's Press; 10th Anniversary edition edition (August 15, 1993) Language: English ISBN-10: 0312097581 ISBN-13: 978-0312097585 Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.3 x 1.2 inches Shipping Weight: 2 pounds Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (99 customer reviews) Amazon.com Sales Rank: #29,285 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books) Popular in these categories: (What's this?) #1 in  Books > Religion & Spirituality > New Age > Divination > Runes #20 in  Books > Religion & Spirituality > Occult > Occultism #90 in  Books > Religion & Spirituality > Occult > Parapsychology

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First Sentence:
The purpose of this book is to reintroduce an ancient Oracle, the Runes. Read the first page

Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Spiritual Warrior, Cycle Runes, Destiny Profile, Cycle of Initiation, Rune Play, Viking Runes, Unified Self, New York, Will of Heaven, Five Rune Spread, Martin's Press, Samuel Weiser, Warrior Rune, Aquarian Press, Future Incarnation, Knowing Self, Laguz Reversed, Manchester University Press, The Cross, York Beach

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Citations (learn more)

This book cites 31 books:

• The book of runes by Ralph Blum in Front Matter (1), and Front Matter (2)
• The Way of Wyrd by Brian Bates on page 152
• A History of the Vikings by Gwyn Jones on page 153
• The Lord of the Rings (Vol 1) by J.R.R. Tolkien on page 19
• The Vikings in Britain (Historical Association Studies) by Henry Loyn on page 154

See all 31 books this book cites

 

1 book cites this book:

• The Book of Divination by Ann Fiery in Back Matter

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What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

	58% buy the item featured on this page: The Book of Runes: A Handbook for the Use of an Ancient Oracle: The Viking Runes with Stones: 10th Anniversary Edition 3.3 out of 5 stars (99)
	19% buy The Book of Runes, 25th Anniversary Edition 3.7 out of 5 stars (7) $23.10
	9% buy A Practical Guide to the Runes: Their Uses in Divination and Magic (Llewellyn's New Age) 3.8 out of 5 stars (34) $6.99
	7% buy Stone Runes 3.0 out of 5 stars (1) $10.85

