The Runes Workbook: A Step-By-Step Guide to Learning the Wisdom of the Staves

by Leon D. Wild

Runes are not only a writing system used by some of the ancient Germanic peoples-they are also known as the Mysteries. Carved on wood, metal or stone, the rune staves (or stones) are a powerful divinatory tool, and are steeped in a rich folkloric tradition. The Runes Workbook provides illustrations throughout and a fascinating insight into these Mysteries including the history of the Runes, the significance of the runic poems and runic literature, the meanings of the individual staves, and methods for runic divination. The Runes Workbook also explores the connections between the Runes, mythology, archaeology and magic, and provides an insight into runic psychology for beginner and devotee alike.

Genres: Divination, Witchcraft, Reference, Paganism, Occult, Nonfiction, Magick

196 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is neither especially original nor especially detailed or well-researched. In spite of that, or perhaps because of it, it makes a good introduction to its subject matter for those with little or no background in it. Leon Wild is, as it states on the inside cover flap, a member of the Rune-Gild, run by Stephen Flowers (AKA Edred Thorsson, the name he used in writing the Introduction to this book), and his view of the Runes is directly derived from the work of Dr. Flowers. In fact, this could be seen as a greatly-simplified synthesis of Flowers’ work to the date of publication, and in that sense it probably appeals to a wider audience than its source material. The book is designed and written to appeal to a less-educated “New Age” audience than most of Flowers’ books, which tend to be written to a higher intellectual standard and more explicit about the “dark” side of Norse mythology and magical practice.

If it sounds like I’m saying that Wild has “dumbed-down” Flowers’ work, I suppose there’s some truth in that, but I still found it useful, myself. I have the education and intelligence to read and understand Flowers’ writings, but from a practical point of view I actually found this a more valuable work. Wild gives a highly practical program for self-led work, where Flowers more practical guides are based on a more integrated experience, with some kind of School like the Rune-Gild necessary to provide feedback, guidance, and motivation. Wild may be simplifying things, but he does not present the Runes as a simple fortune-telling device devoid of deeper meaning. He integrates them into a progressive life-work he defines as “initiation,” in which (to quote Don Webb), “the aim of Magic is to transform the Magician.” The only caution I would give is that such transformation does not always take magicians in the direction they anticipate, though it is always based upon the inner strengths (or inner demons) they bring with them as they begin

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is perfect for the beginner and advanced rune worker. It even tells how to put each aspect of each rune into your life with lessons and assignments to do. It's excellent. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about runes.

[The Magician ☀️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for sharing your precious knowledge with us, Leon.
One of the greatest work books on the ethereal world of Runes.
Reyn Til Runa!

[Zee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked how much knowledge about the runes there was in this book. It seemed really informed, but I also felt like Wild assumed that I, as the reader, already had more of an understanding of the Runes than I did. I felt like there was next to no information about how to actually work with the runes and do divination or rune-combinations, and at parts it honestly seemed the like author was withholding information for one reason or another. Maybe that's just me, but I dunno. It didn't sit well with me.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent book for learning how to read Runes. It's difficult to use by itself. I would definitely recommend also having another book with Rune definitions and interpreations to go along with this one.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very clear overview of the Elder Futhark, complete with all the Rune Poems and brilliant illustrations. Looks campy, but this is actually quite good.

[Lugdag Severino · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful book with very good information