Taking Up the Runes

From Paxson’s introduction I was able to gather three things: (1) she is open to receiving insights from all valuable sources; (2) it does not matter who you are, the Runes can be a blessing to everyone; (3) while tradition is essential to gaining a solid foundation, in the end it is most important to embody the Runes and discover one’s own Path through them. All that works for me. I’ve come across a few lists that state, Taking up the Runes is the best beginner’s book on Runes. I do not agree with that. While Paxson’s book covers most everything a person needs to know to begin working with the Runes, the information is spread out throughout her book which makes it difficult to see the bigger picture when starting off. I suggest Nordic Runes: Understanding, Casting, and Interpreting the Ancient Viking Oracle by Mountfort to be the best beginner’s book, not only because he gives the bigger picture but also because he helps the reader understand the differences between the traditional and modern perspectives. As for beginner/intermediate books on Rune magic, I would definitely say this is one of the best. Every Rune has one or more rituals/meditations that the reader can work with in order to help them tap into the Runic energies and experience their power. The second half of her book is filled with rituals, which, while a little bit too ritualistic for my taste, were still beautiful and amazing. What both Mountfort and Paxson have in common is their integration of myths and stories of the gods as they relate to each Rune. In this regard I would say Paxson’s stories had more impact on me and were more relevant than Mountfort’s. Although, they did share different myths which makes both of them valuable in that regards. To give an example, Mountfort mentions Audumla as a relevant myth to relate with Fehu while Paxson give us the story of Sigfried and verses 78-79 from the Havamal. Because Fehu deals with cattle, and one could say, cows in general, Audumla fits, but Paxton gives us the story of Sigfried and how that is a lesson on money’s corrupting power and then backs it up with a quote from the Havamal. Paxson’s two quotes helped expound upon the three Runic poems in a way that brought the message home. While there are many things that stand out in Paxson’s book, it was her amazing suggestions on how the Runes work together and for what purpose they could be applied to that was really inspiring and practical to me. Practical in the sense that it not only helps us understand different facets of each Rune, but also gives us a means to invite the Runic energies into our lives. That alone makes the book worth reading. One thing to consider with Paxson’s book is that it is set up as a yearlong group study course. Paxson has many suggestions on how to go about each study group, what to include, rituals to undertake, discussions to have, and a host of other great ideas. All of which were beautiful and powerful. I will definitely utilize some of her suggestions when I host a study group of my own. All and all this is a book I suggest every Rune student should have. It’s definitely worth the price in my opinion. This is the sixth book on my suggested Rune Reading List. While not on my suggested read list, I also encouraged you to get Rune Correspondences by Frodi Ingsson so that you can add things that are meaningful to you as you learn more about the Runes. 1. The Complete Illustrated Guide to Runes by Nigel Pennick 2. Way of the Runes by Bernard King 3. Runes: Reading the Past by R.I Page 4. Runelore: A Handbook of Esoteric Runology by Edred Thorsson 5. Nordic Runes by Paul Rhys Mountfort 6. Taking up the Runes Diana L Paxson 7. Runecaster’s Handbook Edred Thorsson 8. Poetic Edda by either Hollander, Crawford, or Larrington 9. Prose Edda by Jesse L. Byock 10. Hávamál Meditations: Embodying Oðinn’s Teachings by Frodi Ingsson (forthcoming) 11. Runes of Transformation by Kaedrich Olsen 12. Helrunar by Jan Fries 13. Runes and Magic by Stephen E. Flowers 14. Rune Yoga: Staða & Galdr 15. Rune Workings: Meditations and Rituals by Frodi Ingsson (forthcoming)

Very informative and perfect for beginners! Diana L. Paxson is an amazing author!

I didn't know anything about runes before reading this book. This gives runes flesh and context to make them alive, usable, and relatable. I highly recommend this for beginners. I feel like I know what I am doing now!

I like the way the author has set up the learning sections in a manner a group could work on learning the runes, meeting periodically. I do not have a group. However, I stop after each section to work on the lessons learned there. The book is easy to understand, and The author tells what other well-known Rune practitioners, say about each Rune and the methods of reading Runes, As a comparison to her interpretations and Rune layouts. I highly recommend this book for beginners and intermediate, rune students. Experts will likely find the book useful as a review and see some New information they can incorporate into their own practice.

