What do you think?
Rate this book
Odin's Gateways: A Practical Guide To The Wisdom Of The Runes Through Galdr, Sigils And Casting
“The runes you must find … Which the mighty sage stained and the powerful gods made and the runemaster of the gods carved out.” (The Poetic Edda, translated by C. Larrington)
The runes are mysterious and powerful magical keys to the primal forces of nature that shaped Norse and Northern European culture. These twenty-four unique and inspiring symbols of the Elder Futhark (first runic alphabet) each possess powerful energies, identities, meanings, and sounds. The runes are invoked and harnessed to create change through inspiration, healing, protection, knowledge and divine wisdom from the Norse gods.
Odin’s Gateways is a practical guide to using the runes in our lives, in magic and in divination – a unique journey into the mysteries hidden within the runes, filled with the information and practices necessary to developing a deep personal understanding and relationship with them. By focusing on how to directly harness and channel the energy of the individual runes, the author guides the reader along the path to self knowledge and empowerment. With a deft hand and lucid style, Katie Gerrard cuts to the heart of the runes, combining the wisdom of the Norse Sagas and Rune Poems with practical advice and techniques gained through living and experiencing their powers.
The practical magic of the runes is demonstrated through numerous examples of Galdr (incantation), bindrunes (composite runic sigils) and spellcraft for purposes such as protection, healing, childbirth, creating a sacred space, fertility, sleep, battle and cursing. The divinatory meanings of the runes are given, with a range of different reading methods, and advice on how to cast and interpret them. Woven among the manifold techniques and practices contained in her work, the author also explores the history of rune use, providing the highlights from Tacitus and Snorri Sturluson to the modern European and American rune masters who have revived their use.
"Odin’s Gateways is a practical guide to using the runes in our lives, in magic and in divination – a unique journey into the mysteries hidden within the runes, filled with the information and practices necessary to developing a deep personal understanding and relationship with them. With a deft hand and lucid style, Katie Gerrard cuts to the heart of the runes, combining the wisdom of the Norse Sagas and rune poems with practical advice and techniques gained through living and experiencing their powers."
The runes are mysterious and powerful magical keys to the primal forces of nature that shaped Norse and Northern European culture. These twenty-four unique and inspiring symbols of the Elder Futhark (first runic alphabet) each possess powerful energies, identities, meanings, and sounds. The runes are invoked and harnessed to create change through inspiration, healing, protection, knowledge and divine wisdom from the Norse gods.
Odin’s Gateways is a practical guide to using the runes in our lives, in magic and in divination – a unique journey into the mysteries hidden within the runes, filled with the information and practices necessary to developing a deep personal understanding and relationship with them. By focusing on how to directly harness and channel the energy of the individual runes, the author guides the reader along the path to self knowledge and empowerment. With a deft hand and lucid style, Katie Gerrard cuts to the heart of the runes, combining the wisdom of the Norse Sagas and Rune Poems with practical advice and techniques gained through living and experiencing their powers.
The practical magic of the runes is demonstrated through numerous examples of Galdr (incantation), bindrunes (composite runic sigils) and spellcraft for purposes such as protection, healing, childbirth, creating a sacred space, fertility, sleep, battle and cursing. The divinatory meanings of the runes are given, with a range of different reading methods, and advice on how to cast and interpret them. Woven among the manifold techniques and practices contained in her work, the author also explores the history of rune use, providing the highlights from Tacitus and Snorri Sturluson to the modern European and American rune masters who have revived their use.
"Odin’s Gateways is a practical guide to using the runes in our lives, in magic and in divination – a unique journey into the mysteries hidden within the runes, filled with the information and practices necessary to developing a deep personal understanding and relationship with them. With a deft hand and lucid style, Katie Gerrard cuts to the heart of the runes, combining the wisdom of the Norse Sagas and rune poems with practical advice and techniques gained through living and experiencing their powers."
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2009
179 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Katie Gerrard
10 books26 followersKatie Gerrard is a writer, researcher and workshop facilitator with a passion for the magic of Seidr and the Runes. She has been studying the different forms of Norse magic and working with the Norse Gods since discovering them in the 1990s, when she was at university in West Wales.
