The Book of Runes: Read the Secrets in the Language of the Stones - Hardcover

Melville, Francis

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0764155512 ISBN 13: 9780764155512

Publisher: B E S Pub Co, 2003

Synopsis

Readers learn to decipher and harness the magic of the ancient Nordic runes! Feogh symbolizes financial gain and status . . . Thorn stands for protection, defense, and caution. These and each of the runic alphabet’s many other magic symbols have special meanings all their own. Author Francis Melville presents directions for making amulets and talismans to invoke the power of Norse gods. He describes the method of conducting readings with rune stones to predict future events and bring good fortune. This heavily illustrated volume also presents the history of rune stones, the meaning of the runic alphabet, and the secret symbols attached to each meaning. Rune stones and rune sticks can be purchased from many outlets, but readers who follow the author’s instructions can make runes of their own, using any of several different natural materials, including pebbles, wood, and clay. This fascinating collection of ancient magic lore, with instructions for making and reading runes, is complemented with more than 150 vivid, full-color photos and illustrations.

About this title

About the Author

Francis Melville has researched widely to gather resources for this book. A student of theology, he has written for publications as diverse as The Times of London and The Fortean Times, anchored a television documentary, and edited a major survey of spiritual lore. He is also the author of Love Potions and Charms, The Book of Angels, and The Secrets of High Magic.

From the Back Cover

[back cover]

Discover the history of the runes, the meaning of the runic alphabet, and the power of the secret symbols they contain

Learn how to make your own rune stones and how to use them for divination

Harness the magic of the runes--make protective talismans, petition the help of the Norse gods, and perform runic blessings

[flap copy]
The history of the runes is mysterious. According to Norse mythology, Odin, the chief of the gods, hung himself in self-sacrifice from the world tree Yggdrasil for nine days and nights in order to receive cosmic wisdom. This was granted to him in the form of the runes. The word rune is derived from runa, an ancient Germanic word meaning whisper or mystery.

The runes make up an alphabet that, with local variations, was used across most of northern Europe from pre-Christian times until the thirteenth century. This book explains the meanings of the runes and the Norse mythology that underpins their basic concepts.

The straight, angular lines of the runes are ideal for carving into bone, wood, or stone, or forming with twigs. Different methods for making rune stones are described with instructions on how to use them for divinatory and magical purposes, from making talismans to petitioning the Norse gods.

Francis Melville has researched widely to gather his resources for this book. A student of theology, he now lives in Devon, England, where he runs a charitable foundation dedicated to research into Spagyrics--alchemical medicine. He has written for publications as diverse as The Times of London and The Fortean Times, presented a television documentary, and edited a major survey of spiritual lore. He is also the author of Love Potions and Charms, The Book of Angels, and The Secrets of High Magic, all published in North America by Barron's.

Edition details

• Publisher: B E S Pub Co
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0764155512
• ISBN 13: 9780764155512
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 128