Nordic Runes

A comprehensive and practical guide to the ancient oracle based on the runic alphabet of the Norse • Reveals the symbolism and divinatory significance of the 24 rune "staves" • Provides clear instructions on how to craft your own rune stones • Explains the role of runes in the Norse wisdom tradition and its influence on such works as Tolkien's Lord of the Rings Nordic runes are a potent and profoundly transformative magic system that gives contemporary readers access to the ancient wisdom tradition of Northern European cultures. The runes have deep resonances within the pagan Norse world of gods and goddesses, giants, dwarves, warriors, and wizards, which have greatly influenced the work of J.R.R. Tolkien, among others. Norse tradition attributes the discovery of the runes to the "All-Father" Odin--a god of inspiration and secret wisdom and the mythical prototype for runecasters, who established the pattern for gaining his knowledge.