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The Book of Rune Secrets
Having difficulty figuring out what the runes are trying to tell you? The Book of Rune Secrets is a contemporary vision of the Elder Futhark runes, destined to become an essential part of any rune library. Share in an inspiring vision of our place in the cosmos and harness the power of the runes as never before.
With astonishing clarity, this volume builds on the ideas of teachers such as Freya Aswynn, Edred Thorsson and Diana L. Paxson, but departs from old thinking and dares to explore the future of the runes themselves!
With astonishing clarity, this volume builds on the ideas of teachers such as Freya Aswynn, Edred Thorsson and Diana L. Paxson, but departs from old thinking and dares to explore the future of the runes themselves!
135 pages
First published January 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 24, 2013
Perhaps I was not as clear as should be about how I feel about this book. I know the author sent it to me with a caveat that it was for 'secular' people and for that I am in agreement. The book gives you a basic overview of his own theory on the runes. It is a light read, in that it is shorter than other rune books which can top over 200 pages at times...and this makes it more portable than those.
The book however, lacked research and I realize the caveat ...but in all honesty I don't think people can separate the runes from heathenry as much as this author has tried to. The author states in the introduction: “This is a secular study of the runes. You may keep your beliefs, whether they be pagan, heathen, wiccan, asatru, or completely atheist. You may practice your rituals, whatever they might be. These aspects are not important to my system of understanding the runes. You can be a solitary practitioner and you need not worship any gods, or you may worship many gods” and so wrote it for an audience that was coming to runes as a singular path (that is not combined with heathenry).
Although, people might not ‘know’ what heathenry is (or any of the other paths mentioned), most authors at least make some attempt to at least define what these paths might be. The author could have provide a short couple of definitions for each.
I felt that there is a disservice to readers when a rune book does not point out the cultural significance of the runes and their roots. Frankly, I think this book (although clearly introduced as a 'secular work') should have at least made some nod to this fact.
There were several moments where I found myself uncertain of the research presented. The quote within the first few chapters: "We must continually bear in mind that the responsible archaeologist will insist that there is virtually nothing that remains of the culture that used the Elder Futhark runes. When it comes down to it, we can only imagine and contemplate -- and that is precisely what I want to help you do. But we do have the science of today to help us recreate our rune system. Psychology, sociology, ecology, evolutionary biology, memetics, semiotics, western and eastern philosophy -- all of this can be drawn upon. The runes talk about the same phenomena, with their idiosyncratic metaphors, that all other pursuits of knowledge and wisdom are interested in -- using different symbols and different methods, but all pointed toward the same universal truths" I am not sure why the author states there is 'virtually nothing' remaining about the runes. There are countless research articles, and proof of runes in various documents all readily available online that point to a historical tradition of runes, archeological proof of their use and so forth.
Perhaps he meant in comparison to other cultures that had more documents preserved but the runes themselves have a rich history that almost gets completely neglected in this book in favor of modern psychology.
I believe the author was attempting to 'modernize' the runes, but you cannot apply modern psychology to the runes. They are not 'diagnostic' tools. Runes are a 'glimpse' into the well of wyrd. I see them as a moment in the eyes of the Norns, a quick glimpse and then nothing....but they are not absolutes and do not always reveal themselves in such 'clear' ways.
The book is meant for occultist or people interested in more occult views on runes but not for scholars. In my opinion, the runes were presented in ways that don't match any of the research or current thoughts on runes.
I hate to sound so negative and perhaps elitist here....but the book is not one that I feel serious rune students will benefit from. The reference to rune alchemy is the first bone of contention and not something that I teach anyone who is interested in the runes, mostly because I fail to see the relationship between the two The fact that the author fails to explain what this is until the end of the book when he states that he invented this ‘alchemy’ means that you do not understand that this is not something factual but instead invented. Not that this is a ‘new’ thing. In many rune books, authors do invent their own methods, readings, cast, interpretations and whatnot but most provide a lot of information as to how and why they got to this method. In this book, we are left with a big question which apparently was the author's intention as he hints to a full book dedicated to this very subject.
I found the use of the Valknut in the Appendix particularly odd in that he claims it as "the interwoven nature of our complex life pattern". I would have to disagree and again say the author should do more research. The Valknut is a symbol which many heathens cautious about and in my opinion does not have any associations to ‘life patterns’ but instead is a symbol that has far deeper and somewhat darker associations. The author should have researched the meaning of the Valknut and it’s associations with Odin whom the symbol is constantly associated. I believe understanding the true meaning of the Valknut would have been beneficial to rune students, as misusing this symbol usually does not go well.
I should have been more honest the first time around....and I was not. I was trying to be nice and give the author a fair score as a first time author I felt it was at least a 'nice' thing but this was not the 'right' thing. I was a bit worried about giving it my full opinion, but after a second read through, I have determined that I would give this book a lower rating only based on the fact that it does not provide accurate information on the history, it does seem to lack research, and a lot of it comes across as conveniently made up facts to back up the authors theory. Not that this is an issue....authors do that....but they usually have some clout or document or something to base it on. I would say again, that this book is fine for people who may just want a simple rune book but I would not recommend it for serious students.
The book however, lacked research and I realize the caveat ...but in all honesty I don't think people can separate the runes from heathenry as much as this author has tried to. The author states in the introduction: “This is a secular study of the runes. You may keep your beliefs, whether they be pagan, heathen, wiccan, asatru, or completely atheist. You may practice your rituals, whatever they might be. These aspects are not important to my system of understanding the runes. You can be a solitary practitioner and you need not worship any gods, or you may worship many gods” and so wrote it for an audience that was coming to runes as a singular path (that is not combined with heathenry).
Although, people might not ‘know’ what heathenry is (or any of the other paths mentioned), most authors at least make some attempt to at least define what these paths might be. The author could have provide a short couple of definitions for each.
I felt that there is a disservice to readers when a rune book does not point out the cultural significance of the runes and their roots. Frankly, I think this book (although clearly introduced as a 'secular work') should have at least made some nod to this fact.
There were several moments where I found myself uncertain of the research presented. The quote within the first few chapters: "We must continually bear in mind that the responsible archaeologist will insist that there is virtually nothing that remains of the culture that used the Elder Futhark runes. When it comes down to it, we can only imagine and contemplate -- and that is precisely what I want to help you do. But we do have the science of today to help us recreate our rune system. Psychology, sociology, ecology, evolutionary biology, memetics, semiotics, western and eastern philosophy -- all of this can be drawn upon. The runes talk about the same phenomena, with their idiosyncratic metaphors, that all other pursuits of knowledge and wisdom are interested in -- using different symbols and different methods, but all pointed toward the same universal truths" I am not sure why the author states there is 'virtually nothing' remaining about the runes. There are countless research articles, and proof of runes in various documents all readily available online that point to a historical tradition of runes, archeological proof of their use and so forth.
Perhaps he meant in comparison to other cultures that had more documents preserved but the runes themselves have a rich history that almost gets completely neglected in this book in favor of modern psychology.
I believe the author was attempting to 'modernize' the runes, but you cannot apply modern psychology to the runes. They are not 'diagnostic' tools. Runes are a 'glimpse' into the well of wyrd. I see them as a moment in the eyes of the Norns, a quick glimpse and then nothing....but they are not absolutes and do not always reveal themselves in such 'clear' ways.
The book is meant for occultist or people interested in more occult views on runes but not for scholars. In my opinion, the runes were presented in ways that don't match any of the research or current thoughts on runes.
I hate to sound so negative and perhaps elitist here....but the book is not one that I feel serious rune students will benefit from. The reference to rune alchemy is the first bone of contention and not something that I teach anyone who is interested in the runes, mostly because I fail to see the relationship between the two The fact that the author fails to explain what this is until the end of the book when he states that he invented this ‘alchemy’ means that you do not understand that this is not something factual but instead invented. Not that this is a ‘new’ thing. In many rune books, authors do invent their own methods, readings, cast, interpretations and whatnot but most provide a lot of information as to how and why they got to this method. In this book, we are left with a big question which apparently was the author's intention as he hints to a full book dedicated to this very subject.
I found the use of the Valknut in the Appendix particularly odd in that he claims it as "the interwoven nature of our complex life pattern". I would have to disagree and again say the author should do more research. The Valknut is a symbol which many heathens cautious about and in my opinion does not have any associations to ‘life patterns’ but instead is a symbol that has far deeper and somewhat darker associations. The author should have researched the meaning of the Valknut and it’s associations with Odin whom the symbol is constantly associated. I believe understanding the true meaning of the Valknut would have been beneficial to rune students, as misusing this symbol usually does not go well.
I should have been more honest the first time around....and I was not. I was trying to be nice and give the author a fair score as a first time author I felt it was at least a 'nice' thing but this was not the 'right' thing. I was a bit worried about giving it my full opinion, but after a second read through, I have determined that I would give this book a lower rating only based on the fact that it does not provide accurate information on the history, it does seem to lack research, and a lot of it comes across as conveniently made up facts to back up the authors theory. Not that this is an issue....authors do that....but they usually have some clout or document or something to base it on. I would say again, that this book is fine for people who may just want a simple rune book but I would not recommend it for serious students.