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Customer Reviews

99 Reviews 5 star:  (45) 4 star:  (10) 3 star:  (8) 2 star:  (4) 1 star:  (32)           Average Customer Review 3.3 out of 5 stars (99 customer reviews)		Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews 107 of 122 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars A Good Place To Start, November 22, 2000 By  Linda J. Barrett (Tempe, AZ USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    I discovered this little book about 8 years ago, at a time in my life when I needed to seek answers from deep within myself. I had tried the Tarot and several other methods of divination, but none of them really clicked with me. However, I immediately felt comfortable with the runes and Ralph Blums book on the subject. Now, as you read some of the other reviews, you will find several people who truly detest Mr. Blum's work and see it as an affront to "true runic masters". That's all well and good, but I would guess that the vast majority of people contemplating purchasing this book are anything but runic masters and just want a written source that will give them a good start. If you are one of those individuals, then this is the book for you. As for the rune stones themselves...okay, they are not works of art, but they serve the purpose...and in the end, that is all that matters. Yes, you undoubtably will want to make your own at some point, but probably not in the beginning, and that's fine. These little stones, as crude as they may be, will do the trick. I have found great wisdom in the messages of these runes and a greater understanding of my own inner world. This book is a great tool in the quest for spiritual awakening. I have recently felt the need for a more in depth understanding of the runes and have discovered Edred Thorsson's books on the subject. He is definitely a runic master of the highest order and I would recommend him to anyone who already has an understanding of the rune stones and is ready to move to another level. But, Mr. Blum's book is an excellent resource as well and I wouldn't hesitate for a moment in recommending it. 49 of 59 people found the following review helpful: 3.0 out of 5 stars A controversial book, November 19, 2000 By  "cybercorpse" (Granada Hills, CA United States) - See all my reviews Blum's book was my first exposure to "nordic" runes. I bought it after being intrigued seeing one of the Irish character's on the TV show Earth Final Conflict using runes. My girlfriend had just bought her own set and commented that she had "played" with them many years ago and found them enlightening. I was intrigued. I enjoyed the book, and it was a very easy read. As all others have written it comes with a bag and the rune stones (ceramic). The stones are brittle, and I actually broke one pulling it out of the plastic shipping case, so I advise caution handling them. Web searches and Dejanews searches of runes find much criticism about Blum and his interpretations. I'd like to give my thoughts on some of the critiques: I didn't notice a heavy Christian slant into his interpretations of the meanings, but I haven't read the references most of the naysayers cite as being better. Any spiritual undertaking must be a personal journey, and I believe that if there is any truth to any of the many methods available (tarot, numerology, astrology, runes, i-ching, even prayer to a god) that our own personal psyche and psychic influences play into the journey. With Blum's interpretations as all I know for reading runes, I believe that my own guides on my journey influence the runes drawn and placed to meet the interprations that are appropriate for me. (Example, on the same reading, if I told myself that I would be using Blum's interpretations I would draw a different set of runes than if I were to state up front that I would use some more traditional meanings.) Do the naysayers really place so little faith in the power of runes that they would believe that whatever power influences them would allow a misinterpretation simply because we'd read Blums' book? I've found rune reading to be earily accurate. Just yesterday afternoon, after having not used the runes in almost a year, I did a reading to see if an event I would be going to was going to be an enjoyable. The runes indicated that I would not have a good time at the event. They were correct! (No, I didn't let the old self-fulfilling prophecy ruin my evening! I didn't even get to attend the event, since my date got ill and cancelled our attendance! Spooky, huh?) Why three stars for my rating? The quality of the stones is just a bit lacking, and the heavy controversy over Blum is just too much to ignore. A first time rune user can't beat the deal of getting the runes included, but if you're using the internet for support in your learning process, you're bound to get much more help if you use more traditional sources. 11 of 11 people found the following review helpful: 1.0 out of 5 stars A piece of recent history, April 6, 2007 By  S. Plowright (Sydney, NSW Australia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    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 the highest selling rune book, 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		Ad feedback   Most Recent Customer Reviews 5.0 out of 5 stars The Book Of Runes When I started to learn about the runes, this was the first set I ever saw. The runes themself are made of clay and I have had no problems with them breaking. Read more Published 21 days ago by Igor Blackrain 5.0 out of 5 stars the book of runes ordered one from another company which I never received, I had no problems with company it was fast...NO PROBLEMS! Read more Published 1 month ago by cheryl the artist 1.0 out of 5 stars Not worth the money I purchased this item at my local Barnes & Noble. There was supposed to be a bag that held the runes and there was none and am missing a rune. Read more Published 2 months ago by moojay 5.0 out of 5 stars Good, solid guidance I've owned this version for over a year, and I can say that not only is the writing beautiful, it is insightful and accurate. Read more Published 7 months ago by SfoBuddha 5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent source for beginners. I originally bought this when I was curious about divination, as other forms of divination didn't seem to be worth the trouble that it took to try to become good with them. Read more Published 11 months ago by Mark Drake 5.0 out of 5 stars Startlingly Accurate This is the first rune deck that I purchased. I had read tarot & oracle cards in the past with success, so I was skeptical whether this type of divination would prove beneficial... Read more Published 13 months ago by Mermaid Out of Water 4.0 out of 5 stars The Book of Runes Very interesting and exposing insights into oneself on this journey of transparency. The ancients have very much to teach. Published 18 months ago by Bill Goebel 1.0 out of 5 stars Blum's Book of Runes Indeed; someone else here mentioned that Blum is a treasure trove of MISinformation. This book is terrible. I'm another one who would give it 0 stars if possible. Read more Published 19 months ago by Sionan 5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best this is hands down of the best books on Runes out there... simple straight forward... love it! Published 19 months ago by H. Hawkes 5.0 out of 5 stars Show and Tell I have read the Book of Runes written by Ralph H. Blum. I found the runic meanings and explanations to be concise and easy to understand. Read more Published 21 months ago by Torie Search Customer Reviews Only search this product's reviews