Katie lectures and facilitates workshops at national and international events on esoteric subjects, as well as facilitating developmental and employment coaching workshops at a London adult education college.
Katie is the author of Odin’s Gateways (about working with the runes, Avalonia, 2009) and the new book Seidr: The Gate is Open (about Seidr and Northern Tradition magical techniques, Avalonia, 2011), both published by Avalonia Books. An essay on the High Seat Rite written by Katie Gerrard appeared in the Avalonia anthology ‘Priestesses, Pythonesses, Sibyls ‘ edited by Sorita d’Este (Avalonia, 2008); and also in Vs. an anthology on magical and mythological duality edited by Kim Huggens (Avalonia, 2011).
She also regularly hosts Seidr and other Seer and Norse Rite within the London area.
Katie also enjoys creative pursuits such as fashion design, sewing, and various handicrafts. She lives in London with her husband, daughter, and fat idiot cat.
Katie lectures and facilitates workshops at national and international events on esoteric subjects, as well as facilitating developmental and employment coaching workshops at a London adult education college.
Katie is the author of Odin’s Gateways (about working with the runes, Avalonia, 2009) and the new book Seidr: The Gate is Open (about Seidr and Northern Tradition magical techniques, Avalonia, 2011), both published by Avalonia Books. An essay on the High Seat Rite written by Katie Gerrard appeared in the Avalonia anthology ‘Priestesses, Pythonesses, Sibyls ‘ edited by Sorita d’Este (Avalonia, 2008); and also in Vs. an anthology on magical and mythological duality edited by Kim Huggens (Avalonia, 2011).
She also regularly hosts Seidr and other Seer and Norse Rite within the London area.
Katie also enjoys creative pursuits such as fashion design, sewing, and various handicrafts. She lives in London with her husband, daughter, and fat idiot cat.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 14, 2012
I just picked up reading at page 67 where I left off when I realized that I finished it last month and put it down to ponder. Yikes, I'm losing my mind!
I bought this book because I am drawn to things Norse ... Asatru, the myths, the values, the fighting, Norse seafaring, Norse influence on Britain ... if it's Norse I probably either LIKE it or LOVE it.
But this books sucks the big one! Perhaps the runes are the only thing Norse that bores me or perhaps it the author's presentation. Is it New-agey? Or spiritualist? Or just a load of crap?
Do I really believe that throwing some ancient letters on a flat surface and deciphering them has any bearing whatsoever on my life or anybody else's? I'm much more inclined to put my faith in the Flying Sphaghetti Monster.
Well this book is better than a kick in the teeth ... maybe.
I bought this book because I am drawn to things Norse ... Asatru, the myths, the values, the fighting, Norse seafaring, Norse influence on Britain ... if it's Norse I probably either LIKE it or LOVE it.
But this books sucks the big one! Perhaps the runes are the only thing Norse that bores me or perhaps it the author's presentation. Is it New-agey? Or spiritualist? Or just a load of crap?
Do I really believe that throwing some ancient letters on a flat surface and deciphering them has any bearing whatsoever on my life or anybody else's? I'm much more inclined to put my faith in the Flying Sphaghetti Monster.
Well this book is better than a kick in the teeth ... maybe.
June 10, 2012
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.
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.
March 4, 2014
If you know nothing about runes but are curious about them then I can definitely recommend you start with this book. It gives you a brief but detailed history of the runes. Enough to whet your appetite but not overpowering. It goes into how to put the runes to a practical use but without giving you the 'definition' of each rune. It is explained so well in the book that you must put your own interpretation on each rune, rather than just "this means that, and that means this". The Norse Gods and the mythology surrounding them also gets a brief but concise mention. Whoever said this book was "fluffy" and "new-agey" definitely hadn't read through as it is written in a very practical manner, with sources and appendices to back up what has been said.
Whether an accomplished rune-caster or just someone who wants to learn more about them and the various ways in which you can use them then I would highly recommend this book. Definitely one of the best on runes that I have read.
http://archaeolibrarianologist.blogsp...
Whether an accomplished rune-caster or just someone who wants to learn more about them and the various ways in which you can use them then I would highly recommend this book. Definitely one of the best on runes that I have read.
http://archaeolibrarianologist.blogsp...
February 3, 2012
A good book for the beginner and intermediate student of the runes.
