Runes and Ralph H. Blum

A brief history of the Runes and usage.

The Runes are an ancient form of writing originally used by Germanic peoples, particularly the Scandinavians and the Anglo-Saxons. The earliest form of the Runes dates back to the 1st century AD and was used throughout northern Europe, Scandinavia, and the British Isles until the Middle Ages. The Runes were used not only as a writing system but also as a means of divination and were believed to have mystical properties.

The word “Rune” comes from the Old Norse word “rún,” which means “secret” or “mystery.” The exact origins of the Runes are unknown, but they are believed to have been influenced by both the Latin alphabet and the Etruscan alphabet. As well as for divination the Runes were used for a variety of other purposes, including recording laws, sagas, and genealogies, as well as for inscriptions, such as those found on runestones.

During the conversion of the Scandinavian countries to Christianity, the use of the Runes naturally declined as the Latin alphabet became dominant. However, the Runes continued to be used in remote areas and among certain groups, such as the Norse shamans known as the seiðr-workers, who used the Runes in divination and magic.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, interest in the Runes was renewed, particularly among Germanic mysticism and esoteric movements. Today, the Runes are used by some people as a tool for divination and personal spiritual growth, and have also been adopted by modern pagan, New-Age and Heathen groups.

In summary, the Runes have a rich and fascinating history that spans over at least a thousand years.

The “Book of Runes” by Ralph H. Blum.

The “Book of Runes” by Ralph H. Blum is a very popular guide to using the runes. The book was first published in 1987 and has since become a classic in the field of divination and New-Age spirituality.

Blum’s approach to runes is unique, as he combines the traditional use of runes as a form of divination but with modern psychological insights, and it is this which seems to appeal to a new audience. He presents the runes as tools for personal growth and self-discovery, and encourages readers to use them as a way of connecting with their inner selves and accessing their own intuition and wisdom.

The book is organized into three sections: an introduction to the history and mythology of runes, a guide to interpreting the runes, and a section on how to use runes in daily life. The interpretations provided by Blum are based on his own experiences and understanding of the runes, and he encourages readers to develop their own interpretations based on their own experiences.

The “Book of Runes” has been widely praised for its engaging writing style, as well as for its practical approach to using runes as a tool for self-discovery and personal growth. It remains a popular resource for those interested in runes and divination, and continues to inspire a new generations of readers to explore the ancient wisdom of the runes.