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press; 10th Anniversary edition edition (August 15, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312097581
• ISBN-13: 978-0312097585
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (99 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #29,285 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #1 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > New Age > Divination > Runes
  #20 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Occult > Occultism
  #90 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Occult > Parapsychology

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

107 of 122 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Good Place To Start, November 22, 2000

By	Linda J. Barrett (Tempe, AZ USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I discovered this little book about 8 years ago, at a time in my life when I needed to seek answers from deep within myself. I had tried the Tarot and several other methods of divination, but none of them really clicked with me. However, I immediately felt comfortable with the runes and Ralph Blums book on the subject. Now, as you read some of the other reviews, you will find several people who truly detest Mr. Blum's work and see it as an affront to "true runic masters". That's all well and good, but I would guess that the vast majority of people contemplating purchasing this book are anything but runic masters and just want a written source that will give them a good start. If you are one of those individuals, then this is the book for you. As for the rune stones themselves...okay, they are not works of art, but they serve the purpose...and in the end, that is all that matters. Yes, you undoubtably will want to make your own at some point, but probably not in the beginning, and that's fine. These little stones, as crude as they may be, will do the trick. I have found great wisdom in the messages of these runes and a greater understanding of my own inner world. This book is a great tool in the quest for spiritual awakening. I have recently felt the need for a more in depth understanding of the runes and have discovered Edred Thorsson's books on the subject. He is definitely a runic master of the highest order and I would recommend him to anyone who already has an understanding of the rune stones and is ready to move to another level. But, Mr. Blum's book is an excellent resource as well and I wouldn't hesitate for a moment in recommending it.

49 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A controversial book, November 19, 2000

By	"cybercorpse" (Granada Hills, CA United States) - See all my reviews

Blum's book was my first exposure to "nordic" runes. I bought it after being intrigued seeing one of the Irish character's on the TV show Earth Final Conflict using runes. My girlfriend had just bought her own set and commented that she had "played" with them many years ago and found them enlightening. I was intrigued.

I enjoyed the book, and it was a very easy read. As all others have written it comes with a bag and the rune stones (ceramic). The stones are brittle, and I actually broke one pulling it out of the plastic shipping case, so I advise caution handling them.

Web searches and Dejanews searches of runes find much criticism about Blum and his interpretations. I'd like to give my thoughts on some of the critiques:

I didn't notice a heavy Christian slant into his interpretations of the meanings, but I haven't read the references most of the naysayers cite as being better. Any spiritual undertaking must be a personal journey, and I believe that if there is any truth to any of the many methods available (tarot, numerology, astrology, runes, i-ching, even prayer to a god) that our own personal psyche and psychic influences play into the journey. With Blum's interpretations as all I know for reading runes, I believe that my own guides on my journey influence the runes drawn and placed to meet the interprations that are appropriate for me. (Example, on the same reading, if I told myself that I would be using Blum's interpretations I would draw a different set of runes than if I were to state up front that I would use some more traditional meanings.) Do the naysayers really place so little faith in the power of runes that they would believe that whatever power influences them would allow a misinterpretation simply because we'd read Blums' book?

I've found rune reading to be earily accurate. Just yesterday afternoon, after having not used the runes in almost a year, I did a reading to see if an event I would be going to was going to be an enjoyable. The runes indicated that I would not have a good time at the event. They were correct! (No, I didn't let the old self-fulfilling prophecy ruin my evening! I didn't even get to attend the event, since my date got ill and cancelled our attendance! Spooky, huh?)

Why three stars for my rating? The quality of the stones is just a bit lacking, and the heavy controversy over Blum is just too much to ignore. A first time rune user can't beat the deal of getting the runes included, but if you're using the internet for support in your learning process, you're bound to get much more help if you use more traditional sources.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars A piece of recent history, April 6, 2007

By	S. Plowright (Sydney, NSW Australia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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 the highest selling rune book, 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