The Book of Runes: A Handbook for the Use of an Ancient Oracle, the Viking Runes

I love the book. However, the book overview states a set of 25 runes is included. I did not receive them so that is disappointing.

It's the only rune book that you'll ever need. It's the second time that I've owned it. Very easy to understand.

I have been an intuitive for years and years. I also am always seeking ways to connect to my higher Self. Blums Runes are incredible, as long as you know how to self-reflect. They are as deep as you, yourself, are, and give immediate insight to the issue and what is in the energy surrounding you at the time of the reading. Believe or don't believe, they work for me!

I put off getting The Book of Runes for years because I'd read some reviews that were highly critical of the non-traditional way they were set-up and used by Ralph Blum. But for a birthday gift, my husband let me choose whatever I wanted from our local bookstore and The Book of Runes finally found their way into my shopping basket as one of several items I chose that night. I absolutely do not regret my choice. I had studied the more traditional use of Runes in the past but had no trouble at all understanding what Ralph Blum has tried to accomplish with his newer take on the Runes. If you are a strict re-constructionist, yes, you may have problems with this set. But if you are like me, you may find that you appreciate someone offering a somewhat new interpretation on an ancient oracle. I found Mr. Blum's presentation a meaningful way to use the Runes- imbued with a gentle spirit of guidance and relevance to the modern Runecaster. I did not find the interpretations shallow; on the contrary, although simply written the meanings assigned to each Rune have resonance and depth. Blum's text is written in a very user-friendly, inviting style that I found highly enjoyable. The readings I've done with The Book of Runes have never failed to offer me some needed enlightenment. Blum also includes some great layouts to get you started in interpreting the Runes, although it would also be very easy to create your own personal uses with this set. Overall, I give The Book of Runes a 5 star rating for the warm, inspiring text, ease of use, and for his obviously loving re-interpretation of an ancient oracle.

I have used the I Ching for years as my "oracle of choice". Recently a relative introduced me to The Book of Runes (3RD Edition) along with a set of runes made from abalone. I enjoyed reading the book and agreed with Mr. Blum's view of the I Ching. I was interested in what he said about using the I Ching to validate a Rune reading. I tried this and found that he was correct (at least in relation to my own experience). Since I am of Norwegian decent I also appreciated the story of how the runes were discovered (by Odin the Norse god). The story brought back childhood memories of Norwegian relatives.

THE BOOK OF RUNES is what it is, and isn't what it isn't. If you accept this premise you are not likely to be led astray either by Blum's use of the ancient runes or by the unimaginative criticisms of many of his reviewers. Ralph Blum was not trying to put forth a correct, much less a traditional, understanding of the Elder Futhark. He makes no such claim; in fact he says his interpretation was inspired (meaning he invented it). Likewise with his ordering of the aetts. Blum also was not trying to Christianize the runes. His theology has more in common with the American Transcendentalism of Emerson and Thoreau than it does with any contemporary Christian writing. As for Blum's separating the runes from their Germanic mythological framework... yes, that is what he did. As he indicated, this was an exercise in spiritual free association. Ultimately the question is does Blum's approach work? Apparently for many it does. Function dictates form, as he says more than once. And the form in which he presents the runes functions for many who do not resonate with Germanic mythology.

I discovered this little book about 8 years ago, at a time in my life when I needed to seek answers from deep within myself. I had tried the Tarot and several other methods of divination, but none of them really clicked with me. However, I immediately felt comfortable with the runes and Ralph Blums book on the subject. Now, as you read some of the other reviews, you will find several people who truly detest Mr. Blum's work and see it as an affront to "true runic masters". That's all well and good, but I would guess that the vast majority of people contemplating purchasing this book are anything but runic masters and just want a written source that will give them a good start. If you are one of those individuals, then this is the book for you. As for the rune stones themselves...okay, they are not works of art, but they serve the purpose...and in the end, that is all that matters. Yes, you undoubtably will want to make your own at some point, but probably not in the beginning, and that's fine. These little stones, as crude as they may be, will do the trick. I have found great wisdom in the messages of these runes and a greater understanding of my own inner world. This book is a great tool in the quest for spiritual awakening. I have recently felt the need for a more in depth understanding of the runes and have discovered Edred Thorsson's books on the subject. He is definitely a runic master of the highest order and I would recommend him to anyone who already has an understanding of the rune stones and is ready to move to another level. But, Mr. Blum's book is an excellent resource as well and I wouldn't hesitate for a moment in recommending it.