Runes for Beginners: A Guide to Reading Runes in Divination, Rune Magic, and the Meaning of the Elder Futhark Runes

by Lisa Chamberlain

Everything You Need to Know to Begin Working With Runes The enigmatic nature of the runes is undeniable. In fact, the English word "rune" comes to us from the Norse word runa, which means "a secret," or "to whisper." As symbols, the runes mean little to the untrained eye, yet the magical energies they activate can be used for positive, impactful change in your everyday life. But what are runes, exactly? On the surface level, runes are the characters in a writing system used by the ancient Germanic peoples of Europe. But unlike our modern letters, the runic symbols had been used for magical purposes long before they were fashioned into an alphabet. This is known from runic inscriptions found on ancient artifacts as well as Germanic myth and lore handed down over the centuries. Indeed, those who work with the runes today are taking part in an age-old magical tradition established by our Northern European pagan ancestors. In Runes for Beginners , best-selling author Lisa Chamberlain shines the light on these ancient symbols, showing you how to discover and utilize their unique magical energies. With both an eye toward tradition and a multicultural spirit, Lisa combines an appreciation for the Germanic roots of the runes with a more eclectic Neopagan approach. Unlike many other books on the topic, Runes for Beginners is completely accessible to those with no experience in Northern European magical traditions, yet it doesn't ignore those traditions altogether. You will emerge from this guide with a basic understanding of the runes' role in ancient Germanic paganism, as well as a solid foundation of knowledge to build your own runic practice, regardless of your religious or spiritual path. Foundations in Runic Magic and Divination The runes represent various aspects of the human experience of the Universe-both tangible and intangible. Each runic symbol embodies a natural force, or type of energy, which the rune worker can attune to and then manipulate in various ways. Runes can be sent out into the Universe to manifest a magical goal, or they can be used to consult with the unseen realms about a situation at hand. In Runes for Beginners , you'll learn all you need to know to start working with runes, - The history of the runes and their role within the framework of the Germanic magical worldview
- The origins of runic wisdom in Norse mythology
- An overview of the Elder Futhark, the oldest-known runic alphabet and most widely used rune system in contemporary Neopaganism
- Basic techniques of rune magic, including rune scripts, bind runes, and creating runic talismans
- How to make your own runes
- Instructions for traditional rune-casting as well as contemporary rune spreads
- Tips for successful divination
- The divinatory meanings and magical uses of each rune in the Elder Futhark
- A suggested reading list for further exploring the runes and the magical and spiritual traditions of the ancient Germanic peoples
- Detailed tables of correspondence for a handy condensed magical and divinatory guide By the end of this guide, you will have a working knowledge of the runes that will enable you to use them with confidence in magic and divination. However, when it comes to truly mastering the runes, the importance of time and practice can't be emphasized enough. Indeed, working with runes can truly become a lifelong journey, but Runes for Beginners is an excellent first step along the way. If you're ready to start exploring the runes for yourself, just scroll to the top of the page and hit the Buy button !

Genres: Witchcraft, Spirituality, Divination, Nonfiction, Wicca, Magic, Occult

142 pages, Hardcover

Published May 23, 2018

About the author

Lisa dispels all the common misconceptions about this diverse religion, giving her readers the perfect foundations for taking their first steps on their Wiccan journey.

Unlike other Wicca guides, Lisa's books provide information that's found across many Wiccan traditions, rather than coming from just one person's perspective. In fact, she writes the kinds of books she wishes had been available when she was just starting out in the Craft all those years ago.

When not writing or experimenting with spellwork, Lisa loves to read, play piano, and spend time surrounded by nature.

Reviews

[Plateresca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This little booklet is exactly what it announces to be: a basic guide for the very beginners. I cannot but feel one needs to go much more in-depth, but at the same time, one has to start somewhere, and the prices of Lisa Chamberlain's books are more than accessible, especially for Kindle editions.
My main concern about books by this authour is that I doubt if she really exists: unlike some other authors who write on the same subjects, nothing is known about Lisa Chamberlain except that she has produced books for beginners on practically every magick-related subject there might be. I suspect the publisher hires various writers for each project, or else why would they keep this prolific author so much in the shade? Which makes me kind of question the trustworthiness of this material; at the same time, there's nothing to suggest that it is not well-researched.
I was hoping for a more profound 'Recommended Reading' list, but again, one has to start somewhere, so, thank you to the author(s) for providing this information.
All in all, not the best-written book I've ever read ('the warm days of autumn days' is one example of an irritating editorial slip), but nevertheless, a useful starting point, so, if you know nothing about the runes, by the end of the book you'll a) know something, b) have an idea where to go next to deepen your knowledge.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I JUST HAVE TO SAY
If you're looking into runes, this book is a great place to start.

