From Paxson’s introduction I was able to gather three things: (1) she is open to receiving insights from all valuable sources; (2) it does not matter who you are, the Runes can be a blessing to everyone; (3) while tradition is essential to gaining a solid foundation, in the end it is most important to embody the Runes and discover one’s own Path through them. All that works for me.
I’ve come across a few lists that state, Taking up the Runes is the best beginner’s book on Runes. I do not agree with that. While Paxson’s book covers most everything a person needs to know to begin working with the Runes, the information is spread out throughout her book which makes it difficult to see the bigger picture when starting off. I suggest
Nordic Runes: Understanding, Casting, and Interpreting the Ancient Viking Oracle
by Mountfort to be the best beginner’s book, not only because he gives the bigger picture but also because he helps the reader understand the differences between the traditional and modern perspectives.
As for beginner/intermediate books on Rune magic, I would definitely say this is one of the best. Every Rune has one or more rituals/meditations that the reader can work with in order to help them tap into the Runic energies and experience their power. The second half of her book is filled with rituals, which, while a little bit too ritualistic for my taste, were still beautiful and amazing.
What both Mountfort and Paxson have in common is their integration of myths and stories of the gods as they relate to each Rune. In this regard I would say Paxson’s stories had more impact on me and were more relevant than Mountfort’s. Although, they did share different myths which makes both of them valuable in that regards.
To give an example, Mountfort mentions Audumla as a relevant myth to relate with Fehu while Paxson give us the story of Sigfried and verses 78-79 from the Havamal. Because Fehu deals with cattle, and one could say, cows in general, Audumla fits, but Paxton gives us the story of Sigfried and how that is a lesson on money’s corrupting power and then backs it up with a quote from the Havamal. Paxson’s two quotes helped expound upon the three Runic poems in a way that brought the message home.
While there are many things that stand out in Paxson’s book, it was her amazing suggestions on how the Runes work together and for what purpose they could be applied to that was really inspiring and practical to me. Practical in the sense that it not only helps us understand different facets of each Rune, but also gives us a means to invite the Runic energies into our lives. That alone makes the book worth reading.
One thing to consider with Paxson’s book is that it is set up as a yearlong group study course. Paxson has many suggestions on how to go about each study group, what to include, rituals to undertake, discussions to have, and a host of other great ideas. All of which were beautiful and powerful. I will definitely utilize some of her suggestions when I host a study group of my own.
All and all this is a book I suggest every Rune student should have. It’s definitely worth the price in my opinion.
This is the sixth book on my suggested Rune Reading List:
1. The Complete Illustrated Guide to Runes by Nigel Pennick
2. Way of the Runes by Bernard King
3. Runes: Reading the Past by R.I Page
4. Runelore: A Handbook of Esoteric Runology by Edred Thorsson
5. Nordic Runes by Paul Rhys Mountfort
6. Taking up the Runes Diana L Paxson
7. Runecaster’s Handbook Edred Thorsson
8. Poetic Edda by either Hollander, Crawford, or Larrington
9. Prose Edda by Jesse L. Byock
10. Hávamál Meditations: Embodying Oðinn’s Teachings by Frodi Ingsson (forthcoming)
11. Runes of Transformation by Kaedrich Olsen
12. Helrunar by Jan Fries
13. Runes and Magic by Stephen E. Flowers
14. Rune Yoga: Embodying the Runic Energies by Frodi Ingsson (forthcoming)
15. Rune Workings: Meditations and Rituals by Frodi Ingsson (forthcoming)
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