Ranarop

I've read many books on the runes, from magical treatises to those more historical and academic.  But Kari Tauring's book, The Runes: A Human Journey, is different, basing her interpretation of each rune on personal experience with a pan-spiritual approach.  At first, and probably because of the previous books, I found it a bit simplistic.  Then I realized that was exactly the point--a book that makes the runes accessible to everyone, via the common ground of the human experience and with just enough lore that they retain their mystery. 

Focusing on the Elder Futhark runes, Tauring deals with each Aett in turn, each rune an individual chapter.  The rune stave itself is typically dissected first in order to illuminate other runes incorporated in its making.  Typically these are Isa and Kenaz, but the interpretation of these individual runes only hint at coloring the overall meaning of the rune in question.  For example, the first rune of the futhark, Fehu, "begins with Isa, the straight line, Ice (the rune of slow growth and contemplation).  Then come two lines looking up to the right, like the modern day F with the lines raised upwards instead of extending perpendicularly.  It reminds me of cow horns looking up to the sky."  This allows the reader to connect to each rune visually, as well as providing a mnemonic device that aids in memorization of the rune and its meaning together.  Chapters continue with relevant lore, the author's personal experience and relationships are often related, as well as use of the stave in practical magic.

There is a refreshing combination of history, lore, and modern perspectives.  As a modern practitioner of heathenry, or any rec-onstructionist spirituality, the blurring of the line between modern life and ancient belief is something that is confronted every day.  Our jobs, our transportation, our means of communication are all touched by technology, and not always in a bad way.  This realistic perspective on rune lore, as well as the incorporation of other animist and agricultural spiritualities such as American Indian and Celtic belief, and holistic ideas from Eastern cultures like Feng Shui, I Ching, and the chakras, makes for a comprehensive interpretation of the runes for modern times.  It's like looking at the whole horizon from a center point, turning in place in order to see the staves from all angles.
 
Each section of Aett is a journey, both spiritual and personal.  They call the reader to reflect on their life journey, or to begin one.  The book could very easily be used like the tarot Journey of the Fool, or Fool's Journey, for personal spiritual development.  Read linearly, there are relationships between the runes in succession that are clearly visible.  Tauring's book remains versatile in that it can also be used for divination, either in conjunction with casting runes, or drawing a single stave for guidance.  There is a section at the end of the book, before the comprehensive glossary, that explains using the runes for divination that is a basic and good for beginners.

Kari Tauring's The Runes: A Human Journey serves as not only a practical guide to the runes for modern times, but also as an example of how one can have an ongoing and personal relationship with the runes every day.  By adding a pan-spiritual perspective, conversational descriptions complete with humor (unheard of in most rune books!), and suggestions for practical applications of the staves for focusing on the spiritual in the everyday, the runes become accessible to all who wish, allowing readers to easily memorize and internalize all aspects of the runes.        

I am going to recommend this to my rune study group for another, more practical perspective on the runes.  I wish Kari the best of luck with all of her creative endeavors.  She has inspired me spiritually and creatively, as well as personally.  I look forward to more opportunities to share in her work.