MY RATING ★★★★★

RATING EXPLAINED
5 - AMAZING! I will read it again and I definitely recommend it. This book was full of information.

REVIEW
It has taken me a while to finish this book despite constantly using it as a reference. I didn't want to mark this as finished until I'd read the work from cover to cover and not just to look up a specific symbol.

The intro has a nice easy to understand break down of history on Runes and the magics involved with them. The rest of the book breaks down in detail what each rune is by showing the symbol, pronunciation, translation, and a 1-2 page explanation of their individual meanings.

This book is a magnificent place to start and a great reference to use if you're getting into rune readings or want a little information on the Elder Futhark.

After using this for 10 months- I'm off to find something on the intermediate level.

[Lin L Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fell on this book like a starving wolf on a lamb chop

...the book was excellent, but I wanted a whole lot more of Lisa Chamberlin's writing on subjects metaphysical. Fortunately, she has obliged. I'm pausing only to write this before diving in!

This book is, as Ms. Chamberlain says, a beginner's guide. But it is a thoroughly well-researched and admirably written one. If you follow her suggestions and her links, you can embark upon an in-depth study and create a runemaster out of your present self.

It won't be quick or easy, but she gives you some really good signposts to guide you on your way, and one priceless insight: don't ignore your own insights!


This book is of an excellence on par with Lisa Peschel's "A Practical Guide to the Runes," which is the only rune book I currently own.

My own expertise is with Tarot, but I have in the past attempted to forge a relationship with runes as well. Had I then had this book, I might have succeeded.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5/5

Vale, bueno, este libro no está mal pero no hay que tomarlo en serio.

Principalmente tiene dos problemas.

Uno es el claro uso de la romantización de la cultura nórdica clásica dándole una visión más actual y, de nuevo, romántica. Lo "neopagano" es simplemente una fumada moderna y altamente alterada del paganismo clásico para justificar la comercialización y el consumo de los elementos como las cartas del tarot, las runas, etc.

El otro problema es que, aunque se explica los orígenes de los idiomas germanos y de las runas, no se explica el problema social-político que esas tierras sufrían para con tiempos del surgimiento del Cristianismo, y eso es muy importante para entender por qué el Norte se cristianizó.
Porque no, el Cristianismo no fue impuesto, nadie tuvo el poder de imponer el Cristianismo en todo el norte.
Se ofreció como una alterativa a las personas del lugar, y los propios nativos fueron prefiriéndolo a la violencia y el caos que tenían debido a los ataques de mercenarios y a las costumbres clásicas de la religión antigua que requería violencia y sacrificios, es decir, sangre. La sociedad ya estaba muy desarrollada para eso y se buscaba más paz y sustento que otra cosa. Debido a eso y a las oportunidades de orden y paz, así como las conexiones mercantiles, que esta nueva religión -la Cristiana- ofrecía, poco a poco se fueron cambiando a esta nueva religión.

Pero ahí viene otro problema con el libro, sujeto al primer problema: la villanización del Cristianismo para ensalzar el "paganismo" y la justificación del por qué personas que no son del Norte se apropiaron de esta religión antigua y la modificaron para darle una visión romántica. Porque sí, el resurgimiento del "paganismo" no fue hecho por las personas del norte, dueños del paganismo, sino gente de Estados Unidos e incluso australianos. En general, gente que ni conoce la religión pagana ni les pertenece.

Y no voy a irme sin decir que, en su época, el Cristianismo era considerado una religión pagana en Roma. Y hasta se llamaba como tal: religión pagana. Hasta eran cazados por ello y asesinados por ser cristianos.

[Lady Tea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.6 / 5

In terms of what this book advertises, it certainly delivers, and for someone who’s looking to start studying runes in a very easy way to begin with and without too much information all at once to scare you off, I can highly recommend this.