After reading the book I concluded that the author knows its trade, all along the pages you can see that she can take you to the real depths of the runic knowledge. However, she prefers to stay on the known path and only shares the basic knowledge. She cites a lot of the good and bad authors as if looking for some backing. This in the end makes a great starting book and a kind of bland intermediate book for the student of the runes. The only part I consider she takes the challenge is with the Runescripts where she presents ideas I have not seen in other books.
I would love to open her head and really take a deep plunge into her mind which seems to be full of useful knowledge.
Gerardo
After reading the book I concluded that the author knows its trade, all along the pages you can see that she can take you to the real depths of the runic knowledge. However, she prefers to stay on the known path and only shares the basic knowledge. She cites a lot of the good and bad authors as if looking for some backing. This in the end makes a great starting book and a kind of bland intermediate book for the student of the runes. The only part I consider she takes the challenge is with the Runescripts where she presents ideas I have not seen in other books.
I would love to open her head and really take a deep plunge into her mind which seems to be full of useful knowledge.
Gerardo
January 25, 2021
Outstanding introduction into runework
MS. Gerrard takes a full and in depth look into the runes and their application in gauldr, divination and rune finding. She leaves much to be explored after her book, showing a true and in depth understanding as the runes are a path meant to be explored. She this path with you here. I would highly recommend this book for both new and old rune masters alike.
MS. Gerrard takes a full and in depth look into the runes and their application in gauldr, divination and rune finding. She leaves much to be explored after her book, showing a true and in depth understanding as the runes are a path meant to be explored. She this path with you here. I would highly recommend this book for both new and old rune masters alike.
March 11, 2019
An interesting look at the runes and how they can be used in pagan context. Some technical editing could have improved the book.
August 27, 2020
Easy to flip through for a beginner and has lots of examples of the meanings and how to interpret them.
December 22, 2011
I'm not entirely sure how to begin writing a quick review of a book on such a large subject. It's certainly a deeply felt, practical, clearly written guide to beginning working with Runes and Gerrard makes the most of more than a decade of carefully considered experiential wisdom. I'd have liked to seen a little more consideration of more modern secondary sources and I felt that she leaned too much on a couple of new age/pagan writers at times. There's a tension here which perhaps has more to do with me than the author but given her assessment of the runes as having to do with 'high', 'male' attributes (a can of worms she declines to address in any depth), I could have done with a bit more use of more scholarly sources instead of new age ones. I was also a bit puzzled by a Dante reference - the Inferno actually resonates with the images of Helheim and others of the Nine worlds surprisingly closely.
BUT this is all starting to sound a bit ungracious. This book has launched me on trying to engage more experientially with the whole area (simply reading about it is ultimately a bit lazy) and I'm finding it a reliable, helpful guide. Certainly I haven't found anything else out there with the same mix of practicality and well-thought through presentation of theory and activity.
BUT this is all starting to sound a bit ungracious. This book has launched me on trying to engage more experientially with the whole area (simply reading about it is ultimately a bit lazy) and I'm finding it a reliable, helpful guide. Certainly I haven't found anything else out there with the same mix of practicality and well-thought through presentation of theory and activity.
December 5, 2015
The third of the rune books I've recently read. I found this one more esoteric than the others and not quite as useful for what I was looking for as I was mainly interested in learning about the runes as historic and religious implements.
But others who are into casting the runes or using them in everyday life may find this book more useful. The Kindle version is not too pricey which was a big plus.
But others who are into casting the runes or using them in everyday life may find this book more useful. The Kindle version is not too pricey which was a big plus.
August 30, 2012
I was disappointed. Much too New Age.
I did appreciate her inclination toward using a rune cast as opposed to laying out a spread as is done in Tarot.
That's the best thing I can find to say about it.
I did appreciate her inclination toward using a rune cast as opposed to laying out a spread as is done in Tarot.
That's the best thing I can find to say about it.
October 5, 2016
A good book on the runes. Gerrad's work makes for a very readable introduction to a complex subject and is the perfect platform for the runer simply wishing to gain a basic understanding of the runes.
March 11, 2014
I like how the author takes the sagas along with the runes to teach them to you. There are a few extra things in the book was not for me, but is a part of learning the runes.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews