Books
"Donald exemplifies a philosophically mature and steady attitude which helps open the door to a new understanding of the Armanen teachings which demonstrates that they have a special message and usefulness in the modern world." - Stephen E. Flowers
"It's without a doubt an instant classic." - Larry E. Camp, Grand Rune Master
Throughout this volume, the author seeks to answer the question, “Why would anyone use or spend time studying the Armanen runes today?” At a time when most Heathens and followers of other pagan pathways have embraced the Elder Futhark for everything from divination to tattoos, such an endeavor appears untimely indeed. Today the Armanen runes remain unknown to most. For many who are more informed, it is little more than a better-forgotten footnote in the long history of runes. For others however, it is the foremost esoteric rune system—one imbued with power for positive internal and external transformation.
Van den Andel takes a fresh look at the esoteric rune system derived from Odin's book of wisdom, the Hávamál. He considers this system from a magical perspective and works to square the hidden rune messages both with the traditional rune poems and with Germanic mythology. He aligns himself with those who are unsatisfied with runic pop-culture and simple exoteric explanations for the profound mysteries that are the runes. Throughout this analysis he demonstrates awareness of alternative ideas about the great mysteries of our world and cosmos. He embraces a wide range of ideas and remains open to those that seem fantastic and beyond our normal comprehension. He argues that those who seek beyond the mundane and easily explained are likely to embrace the magical practices of those enlightened to this esoteric rune row. Here the seeker will find a wide range of practices from meditation and mantras to chakras and yoga.
The author makes the case that the Armanen system provides answers to the mystery of the runes unlike any other rune row. He makes the case that this rune row, far from being the invention of a single mind is supported by the ancient wisdom of the various traditional rune poems. For those seeking the mysteries, willing to explore the old secrets, and willing to eschew contemporary taboos, there can be no runes that better satisfy and provide answers and profound benefits. Readers will discover a Germanic mythological tale that takes them chronologically from the dawn of time in Ginnungagap to the heavenly rebirth of Gimle. They will also recognize a story of their own lives—from birth through life to death and rebirth. Finally, for the initiate seeking rune mastery, the runic tale reveals itself as an instructive course that teaches the secrets of the runes and maps a path of discovery and wisdom. Van den Andel reveals a powerful esoteric system that may be beneficial to any who seek personal growth, transformation, and healing.
The Spiritual Journey of a Modern-Day Heathen
"Read this today and found it to be a charming and informative tale of one man's spiritual journey. Well written, intelligent and sincere. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in Asatru and the pathway home." - Robert N. Taylor
"Many books on Asatru can be dry and tedious to read cover-to-cover. They function well if you need to look something up quickly. This book is different. It is the story of a man finding his path to his ancestral gods. It is honest and informative. Tales from the Ironwood provides sources and stories to help newcomers to Asatru and hardened practitioners alike. It is about a journey and to that end, we can all relate." - Faine
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