However, be advised that 100% you’ll need to buy another book to really get in touch with the deeper meanings of the runes, as everything have is very brief and general, whether it’s the history of the runes or the meanings of each individual rune. Also, in terms of casting and how to use the runes, what’s written isn’t even worth mentioning.

However, I bought it for simplicity and so I can’t complain. Great for a beginner beginner’s guide.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve recently read a couple of books on Norse mythology and shamanism so I wanted to read up a bit more on the mysterious runes. This book is a great introduction for anyone wanting to learn about rune history (as much as can be known) and the system’s influence on modern neo-paganism. The author also includes a lengthy interpretation of each individual rune, which I found really interesting. So interesting that the next time you see me, I might be carrying a little cloth bag of wood chips around! 😊

[Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prześwietna!!!! Prosto i zrozumiale wytłumaczone. Szybko się czyta i świetnie napisana :>

[Ale Pikos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ideal para las personas que no tenemos ni una idea, bien explicado con una introducción de la historia, formas de leerlas y significado de cada una. Muy recomendable.

[Cole · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very basic but not bad.

The issue with this is that it's the Audible version and the narrator is dreadful.
She literally sounds like Hilary Duff in her 'Well, that's my life' meme.

[Madalynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very solid book for beginners, I felt (as a beginner) that all the topics were covered well and that I came away with the right kind of questions about Runes rather than a lot of gaps in the knowledge.

[Claudia (Encruzilhada dos Livros) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was interesting. There's a lot about the history and the different runic traditions which helps you understand where the hocus pocus elements are coming from.

[Linda Dolven · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Interesting

This is a great introduction to runes. I wish it was longer or that she would write a follow-up book. I’ve read another intro to runes book, and it was very different. Both were good and informative. So I guess that shows us how much information there is to write about runes, all of which is considered introductory. I really like how much detail she went into explaining the interpretations of the runes. I do wish that after presenting the runes she gave a few case scenarios as examples. I felt that just when I felt we had some understanding of the runes, the book ended. I wanted more :-)

[Victoria Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good introduction

This book was a really good introduction to the runes. It had sections for background information before getting to brief yet informative descriptions of individual runes. The rune descriptions are not so long as to get boring, but give enough that you understand the...intent behind them. I also appreciated the resources listed at the end for further information on runes and Norse beliefs.

[Doug Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an excellent introduction to runes. I have had pyschic insight for as long I I can remember but I'm also very logical and grounded. Runes are a good fit for me because of this and the book describes the history and meanings and and offers resources for further learning at the end of the book! Highly recommend if you are interested in learning about how to use runes, and want to learn the culture behind them also.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful

I particularly liked this book on runes because it didn’t focus on the story behind the runes, not to say that isn’t bad! I found this book to be more resourceful in describing the runes and their reverse meanings. I’ll be definitely hanging onto this book for a while while I do my rune readings.

[Krisanne Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great introduction to the runes. It gave basic explanations for each rune, as well as simple explanations of how to do divination and magick with them. It's a short book, gives some history, as well as some additional resources to use for further study. If you're looking for a primer on runes, this is a great place to start.

[Hunter Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to Runes. That said, it is slanted toward those interested in using them for divination (but does give a very concise history and explanation). Great book to start with if you want more info on Runes.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a perfect beginner’s guide to runes. It is very informative and an easy read. I definitely recommend following this up with more reading on runes and Norse mythology beings as tis just begins to scrape the tip of the iceberg when it comes to runes and all the magic that they entail.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introduction to the runes.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone new to runes, this book was exactly what I was looking for - mainly the meanings of each rune in the Elder Futhark. Each rune was talked through in a way that gives enough information so that you understand, but not so much that you become clouded with someone else's interpretation. There are examples of how each rune would be interpreted in a reading, and the reverse meanings for several contexts are also given. There's also a brief history on runic alphabets which was interesting, and gave just enough insight for me to learn something new and provide context, but not become bored. After all, I came into this book wanting to know about the meanings, not the history. I do wish that there were more examples of runic spreads, as I feel like the focus was more on using runes for magic and talismans, and I know there are more spreads out there. Overall though, a solid little introduction to runes that I'm pleased I read.

