Synopses & Reviews
The ancient origins and divinatory power of the runes
• Uncovers the original divinatory meaning of each rune through the myths of its corresponding Norse god or goddess
• Includes beautiful full-color illustrations of the runic gods and goddesses
• Presents rune-casting spreads for divination and character analysis
• Explores the controversial history of runes from the Paleolithic Stone Age to today
Invented long before the appearance of the runic alphabet Futhark less than two thousand years ago, the runes were originally created as symbols for specific deities. Representing the twenty-four Norse gods and goddesses from the Vanir and Aesir pantheons, the runes provide a way to establish direct contact with the divine shapers of fate.
Based on the work of Austrian mystic and runologist Guido von List and anthropologist Marija Gimbutas as well as the oldest rune artifacts to survive from pre-Christian Europe, this book reveals the long history of runes from their appearances in Paleolithic cave paintings through their rechristening in Medieval times to their modern resurgence as a popular tool of divination. It uncovers the original names and divinatory meanings of each rune by exploring the myths, personality traits, astrological periods, identifying colors, and gemstones of the rune’s corresponding god or goddess. It also illustrates and explains five ancient rune-casting spreads used by Norse adepts for divination as well as character analysis. By renewing their link with the divine, Gods of the Runes shows how working with the runes can be a genuine mystical experience, enabling a personal connection with the gods and a rediscovery of their perennial truths.
Review
“At last we have a handy reference, lavishly illustrated, that tells the reader which god or goddess corresponds with which rune, for the entire Futhark. Gods of the Runes should be in every occultist’s library.” John Tiffany, editor of The Barnes Review
Review
“Fully illustrated, Mr. Joseph's work enables access to a personal connection with the 24 Norse deities, the Gods of the Runes. If your interests lie in this direction, I would highly recommend this book.” Inner Light Magazine, UK, January 2011
Review
“. . . Joseph has found something quite unique about the runes and their use in the modern world.” Living Traditions Magazine, January 2011
Review
“[Gods of the Runes] . . . gifts us, with a bold new understanding of the runes that resonates deeply with the primal spirituality from which they emerged. The system is easy to learn, a joy to work with and very rich in depth.” Thor the Barbarian, The Barbarian Chronicals, February 2011
Review
“It is always a pleasure to review works by Frank Joseph. In this case a double pleasure . . . Mr. Joseph brings a welcome new insight into runology due to his deep research into the origins of the symbols themselves, their names, and the Norse gods they embody in a compressed form. . .This work is enhanced by the exquisite illustrations of well-known fantasy artist Ian Daniels.” Jennifer Hoskins, New Dawn Magazine, May 2011
Review
“At last we have a handy reference, lavishly illustrated, that tells the reader which god or goddess corresponds with which rune, for the entire Futhark. Gods of the Runes should be in every occultist’s library.” < b=""> John Tiffany <> , editor of < i=""> The Barnes Review <>
Review
“Fully illustrated, Mr. Joseph's work enables access to a personal connection with the 24 Norse deities, the Gods of the Runes. If your interests lie in this direction, I would highly recommend this book.” < i=""> Inner Light Magazine <> , UK, January 2011
Review
“. . . Joseph has found something quite unique about the runes and their use in the modern world.” < i=""> Living Traditions Magazine <> , January 2011
Review
“[Gods of the Runes] . . . gifts us, with a bold new understanding of the runes that resonates deeply with the primal spirituality from which they emerged. The system is easy to learn, a joy to work with and very rich in depth.” < b=""> Thor the Barbarian <> , < i=""> The Barbarian Chronicals <> , February 2011
Review
“It is always a pleasure to review works by Frank Joseph. In this case a double pleasure . . . Mr. Joseph brings a welcome new insight into runology due to his deep research into the origins of the symbols themselves, their names, and the Norse gods they embody in a compressed form. . .This work is enhanced by the exquisite illustrations of well-known fantasy artist Ian Daniels.” < b=""> Jennifer Hoskins <> , < i=""> New Dawn Magazine <> , May 2011
Review
“Frank Joseph’s Gods of the Runes: The Divine Shapers of Fate is a charming and unconventional introduction to runes. Joseph explores the celestial origins of the runes by revealing the major myths of the twenty-four Norse Gods and Goddesses on which the runes are based. Each rune’s God or Goddess is introduced with an engaging story displaying their personalities and key attributes. Ian Daniels provides stunning illustrations of each God or Goddess, including eight full color illustrations, deepen your understanding of this ancient art.” Witches' Almanac, December 2013
Synopsis
This book reveals the rich history of runes since their appearance in Paleolithic times. It uncovers the original meanings, myths, traits, astrological periods, colors, and gemstones of each rune's corresponding god or goddess. Includes beautiful full-color illustrations.
About the Author
Frank Joseph was the editor in chief of andlt;Iandgt;Ancient Americanandlt;/Iandgt; magazine from 1993 until 2009 and is the author of many books, including andlt;Iandgt;Atlantis and 2012andlt;/Iandgt;, andlt;Iandgt;Advanced Civilizations of Prehistoric Americaandlt;/Iandgt;, andlt;Iandgt;The Destruction of Atlantisandlt;/Iandgt;, and andlt;Iandgt;Survivors of Atlantisandlt;/Iandgt;. He lives in Minnesota. Ian Daniels has been a professional fantasy painter and illustrator since 1995 and lives in Kent, England.
Table of Contents
Foreword The Runes Are Spiritual Touchstones by Von Braschler
Introduction
Connecting with the God Energy of the Runes
1 Rune Quest: Exploring Methods of Divination
2 Runic Origins: Older than Suspected
3 Frija, the Queen of Heaven
4 Ullr, the Glorious One
5 Thor, the Protector
6 Aegir, the Oceanic God
7 Ran, Goddess of the Sea
8 Kvasir, the Divine Inspirer
9 Gefion, the Sacred Benefactor
10 Vidar, Conqueror of Doom
11 Heimdall, He of the Echoing Horn
12 Njord, the Needful
13 Iduna, Gatherer of Golden Apples
14 Jordegumma, the Old Woman of the Earth
15 Eir, Wolf Mother
16 Perchta, Keeper of Secrets
17 Odin, All-Father
18 Sif, the Golden-Haired
19 Tyr, War God
20 Balder, the Deathless
21 Erda, Earth Mother
22 Mardal-Freya, Goddess of Sexual Romance
23 Loki, the Trickster
24 Yngvi-Freyr, Patron of Increase and Prosperity
25 Donar, Cloud Drummer
26 Ostara, Goddess of Spring
27 Current and Past-Life Rune Readings Using the Runes of the Gods
Notes
Bibliography
Index