Odin's Gateways: A Practical Guide to the Wisdom of the Runes Through Galdr, Sigils and Casting

To receive the knowledge of the Runes Odin hung upside down for 9 days and had one of his eyes pecked out by a raven. At least that is how the legend goes. In reality the Runes were developed by the Northern Europeans and spread over the England. Three Runic alphabets developed Futhark, Futhork and Elder Furthark. This book focuses on the Elder Futhark.Author Katie Gerard had worked with the Runes for well over ten years before she decided to write this book. At the books beginning there is a brief description of the history. After discussing the history she discusses some of the giants in the Rune world. Most notable are Freya Aswynn, Edred Flowers and Ralph Blum. The author gives some time to the debate of the blank Rune which Ralph Blum is a proponent of. After giving some back and forth over the issue in the end the reader is left to make the decision for them self. Katie also believes that the spiritual seeker should allow the runes to convey their own meaning and lessons rather then relying on so many books.The meat of the book deals with the Runes themselves. This section is very concise and to the point. It is also very thorough. Each rune is given ample explanation of it's meaning, life lesson and how to use it in spellcraft.The reader is also given guidance in how to pronounce the rune as well. This is something that can be referred to many times over.The final part of the book give over information on how to make runes, use bind runes and some specific spells. Any material can be used for making runes. One can use clay, wood or stones. The actual rune letters should be painted in red. In ancient times they were painted in blood. Now a days you can just add a drop of your own blood if you find that really necessary.This most like one of the best books on the runes that I have read. It is simple and to the point like Norse Magic itself.

I used four books for learning the basics of runes. The rest, as this author sugggests, is a personal relationahsip that you build with the runes. I found the introduction and background to be very informative and accurate - especially with respect to buiding a relationship with Odin in which there is fair exchange.This book is not comprehensive, but no book seems completely describe the runes as far as I can tell. I especially liked the description of meeting Heimdallr. I reviewed variations of the Elder Futhark and settled on the ones given in this book. As for intonement, I highly recommend that you search on yoube and hear how others do it. They are similar to the descriptions in this book, but hearing is really neecessary. You really can't teach intonement in written form.Finally, I liked the discussions on how to use them, though you will likely develop some of your own practices. Like the author describes, making your own runes seems to be the best idea - and this is what I did.Overall, this book is well worth the read and well worth referencing from time-to-time while exploring runes.

Ms Gerrard has contributed to the Runic tradition with this book. She takes a modern perspective guided both by tradition, and visionary practice.The Elder Futhark is the focus of her work, yet anyone preferring to study other Futharks can use her methods to deepen and enrich their wisdom.My criticism has more to do with the kindle edition, than with the book. First off the kindle reduces images and graphics to ridiculously small dimensions, creates errors in registration, contains large blank spaces, and gaps in the text. It is possible to muddle through, and worthwhile to do so, but it is an unnecessary annoyance.Ultimately, Ms Gerrard offers a guide which places the responsibility of practice squarely upon the reader, which is exactly where it belongs. She points to a direction, while the depth and duration of that journey is in the hands of the reader.

Loved the book! She's brilliant! But needs to spell check thoroughly, I've seen the same mistake in other books, take heed, if your using the sleep spell, use the right rune or you'll be thinking about $$ all night, she used Fehu instead of Ansuz, we all suffer insomnia because of bills and money, just saying, other than that..as far as I can see it's my go to book!! Love it!!

I absolutely love the author's "voice", her writing style, as she talks the reader through the story of Odin's sacrifice on the tree. She presents a concise (at times a little too concise) picture of Norse cosmology and gives a clear view of the runes and their meanings.While I might have preferred just a little more "meat", I truly appreciate a short, easily approachable book written in clean, clear language (I've been reading R.I. Page all week).This book is one of my three "go-to" books on runes; Katie Gerrard definitely knows her stuff and she presents it in a way that is a joy to read.

This book is helpful, and the some of the information on using the runes references specific sagas. Recommend, worth the money. I wouldn't have this as my sole resource about the runes, but it is a good introduction or for additional information/different view. Information on galdr is included with how each rune can be used or read, as well as how to form bindrunes for specific magical purposes. A nice intro to the gods is provdided for those who are not familiar with the Aesir & the Vanir. All in all, a good book and glad I bought it.