Runes: Theory and Practice

by Galina Krasskova

Runes: Theory and Practice provides a thorough examination of the Norse runes. It will enable a beginner to delve effectively into their usage, but will also challenge the experienced rune-worker to better and deepen his or her understanding of these mysteries. Runes: Theory and Practice begins with an explication of the story of Odin, the Norse god who won the runes by sacrificing himself on the World Tree. It continues by examining each of the individual runes in turn, both the Elder Futhark and the lesser-known Anglo-Saxon Futhorc. Each rune is studied not only from a historical viewpoint, but also from the perspective of a modern practitioner. You will be introduced to the practice of galdr, the proper way to sacrifice to the runes, their magical usage, and the art of reading for divination. Most importantly, Runes: Theory and Practice specifically addresses the runes as living spirits and provides guidance on developing a working relationship with these otherworldly allies.

Genres: Nonfiction, Paganism, Spirituality

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

I'm a poet, polytheist, theologian and the majority of my writing is religious, of one flavor or another. I've written over twenty books covering a broad range of topics within contemporary Heathenry (Norse/Germanic polytheism), several devotionals (including a couple to Greco-Roman Deities), and I've edited several anthologies. I'm the managing editor of "Walking the Worlds" journal, the first peer reviewed journal focusing on issues of interest to polytheists and I maintain a blog at http://krasskova.wordpress.com. I cause a lot of trouble. LOL.

When I'm not writing (and causing trouble), I'm slogging my way through graduate school, round three. I currently hold a Masters in Religious Studies, worked for six years in a Phd program in Classics, hold a Masters in Medieval Studies, and I'm currently in my third year of PhD work in Theology.

I'm also an artist - acrylic and watercolor, some photography. Despite rumors to the contrary, I don't bite and I'm usually happy to answer any questions. ;)

Reviews

[House Hesson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not the typical rune book; the author is coming from a shamanistic perspective in which the runes are living spirits with whom one might have a relationship. Krasskova also includes the runes added in the Anglo-Saxon Futhorc and the Northumbrian rune row, for which we've been able to find scant other information. She writes at length about the relationship between the runes, blood offering, and ordeal: things that were already in the forefront of our collective mind when we found this book. It's as if it appeared in response to a wish we hadn't even articulated yet.

This book is mainly UPG but useful at least as food for thought - and for us, much more useful than that.

-Vaul

[SA · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not the book I thought I was borrowing! I thought I was getting an advanced language book on Norse and Icelandic runes, but it was in fact a book on magical theory and practice for runeworkers. Despite being a different subject matter than I'd intended to read, Krasskova's book was nonetheless quite fascinating; I've never read material from contemporary rune casters (and I haven't read much about paganism and magic for many many years) but this lovely journey was a glimpse into another perspective. And a very intense study of an apparently intense practice.

[H.B. Pattskyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of five rune books I consider "must-haves". Concise, thoughtful, modern, historically sound... the author makes a distinction between "personal gnosis" and historical research and presents both in easily read, approachable writing. I marked it as "reading" because it's one of those books I'm always going back to. It spends very little time on my home bookshelf and has never had a chance to collect any dust.

[Rusty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Runes Theory & Practice is a very good book on Runes.

It gives good, detailed information on the Runes.

It has a good list of other books you can find information in, listed.

I very much enjoyed reading this book. I learned a great deal about the Runes from it.

Anyone considering taking up the Runes would benefit from reading this book.

[Min · Rating 3 out of 5]

A highly idiosyncratic reading method, that she admits, from the beginning, that this is the result of individual work with meditation, galdr, and practice.
This offers new insights and ideas for new readers. I appreciate the addtion of the Anglo Saxon runes, as well. A few techniques for spreads are offered mixed with chapters about divination, and magical work. The associations of Powers, as well as, conceptions, and objects helped me find new means to deepen my work.

[Samra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked some explanations but the whole repeatative blood to feed your runes thing is creepy

[Gerwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author has her own view on the runes, and explains that view in a good manner.