Pathways of the Runes

Odin's Gateways: A Practical Guide To The Wisdom Of The Runes Through Galdr, Sigils And Casting by Katie Gerrard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

To receive the knowledge of the Runes Odin hung upside down for 9 days and had one of his eyes pecked out by a raven. At least that is how the legend goes. In reality the Runes were developed by the Northern Europeans and spread over the England. Three Runic alphabets developed Futhark, Futhork and Elder Furthark. This book focuses on the Elder Futhark.

Author Katie Gerard had worked with the Runes for well over ten years before she decided to write this book. At the books beginning there is a brief description of the history. After discussing the history she discusses some of the giants in the Rune world. Most notable are Freya Aswynn, Edred Flowers and Ralph Blum. The author gives some time to the debate of the blank Rune which Ralph Blum is a proponent of. After giving some back and forth over the issue in the end the reader is left to make the decision for them self. Katie also believes that the spiritual seeker should allow the runes to convey their own meaning and lessons rather then relying on so many books.

The meat of the book deals with the Runes themselves. This section is very concise and to the point. It is also very thorough. Each rune is given ample explanation of it's meaning, life lesson and how to use it in spellcraft.The reader is also given guidance in how to pronounce the rune as well. This is something that can be referred to many times over.

The final part of the book give over information on how to make runes, use bind runes and some specific spells. Any material can be used for making runes. One can use clay, wood or stones. The actual rune letters should be painted in red. In ancient times they were painted in blood. Now a days you can just add a drop of your own blood if you find that really necessary.

This most like one of the best books on the runes that I have read. It is simple and to the point like Norse Magic itself.

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