Description
Book SynopsisA step-by-step guide to working with the runes throughout the year.
The Old Norse runes, known as the Elder Futhark, have long joined forces with the cycles of the seasons to offer powerful initiations, guidance, and wisdom. Aligning the sacred festivals, plantings, and harvests of ancient runic calendars with our modern 12-month calendar, Kelley Harrell reveals how the runes can once again offer initiations as well as instruct us on the holy days and creative rhythms of today.
Drawing on her more than 25 years of shamanic practice and runic study, Harrell offers a step-by-step primer to work with the runes throughout the year. She explains how the 24 runes of the Elder Futhark follow a seasonal progression in which each stave rules the calendar for a half-month. She explores the meaning of each rune in detail and presents structured runic devotionals for each half-month, interwoven with guidance on how to make the best use of the life force available during each season, as well as runic initiation rituals for the 8 pagan Sabbats, or holy days, such as the Summer Solstice (Litha) and Beltane (May Day).By moving through Nature’s cycle with the runes, each year becomes a reliable and trackable process of personalized growth and spiritual connection. Progressing through the teachings of each stave while honoring the seasons, Harrell’s year with the runes becomes an initiation into a direct relationship with powers of Nature.
Trade Review“In her book Runic Book of Days, S. Kelley Harrell has created a path of personal revelation and initiation through the intrinsic powers of the Elder Futhark. Her unique vision offers you a truly fresh way to approach the oracular nature of the runes while providing a way to use their magic to enhance your life. It is a journey through time and nature that can transform you!” * Evelyn C. Rysdyk, author of The Norse Shaman *
"Drawing from old runic sources and modern shamanic practices, as well as over two decades of experience, Harrell aligns the classic agricultural calendars of Old Europe as expressed through the runes with our modern Gregorian variety, showing just how universal the wheel of the year can feel when properly attuned and actively experiences. Each rune (and its half-month) is examined and treated as an initiating force with depth and intuitive analysis. Looking to expand your experience of meditation with the Futhark ever-further, or perhaps needing a way to augment your Coven’s calendar with a more heathen feel? This little gem might be for you." * The Witches' Almanac *
Table of ContentsForeword by Nigel Pennick
Acknowledgments
Introduction
PART 1
Engaging the Runes 1 History and Origin of the Runes
2 The Runes Tools and Strategies for Rune Work
3 The Staves The Symbolism of the Elder Futhark
4 The Runic Calendar Structure and Sacred Rites
PART 2
Living the Runes
5 June 29-July 14 -- Fehu
Manifesting the Sacred Self
6 July 14-July 29 -- Uruz
Greeting Shadow 7 July 29-August 13 -- Thurisaz and Lammas
Finding Personal Divinity 8 August 13-August 29 -- Ansuz
Speaking Your Personal Truth 9 August 29-September 13 -- Raidho
Telling Your Story 10 September 13-September 28 -- Kenaz and Mabon
Meeting the Personal Metaphor
11 September 28-October 13 -- Gebo
Giving and Growing
12 October 13-October 28 -- Wunjo
Allowing Joy
13 October 28-November 13 -- Hagalaz and Samhain
Facing Fear, Finding Faith 14 November 13-November 28 --Nauthiz
Embracing Need 15 November 28-December 13 -- Isa
Excavating Hidden Life Force
16 December 13-December 28 -- Jera and Yule
Finding Tools That Work 17 December 28-January 13 -- Eihwaz
Navigating the Personal Path
18 January 13-January 28 -- Perthro
Confronting Your Wyrd
19 January 28-February 12 --Algiz and Imbolc
Embodying Power 20 February 12-February 27 -- Sowilo
Remembering Infinite Divinity
21 February 27-March 14 -- Tiwaz
Holding Space
22 March 14-March 30 -- Berkano and Ostara
Healing Dues 23 March 30-April 14 -- Ehwaz
Meeting Allies 24 April 14-April 29 -- Mannaz
Finding Your Tribe 25 April 29-May 14 -- Laguz and Beltane
Staying in Flow
26 May 14-May 29 -- Ingwaz
Feeding New Consciousness
27 May 29-June 14 -- Othala
Being the Present 28 June 14-June 29 -- Dagaz and Midsummer
Befriending the Tension of Change 29 Continuing the Cycle
Suggested Reading and Resources Notes
Glossary
Index
