A Practical Guide to the Runes: Their Uses in Divination and Magick (Llewellyn's New Age)

Rating:
Summary: A good introduction
Review: I liked this book because it is a simple and inexpensive introduction to the runes. There is a lot of basic information in this book. It also encouraged me to look deeper into the history and the spiritual foundation. The runes have a wild and primitive energy not found in tarot cards for me. Very elemental.

The book encouraged me to make a set of runes of my own from the limb of a maple tree that fell during a storm. I didn't make the WYRD rune though. There was something very transformative about making my own runes instead of buying a set.

I don't feel that there were enough warnings in the book though, about delving into the unknown of spiritual realms..

Rating:
Summary: this is a very good introductory book to the use of runes
Review: Lisa peschal has organized and explained the use of runes and their meanings in this book, in easy to understand and practical terms. I highly recommend this book for people interested in beginning rune divination.

Rating:
Summary: Works for me...
Review: Some get very upset about the addition of the blank rune but for me, this was my first rune book which I bought AFTER making my runes and the ones I made (followed some other source) also had a blank rune so I had expected a blank rune all along. Since then I have owned a few other rune books, but for me, this works best. I guess find what works for you - I am told I do pretty well in my readings and all my meanings are originally based in this book's meanings.

I like it's to-the-point definitions. I have had those books that give 4 pages to each rune and it may offend some, but I say, who needs all that? I just want to learn them, not know every possible detail of their origin. Basic, understandable meanings in upright and reverse positions and gives a "just-the-facts" approach to standard rune layouts also.

Still my personnal favorite book on runes. Still refer to it at times when I leave my runes for a long period. My copy is higlighted and aged :) Some say these are not traditional meanings and should not be used but for what ever reason, it works for me so maybe it's a find what fits ya kinda thing - I like this one.

The only reason I gave it four stars is that I would recommend some other book (if not now, at some point) just to give ya some background also but I haven't yet found a book I'd really recommend because I don't like long draggy books as learning tools.

Rating:
Summary: The best (money) I've ever spent ...
Review: This book was exactly what I was looking for. I wanted a book that gave a brief history of the Nordic Runes, the meanings behind the runes, uses in divination, and the creating of tailsmen.

I have several books on the subject of Nordic Runes, but this one is the primary one I use in practical application. It might be a brief book, but it really packs the important information needed. It is as the title states "A Practical Guide to The Runes".

For those who have little or no knowlege of Nordic Runes and Magick, I would suggest reading up a bit to better familiarize yourself with the subject. But even if you have no knowlege on the subject, but would like to give it a try, this is definately the one to get.

Rating:
Summary: Okay, but...
Review: This is a good book for beginners. No, I don't say it because it has a lot of good info. I say it because this book covers many different topics, although not at all in depth.

I have a few complaints about it: 1) There are no pronounciations for the rune names (except for wyrd). This can be VERY confusing to the beginner. 2) The rune definitions were very, very short. She covered this up a bit by saying that you should meditate on the rune's meanings to see what they mean for yourself. 3) She doesn't mention that the rune syumbols may vary-- this can get confusing when doing other research. 4) She doesn't mention the other names there are for the runes. Again, nothing horrible, but it can get confusing.

I only scanned over the uses for the runes in magick, but they were quite short as well...

I would only recommend this book if you were trying to figure out if you wanted to use the runes in divination. If you already know you want to use the runes, and are looking for information to help get you started, don't get this book. It only tells you the frame of things, so I would recommend getting other rune books along with it or doing some internet research.

Rating:
Summary: it's new age not old traditions
Review: This is a great introduction to Runes without spending a lot of $. It is short sweet and easy to read. The book is fully illustrated and there are a few referance charts in the back. For somebody that knows NOTHING about runes this is a great beginning. I would, however, purchase more in depth books if you persue Runes further.

Rating:
Summary: A basic book, good for starters, but a little shallow.
Review: This is a small book, both in format, pages and scope. I guess it's a good introduction to runes if one has no idea whatsoever about them, but it focuses too much on divination, which I don't find as important as the archetypes and profound meanings of the runes themselves. It's a 'light' book alright, so it may suit some readers. For serious, scholoarly studies, refer to Edred Thorsson.

Rating:
Summary: Not very useful
Review: This is not a book I would recommend for those serious about the runes. It is very shallow and not up on its runelore. For those serious about learning the runes, you would be better off purchasing "Northern Mysteries & Magic" by Freya Aswynn, "Runelore" by Edred Thorsson, or "The Little Giant Encyclopedia of Runes" by Sirona Knight.

Rating:
Summary: A good pocket book
Review: This little book is quite practical for traveling due to its small size. It contains usefull information about the runes as a divination tool. but if you'r into runes for more practical uses it won't be as helpful as books like "futhark" by Edred Thorsson. I used this book as a traveling book while the more practical books were left home...

Rating:
Summary: Stick with one Naming
Review: Unsatisfactory as an introductory level text, but a passable introduction to the the Elder Futhark for New Age dilletantes. The author subscribes to Blum's misguided concept of the "blank rune." I'd recommend this book only to those with no prior knowledge of runelore, simply as an "... Guide." There are much worse texts out there!