The ancient origins and divinatory power of the runes <br /> <br />&bull; Uncovers the original divinatory meaning of each rune through the myths of its corresponding Norse god or goddess <br /> <br />&bull; Includes beautiful full-color illustrations of the runic gods and goddesses <br /> <br />&bull; Presents rune-casting spreads for divination and character analysis <br /> <br />&bull; Explores the controversial history of runes from the Paleolithic Stone Age to today <br /> <br />Invented long before the appearance of the runic alphabet Futhark less than two thousand years ago, the runes were originally created as symbols for specific deities. Representing the twenty-four Norse gods and goddesses from the Vanir and Aesir pantheons, the runes provide a way to establish direct contact with the divine shapers of fate. <br /> <br />Based on the work of Austrian mystic and runologist Guido von List and anthropologist Marija Gimbutas as well as the oldest rune artifacts to survive from pre-Christian Europe, this book reveals the long history of runes from their appearances in Paleolithic cave paintings through their rechristening in Medieval times to their modern resurgence as a popular tool of divination. It uncovers the original names and divinatory meanings of each rune by exploring the myths, personality traits, astrological periods, identifying colors, and gemstones of the rune&rsquo;s corresponding god or goddess. It also illustrates and explains five ancient rune-casting spreads used by Norse adepts for divination as well as character analysis. By renewing their link with the divine, <em>Gods of the Runes</em> shows how working with the runes can be a genuine mystical experience, enabling a personal connection with the gods and a rediscovery of their perennial truths. <br />