Rating: 
Summary: Don't trust reviews and just read it
Review: If you've noticed, people who read this book either really liked it or hatet it to the point of cursing Blum and dismembering the actual book. I just bought the book and I really like it, even though the runes aren't very good. Fortunately, I have wonderful set that I obtained before the book, and the combination work beautifully. As for the origin and all that stuff...I'm sure there are people that are obsessive about the accuracy of the information, (mostly real witches who want you to know the real story behind them) but, as long as the runes work (which they do), who really cares? I mean, if they can help you solve everyday problems, then that's all that matters.
Rating: 
Summary: Very false
Review: I wouldnt recomend this to any one I was excited about it when I first saw a copy nearly 10 years ago My friend had bought a copy and after reading it we tore it apart spat on it and burned it, I have never read a more false book on Runes in my life One should never buy runes, for the same reason Indengenous people never buy Sage or buy feathers Runes are to be cut on wood , For anyone who is Asatru STAY AWAY FROM THIS BOOK, it will only clout your mind with eastern religious bieleifs,
Rating:
Summary: Seeing is believing
Review: Ralph Blum,For 10 years kept me sane as a result of his Rune book. There has been much critisism about the authenticity of his ( honourable) Runes.The joy of Blum,is that he has woken in many, an awareness of the Runes. Re-introduced them to the world, as it were. Too many`people` seem focused on the `scholarly`aspect of Blums work, well I`m no scholar, but Blums Runes work! If you want to improve yourself,for the benefit of yourself and others around you then do Blums Runes!! If you want to feel happier (inspite of all odds) because you know you`re BEHAVING in the right way and not hurting anyone else,then do Blums Runes! An additional comment for the "Scholars" out there - my understanding was that the runes are meant to path the way through life, promoting `correct` way of being,gentleness and balance . Blums book has instilled in me a sense of honour and correct behaviour,an awareness of my own conduct and it`s consiquences.In fact of "self-responsibility" Something that few of us understand or attain. The Rune Book,in my understanding is intended for self council. As such it is highly successful and effective. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!!! Anyone finding the "touch" of the Runes unsatisfactory should remmember that the best Runes should be made by yourself! I picked my Runes off a beach in Turkey....they`re very good...so get out there and make your own! Nice one Blum!!!!
Rating: 
Summary: No thank you.
Review: I thought the book looked like a quality read, and it was okay. But the quality of the runes made me downright angry. Holding them felt like my nails being scratched on a chalkboard. I do not recommend this set to anyone.
Rating: 
Summary: There's a lesson in these runes that no one's commented on.
Review: This is a good set for the beginner, so long as the beginner is not Pagan; and, conversely, it is not a good set for the beginner who does not understand the Nordic pantheon and traditions. In all fairness to Mr. Blum, although their exists much speculative history of the runes... such as they came from Odhinn, whereas other sources will tell you they were a gift from Freya to Odhinn, the exact interpretations as used by the Norse have been lost to us. Their are, as pointed out earlier, many scholars well-versed in the Nordic traditions who interpret the runic meanings based on information gleaned from their studies. And there lies the true lesson. In any divination system, one will follow certain basic indications of the card or stone; however, much of one's own intuitiveness must be used to ascertain the meaning at any given time in any given reading. This applies heavily where the runes are concerned due to the lack of a definitive resource. I also feel that Blum's artistic license in creating a blend of New Age, I Ching, Christian, Pagan, and basic spirituality principles in his book, has allowed a greater number of people to attune themselves to this ancient art. Perhaps even opening their minds to the turning of the Wheel. The stones are crude, but personally I like them that way. I found their simple structure easy to empower and more attuned to the Earth element (which keeps me grounded). As to the the bag, well I'm glad it isn't some chiq-chiq velvet thing... then I couldn't drag them around with me wherever I go! This set is worth having. But, just like the tarot, some will find their wisdom somewhere else.
Rating:
Summary: A good starting place, but only a starting place
Review: For the person who knows little or nothing about the Runes, this is a good starting place. The reader gets a set of Runes, a pouch, and a book. The book contains a little bit of history about the Runes and then for the most part, focuses on the casting techniques. It also gives the author's interpretations of the Runes. The reader should be aware that the author has changed the traditional grouping of the Runes, has included the blank Rune (a later addition that some people believe does not belong to the Runes) in his set, has devoloped his own interpretations of the Runes, and has included a very small amount of the History that is so important to the study of Runes. Overall, this is a good place to start, but it is only a starting place.
Rating:
Summary: Vaguely Disappointing, But Not a Total Loss
Review: This comes as a nifty boxed set. The book is nicely bound, and looks good. The author makes some interesting and valuable observations, and shares the process he went through to interpret the runes. This is good information to know, because it allows you, the would be rune reader, to decide how much you want to rely on his interpretations. I personally think I will search out more, perhaps authentic, sources. The thing that bothers me the most about this set is the actual tiles. They are made of ceramic, but they are so rough and gritty that I find it difficult to touch them. I have seen enough cheap Majong sets to know that you can make inexpensive tiles that are not repulsive to the touch. Also, the cloth pouch that is included is made of that cheap velour-ish fake velet that I find unpleasant to the touch. The good thing to come of getting this set is that it has inspired me to make my own set from PVC clay, and make my own pouch. I'm giving this set to my brothe! r. I think this is an inexpensive set that is good for people who want to see what runes are like, and if they are interested in pursuing it further. I think that in the future if I decide to buy a set of runes, I'll find a physical book store where I can actually see how the tiles feel in my hand.
Rating:
Summary: Great, insightful, easy to use and apply to LIFE!
Review: I have found the Book of Ruhns to be a great tool for furthering my own natural process of reflection and growth. I would highly recommend it for anyone who is willing to invest the time to look for the questions that life is asking...and find new perspectives and possibilities
Rating:
Summary: Runes were made by cheap labour, I bet!
Review: When I brought the Book Rune's it cost me what was it now.. $50AUS and it was the worst set of Runes I have ever laid eyes on, what made me very angry was the fact the it was the 10th Anniversary of the book. Ten years before, my mother had brought the same book and set and they were made with great care, all the glyph were well defined. The one ten years later look as though cheap labour was use to pump out the runes, they were made hastly. However the book, also not as good as My mothers was also cheap, interpritaions seem to make people understand, yet left alot to be disired.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting and a nice set of stones, but not very Nordic.
Review: Mr. Blum has an interesting way of interpreting the runes,
However, it has little to do with the Nordic system of interpretation
He uses a little too much Christianity and New Age in his interpretation. For the person who is interested in learning divination, however, the book and stones are a good starting point. I recommend that anyone who decides to buy this and start divining should get other books, written by authors more versed in the Viking and Nordic futhark (Rune alphabet) and add to their basic knowlege.
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