I am still exploring this book at this point as it is full of information including history, the meaning of the Runes, and use of Runes in Divination, etc. It focuses a great deal on studying the Runes as a group over a long period of time, which does not interest me. However, there is a great deal of information on each Rune. I began my journey with Runes with Ralph Blum's book which I have enjoyed for many years. I purchased this book to delve deeper into the Runes and to expand how I use and understand them. This is not a beginner book and I'm glad I didn't start my journey here. Instead of keeping each Rune separate, Diana Paxson pairs the Runes based on traits that she understands far better than I do. This alone helps to expand one's understanding of the stones.I have yet to explore beyond the Rune meanings but I would expect the same detailed information in the other sections.

I am really enjoying reading this book. The exercises and descriptions for the runes is very thorough and helps me to understand the meaning of each rune on a deeper level. The only thing I don't like is the fact that many of the exercises are for group work and I don't know anyone around here into that sort of thing, haha. I still recommend it if you are also solitary.

Paxton is an acknowledged leader in the field of practical runework, and this book is a lovely example of why. Diana's writing style is warm and approachable, and she deals extensively with each rune, citing original source material (such as the eddas, norse and Anglo-Saxon rune poems), and citing other experts. This well rounded and in depth approach is invaluable to the serious seeker of runic understanding. What's more, Diana offers guided meditation and runic rituals of a practical and beneficial nature, as well as information on the cultural background of the folkway and a modern application and understanding. Taken altogether, an absolutely invaluable work for the novice, and an excellent resource for the experienced rune seeker.

Buy this before you get into Aswyn or Thorsson books because it includes all of those authors information about runes plus Paxsons. It's basically an overview of all the great interpreters of runes theories of each rune rolled into one book. It even has exercises you can do to learn the runes that are fun. Some rune spells. And Paxson describes the runes in an aspect that connects them with the myths of the Nordic Gods. I'd suggest this to be read after you read a runes for dummies kind of book to get you educated simply. Then read this one and you will see what Thorrson, Aswyn and other prominent scholars in the study and application of runes have said in their own books.

Diana L. Paxon hat sich tiefgehend mit den Runen, ihrer Bedeutung und ihrer mystischen und mythischen Einbindung in die Kultur der Germanen beschäftigt. Zudem schafft sie es, die Bedeutungen der Symbole für das damalige Leben in unser heutiges Leben zu übertragen und damit eine Anbindung zu schaffen mit direktem Bezug auf alles, was die Menschen heutzutage bewegt. Sie beschreibt auch sehr gut, dass die Runen nicht einzelne Symbole mit einer singulären Bedeutung sind, sondern dass sie in vielen Fällen eher für Übergänge stehen und damit nicht statisch sondern sehr lebendig werden. Zu den alten und neuen Deutungen der Runen beschreibt sie noch wunderschöne Rituale, mit denen man eine tiefe Beziehung zu ihnen und auch zu den ihnen zugeordneten Göttern herstellen kann. Dazu schlägt sie verschiedenen Meditationen vor und auch alte Gedichte und Lieder. Neben den divinatorischen Techniken beschreibt sie auch sehr wirkungsvolle Runenzauber. Das mit Abstand tiefgehendste und best recherchierte Buch zu Runen, das ich je in die Finger bekommen habe. Wer also mehr möchte als eine schnelle Deutung für geworfene Runen haben möchte ist hiermit bestens beraten. Soweit ich weiß gibt es keine deutsche Übersetzung, aber das Englisch von Diana L. Paxon ist dank ihrer klaren Sprache sehr gut zu verstehen.

Probably the best book on runes I have read for a long time. It has a good balance between the scholarly aspects of rune study and the spiritual side of working with them. Thankfully this is also a book written from a universalist perspective. Paxson credits other authors which is helpful, and also acknowledges where her interpretations are due to her personal insight or journey. Although this is abook intended to support a rune working or study group, if you are studying alone or already have some experience and knowledge of runes, this is still an excellent resource. In my view, this should be a key resource for anyone studying runes and eliminates the need to trawl through the mass of dubious books available.

i have been Reading and studying runes for a not more than a couple of months but i have read a lot of books. this one is quite complete and i think it is useful not only for beginners, which is always nice. it has definitely become a reference book for me!

Good book for runes.

An entrancing and well-written guide to rune study. Diana's writing is engaging, like you're discussing the topic with a friend and mentor rather than reading a book. If you've liked any of her other work, you'll probably like this. It's worth noting that this isn't really a standalone book; it can be used as such, but it wasn't intended to be and I wouldn't advise you to do so. This is more a guide to teaching yourself or running a group. At the very least Thorsson's Runelore is recommended. Also, a minor note- I'm not usually fond of paperbacks, but this one is very well made.