February 8, 2023
Can't do half stars, but I'd give a solid 3.5 on this one. Tyriel's approach to the runes is a very secular/psychological approach. I found this approach to be very interesting, and a nice addition to my small library of Rune studies. As with all things related to Runes, it's all about study and practice. You can read 5 different books and get 5 different interpretations...that's part of the fun.
June 3, 2020
This isn’t really the type of book you read once and put away, it’s a guidebook on the runes. If you are interested in learning about the runes or expanding your practice the author gives good information on runic alchemy and setting up a year long practice of study and self discovery. It’s not how to do magickal random readings it’s about truly understanding yourself and the runes. I have been visiting the runes secret site for years to gain insight on runes that interested me but I recently purchased a rune set to take my study to the next level. I’m glad I bought this on kindle, I will likely buy a paper or hardback copy soon.
October 25, 2018
A must read for those interested in the Runes and/or personal and spiritual growth
I thought I was just buying a book to help me practice rune divination - and instead I got far far more! This book is an exploration of human psychology, spiritual evolution and cosmology - as well as a system of personal alchemy through the use and understanding of the complex layers of meaning encoded into each rune symbol. The author delivered this amazing content with honesty, integrity and not a hint of ego. I believe Tyriel is an unsung wizard and sage of our time.
I thought I was just buying a book to help me practice rune divination - and instead I got far far more! This book is an exploration of human psychology, spiritual evolution and cosmology - as well as a system of personal alchemy through the use and understanding of the complex layers of meaning encoded into each rune symbol. The author delivered this amazing content with honesty, integrity and not a hint of ego. I believe Tyriel is an unsung wizard and sage of our time.
April 22, 2020
Excellent
This is an excellent book whether you are just starting out with the runes or more experienced. It sketches out the themes and drives of each rune but also interlaces them in the larger system and discusses deeper and wider resonance, meaning and interpretations.
This is an excellent book whether you are just starting out with the runes or more experienced. It sketches out the themes and drives of each rune but also interlaces them in the larger system and discusses deeper and wider resonance, meaning and interpretations.
September 23, 2021
Incredibly Empowering
I have long been a frequent visitor to the author's website and had an urge to buy the book. I cannot express how happy I am to have done so. My mind has been blown wide open. If you have any interest in Elder Futhark, I implore you consume this.
I have long been a frequent visitor to the author's website and had an urge to buy the book. I cannot express how happy I am to have done so. My mind has been blown wide open. If you have any interest in Elder Futhark, I implore you consume this.
December 14, 2020
I've done a book review on this one, on video format at YouTube, and if anyone is interested in watching it, I'll leave the link in here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxpxX...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxpxX...
July 9, 2020
Rune Alchemy
This isn't simply a list of meanings. There's an exercise tucked away in the back of the book in appendix 1 that brings home the interwoven aspects of the essence of runes and the essence of self.
Tyriel's approach is clear and contemporary. The book succeeds in making audible the primal pulse of the runes for those of us fascinated by them in the 21st century.
This isn't simply a list of meanings. There's an exercise tucked away in the back of the book in appendix 1 that brings home the interwoven aspects of the essence of runes and the essence of self.
Tyriel's approach is clear and contemporary. The book succeeds in making audible the primal pulse of the runes for those of us fascinated by them in the 21st century.
January 15, 2012
Rune secrets is a must have book for anyone in the craft. So what is different and why do you need it? What is new is Tyiel sets the reader on a path to alchemy that naturally unfolds from the Wuzzy edge of runic symbolism. The shifting liens in natural biology and consciousnesses have this fuzzy edge that Goodall and others have equated with the idea of Wu-Li which was an idea described by Gary Zukav in The Dancing Wu-LI Masters.This Wuzzyness is at the leading edge of an unbroken thread running through all of nature, that connects us to the grater whole. Runes Secrets lays out a path of inner related connections to the alchemists stone.
In a masterful stroke of insight, Tyriel steps out of the past where most rune books spin their lore and launches the reader into a future that carries the runes into the 21st century.
In addition to the book Tyriel offers a web based community platform on which a global network of travelers are assembling a galley of mind and soul.
If you are just starting your voyage across the runic divide or if you are a well-weathered traveler on the high seas of occult discovery, Rune secrets offers a seekers map to the undiscovered country.
In a masterful stroke of insight, Tyriel steps out of the past where most rune books spin their lore and launches the reader into a future that carries the runes into the 21st century.
In addition to the book Tyriel offers a web based community platform on which a global network of travelers are assembling a galley of mind and soul.
If you are just starting your voyage across the runic divide or if you are a well-weathered traveler on the high seas of occult discovery, Rune secrets offers a seekers map to the undiscovered country.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews