Rune Might: The Secret Practices of the German Rune Magicians

Description

A practical handbook to the history, exercises, and techniques of German rune work * Explores the four traditional runic systems: the Older Futhark, the Anglo-Frisian Futhorc, the Younger Futhark, and the Armanic Futhork * Details powerful rune work techniques and exercises, including rune yoga and dance, runic hand gestures (mudras), rune singing (mantras), runic healing, runic tantra and sex magic, rune rituals, runic divination, and the runic theory of crystals * Examines the history of esoteric runology and the trailblazers of modern rune magic, including Guido von List, Friedrich Bernhard Marby, and Rudolf John Gorsleben Although the rune renaissance began blossoming in Anglo-American occult circles in the 1970s, the runes have been part of the occult revival in Germany since its beginning in the late 19th century, with roots that go back centuries further. Exploring the history of esoteric runology and the work of the trailblazers of modern rune magic, including Guido von List, Friedrich Bernhard Marby, and Rudolf John Gorsleben, author Edred Thorsson details the secret practices and runic systems of the German rune magicians, including techniques for using runes in unprecedented ways to draw power into your life. Thorsson explores all four of the traditional runic systems: the Older Futhark (24 runes), the Anglo-Frisian Futhorc (29-33 runes), the Younger Futhark (16 runes), and the Armanic Futhork (18 runes), developed by Guido von List. The author explains the similarities and differences between them as well as how they are all facets of the same underlying runic reality. He examines the early history and possible origins of runic symbols and systems, the renaissance of rune magic from 1919 to 1935, the effects of the Third Reich and Nazis on the runic revival, as well as the reemergence of German runology after World War II. Providing an extensive practical section, Thorsson details powerful runework techniques and exercises, including rune yoga and dance, runic hand gestures (mudras), rune singing (mantras), rune yodeling, runic healing, runic tantra and sex magic, group rites with runes, and two powerful methods of engaging transpersonal powers: the Ritual of the Ninth Night and the Ritual of the Grail Cup. He also explores runic divination, the runic theory of crystals, runic symbolism in medieval German buildings, and runic material from the documents of the Fraternitas Saturni, the Brotherhood of Saturn. By immersing yourself in the world of the runic pioneers and the practices they designed, you will emerge with a deeper understanding of runes as well as the magical world from which they emanate.

Edred Thorsson is the founder of the Rune Gild and one of the top experts on runes alive today. He received his doctorate in Germanic languages and medieval studies from the University of Texas at Austin and studied the history of occultism at the University of Goettingen, Germany. He is the author of other well-known books on runes, including Futhark: A Handbook of Rune Magic and The Nine Doors of Midgard.

"Throughout my adult life, in both the esoteric and academic worlds, Edred's books have been permanent companions. His books combine structure and academic rigor with a highly effective system for practicing rune magic. He knows all the Nordic languages, runes, and Old Norse and has a strong background as a practicing magician. No runic system is unknown to him, and it is always happy news when new books appear by him or newer editions of his classic works are released. To read the works of Edred is part of the initiation into the secrets of the runes." * Thomas Karlsson, Ph.D., author of Nightside of the Runes * "Edred's Rune Might examines the intriguing and eccentric characters associated with runic esotericism in early twentieth-century Germany, providing both the historical and cultural background necessary for understanding their work as well as a practical introduction to their actual magical techniques. It is a job for which he is uniquely qualified. Up until now, most Anglophone readers have likely caught only fleeting glimpses of this material in the tawdry (and mostly fictional) mass-market paperbacks and midnight movie-style documentaries devoted to 'Nazi occultism.' With Rune Might, the first wave of serious modern rune magicians can finally take their place within the more meaningful context of the European esoteric tradition and the history of Western ritual magic. It is a treatment that is long overdue, and one that will be appreciated both by scholarly minded students of the occult and by those intrepid souls who are attempting to revive the runic tradition today." * Joshua Buckley, coeditor of TYR: Myth, Culture, Tradition * "No form of the runes is more controversial--and misunderstood--than the Armanen runes, originally arranged and interpreted by Guido von List and later co-opted by the Nazis, who ignored and undermined their true intent and meaning. Edred Thorsson delves into this fascinating area of rune-work while demonstrating his skill as the foremost figure in speculative runology. He is a scholar-magician who can interpret these runes and the practices associated with them in their true context, and with a careful eye for the legitimate and relevant facts about their sometimes outre associations. Ever mindful that an effective neo-tradition must have deep roots in the true tradition, Thorsson places the Armanen runes in their proper place in relation to the three primary historic rows, while suggesting fascinating practices that lead to a true synthesis of the eternal mysteries behind these runic systems." * Toby Chappell, author of Infernal Geometry and the Left-Hand Path * ". . . an instant classic. Edred takes us to the depths of the Armanic runic renaissance and beyond. This is truly a complete and comprehensive edition of Rune Might, one that will stand the test of time. It is required reading for all second degree members of the Knights of Runes." * Siegfried, grand rune master of the Knights of Runes * "A welcome development within occult publishing is the increased emphasis on the cultural and historical context of significant traditions, organizations, and individuals. Edred Thorsson has been providing such needed context for years in his many works, and this revised edition of Rune Might is more vital now than ever. Whether one is a historian of the occult in general or someone who specifically wants to understand the relationship between the ancient runic tradition and the recreations of the early twentieth-century rune magicians, Rune Might is essential reading." * Lothar Tuppan, writer and producer of audio dramas and master in the Rune-Gild *