[John Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great place for beginners to start with

To be honest, I wish I had started with this book before picking up ones by Dr. Flowers. While this book is a bit more simplified in the historical and anthropological side of things, she does do an excellent job of summarizing things which I've learned in a bit more in depth from Dr. Flowers books. Also her descriptions and attributes to the runes are very clear, very easy to grasp and less abstract. However, what was missing for me was Dr. Flowers intensity, devotion to the Germanic myths and humor. Her style was a bit more tepid, and at times felt like it waa branching out to the New Age form of language. Which cheapens things a bit and makes the topic seem less awe inspiring. But still, this was a solid book that didn't get too distracted by subjective, personalized interpretations as many beginner books are known for.

[JP · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hoping for something more grounded in historical references and linguistic studies. In fairness, I could have noted the subtitle: "A Guide to Reading Runes in Divination, Rune Magic, and the Meanings of Elder Futhark Runes." Even though I'm not into such mysticism, I rated it based on that purpose. The book reviews the origins of the runes and "rune casting," describes how to interpret runes and then explores the meaning of each of the runes in the Elder Futhark. Compared to several more scholarly sources I've encountered recently, I found the basic rune meanings provided here to be very similar. The author takes it a step further by providing "magical uses" for each. If, like me, you don't believe in magic, you could still use runes as a lens for thinking about situations in different ways.

[james gross · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fairly decent introduction to the Eldad Futhark runes. This is definitely one of the better "intro" books I've read. As with all things rune related, you cannot and should not be looking to one source for information on the runes. Read a lot and look for similar patterns. The ideas presented in this short volume fall in line with what I've cleaned myself. The introduction sections are okay, she maybe puts a little too much stock into Von List. She also relies HEAVILY on Thorsson as a source, which can be problematic for some. She does touch briefly on how the Nazis co-opted runic symbolism,but doesn't touch on the huge Nazi problem found in rune study and Germanic paganism these days. I can't speak on the more "magical" parts of the text,but from an academic/esoteric standpoint you can do much worse. Also, it's really short, a good pocket reference.

[doc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great to learn from.

Whether it be for personal information or to learn about to use this book will teach you about what I think is Norse runes. There are many cultures that used runes so you have determine which you want to use or learn about. There is Norse, Swedish, Germanic, Irish, Scottish and Wiccan that I know of so far. Each culture may take a rune and give it a different meaning. That’s a good reason to know which one you want to learn about. Just a note runes originated from Germany. They were to help people to learn to read and write. The Wiccan came in when they stole the runes and used them for magic. You might want to read up on that subject too.

[Will · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Symbols have always been part of magical systems throughout the world. They can be thought of as a tool for communicating visually rather than verbally, with the Universe.’

Hele fijne eerste kennismaken met runen! Wel jammer dat Chamberlain ervoor koos om het boek Wicca-based te maken, omdat niet iedereen die aan hekserij doet het Wicca geloof aanhangt.
Ook jammer dat er werd gesproken over ‘smudgen’, dat is namelijk een Native American closed practice.

[LG · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good starter book, one of the better (intro) books on runes that I’ve read. It’s a short read with a decent look at the history of runes. I enjoyed the addition of magical uses on each rune. The only thing that I didn’t agree with the blank rune use & the underlying Wiccan tone. It is hard to explain but you can tell by the author’s writing that they either have Wiccan briefs or have studied & lo and behold, the more books section at the end; 18 of 22 have “Wicca” in their titles.

[Literary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely one of the better books I’ve read thus far. It was a small read. About 250 pages. But it was very informative and even provided recommendations for further reading. Granted, there were a few typos, but their delivery definitely made for a convincing journey. I will be checking out the other books they recommended, definitely.

[José Luis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sumamente básico. Al principio habla acerca de la importancia de conocer sobre mitología nórdica, pero solo menciona un par de ejemplos. Luego hace un recuento histórico rápido sobre el cómo llegaron a tener el significado que tienen hasta nuestros días, para ahondar (brevemente) sobre el significado de cada una de las runas.

Una muy breve introducción.

[gemma · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a history lesson and don't feel it had enough about runes or was based more about the history of runes instead of how to get started using them. Not enjoyable to read but that's my opinion. Only cheap to buy worth a try

[Donna Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Interesting and Informative

I really enjoyed reading this book, it was very informative... I am sure I will have to read it a few more times... just to make sure I understand it more.