The Nordic Book of Runes

Learn to Use This Ancient Code for Insight, Direction and Divination

By Jonathan Dee

For more than two thousand years, runes have been used as a written alphabet, magical symbols and a means of seeking insight and guidance.

In The Nordic Book of Runes, Jonathan Dee introduces the fascinating world of runic symbolism and divination, explaining the meanings associated with the individual runes and showing you how to use them in readings.

This compact guide is particularly useful if you're new to runes or have a set of rune stones but aren't quite sure how to begin reading them.

What's inside?

The book explores:

• ᚠ The runic alphabet

• ᚱ The individual meanings of the runes

• 🔮 Rune divination

• ✨ Runic symbolism

• 🌌 Celestial associations

• 📜 Norse and Germanic rune traditions

• 🔄 Upright and inverted meanings

• 🪨 Different ways of casting runes

• 🔮 Six different rune spreads

• 🌙 Using runes for insight into different areas of life

• 🔮 Readings exploring the past, present and future

Each rune is described alongside its symbolic imagery and associated celestial phenomena, giving readers more than just a list of rune names and keywords.

Learning the runes

The book begins by exploring the history of runes and their place within the traditions of the Germanic peoples of Northern Europe.

The word rune is associated with the idea of a secret or mystery, and historically these symbols were carved onto objects including amulets, rings and weapons, as well as appearing in inscriptions.

Dee introduces the individual runes and explores the symbolism behind them, making it easier to develop an understanding of the symbols rather than simply memorising their names.

Rune meanings

Each rune has its own associations and symbolism.

For example, Fehu is connected with cattle and therefore developed associations with material wealth, while Isa, meaning ice, can represent danger, obstacles or a situation where caution is required.

Tiwaz, meanwhile, is associated with the North Star and ideas of direction and finding one's path.

The book provides these kinds of symbolic connections to help readers develop a deeper understanding of the runes and their meanings.

Six ways to cast the runes

One of the most useful features is the inclusion of six different rune spreads.

These range from Odin's Rune, a straightforward one-rune reading, through to casts using up to nine runes for more detailed insight.

This gives beginners somewhere simple to start while also providing more involved layouts for readers who want to explore deeper questions.

The spreads can be used to consider the past, present and future, as well as gaining insight into questions, circumstances and possible paths forward.

A handy rune reference

At just 96 pages, The Nordic Book of Runes is a relatively compact guide, making it easy to keep alongside your rune set.

It's the sort of book you can dip into while learning the individual symbols or keep nearby when performing a reading.

About Jonathan Dee

Jonathan Dee was an author, broadcaster and historian who received a Sony Award.

Based in Wales, he was the resident astrologer for BBC Radio Wales and wrote books covering subjects including astrology, Tarot, feng shui, Ancient Egypt and the history of prophecy.

Dee was also a direct descendant of Dr John Dee, the famous Elizabethan mathematician, alchemist and astrologer.

Who is this book best for?

The Nordic Book of Runes is particularly suited to:

• ᚠ Beginners learning about runes

• 🔮 Anyone wanting to learn rune divination

• 🪨 People who already own a set of rune stones

• 🧙‍♀️ Witches interested in runic magic

• 📜 Anyone fascinated by Norse and Germanic traditions

• 🌌 Readers interested in the symbolism of the runes

• 🔮 Tarot readers wanting to explore another form of divination

• ✨ Anyone looking for a compact rune reference

• 🎁 A lovely gift for someone beginning their rune journey

It's particularly good for someone who wants a straightforward introduction to rune meanings and casting without committing to a huge, complicated reference book.

Publisher & Book Details

Author: Jonathan Dee
Title: The Nordic Book of Runes: Learn to Use This Ancient Code for Insight, Direction and Divination
Publisher: CICO Books
Imprint/Parent Publisher: Ryland Peters & Small
Publication date: 16 February 2021
ISBN-13: 9781782497448
ISBN-10: 1782497447
Format: Hardback / Paper Over Board
Pages: 96
Dimensions: 152 × 115 × 15 mm
Weight: 184g
Language: English
Illustrations: 50 colour illustrations