When I was 18 I bought a set of runes from a local metaphysical bookstore. They came with a book called “The Book of Runes” by Ralph Blum. This was my introduction to what would eventually become my divinatory medium of choice.
Along the way I tried other systems – tarot, animal totem cards, etc. – but didn’t connect with them like I did with the Runes. Though beautiful and fascinating to behold, I found the tarot too complicated and slightly intimidating. The animal totem cards were less intimidating, but still didn’t quite “click” with me. It was in the simple beauty of the Runes I found my preferred vehicle for personal growth, and have used them daily or near-daily for the last 15 years.
In addition to using the Runes for my own growth, I enjoy helping others grow by providing psychic readings. I first began giving readings about 10 years ago in the small metaphysical book store I owned at the time.
It is by drawing on this experience and countless hours of meditation that I offer my interpretations of the Elder Futhark Runes. These interpretations may at times be at odds with popular wisdom. For those concerned by this, I invite you to consider that like everything else in our reality, few things can pigeon-holed as “one or the other.” I also invite every visitor to use her/his own discernment when reading what I’ve put forth, and to keep those words that resound with truth and discard the rest.
The problem with Ralph Blum is that he puts the runes in completely the wrong order. There are reasons that the first Aett is fehu – uruz – thurisaz – ansuz – raidho – kenaz – gebo – wunjo. There are reasons that the second Aett is hagalaz – nauthiz – isa – jera – eihwaz – perthro – algiz – suwelo. There are reasons that the third Aett is teiwaz – berkano – ehwaz – mannaz – laguz – inguz – othila – dagaz.
The Runes are, after all, the divine mysteries of the Northern path, much like the 20 Mysteries of the Catholic Holy Rosary are the mysteries of that faith. I am working on developing a runic rosary myself.
Edred Thorsson (Dr. Stephen Flowers) is a MUCH, MUCH better writer to look to when it comes to rune information.
mysticheart,
Ralph Blum was a good place for me to start building my runic knowledge base, but I agree that some of his ideology doesn’t quite “gel.” I’ve recently come in contact with Dr. Stephen Flowers’ work, and see reading what he’s written on the subject as a great next step in my learning process.
A runic rosary? That sounds fascinating! Would you be willing to share more about how you’re crafting it, perhaps as a guest author here on Under A Violet Sun?
Drop me an e-mail if so: rune (dot) player (at) gmail (dot) com.
Thanks again for stopping by today.