Since the beginning of recorded history, the oracular tradition has been associated with healing and with the Divine. For Ralph H. Blum, the journey toward spiritual and emotional healing began with the 1982 publication of "The Book of Runes," Since then, millions of people have welcomed the inspiration, guidance and comfort found in his interpretation of an ancient Western Oracle-- the Runes. At this time in history, a recognition of the relationship between physical health and emotional well-being is crucial. Created specifically to support traditional forms of therapy, healing and recovery, as well as all Twelve Step programs," The Healing Runes" offers a new interpretation of this sacred oracle for all those whose lives stand in need of healing. When you are feeling alone or afraid; when you are sick physically or emotionally; or when your best friend is away and you need sound advice-- put your hand in the bag and pick a Rune. And when you are full of joy and praise and gratitude-- pick a Rune. "The Healing Runes" provides comfort for the heart, ease for the body, peace for the mind and nourishment for the soul.

Blum and Loughan have set out to fill a gigantic void in the healing field, and they have created healing interpretations for all the Runes. By using the classic Rune symbols and following the age-old Rune reading methods, they created a tool with 25 aspects for the emotional, psychological, and physical healing of people in times of crisis.

The Book of Runes is something very special: a part of the ancient past and, perhaps, a part of your future... Based on a tradition over one thousand years old, the Runes are seen by many as a contemporary Oracle and collectively, have established themselves as a remarkable aid in practical decision making. A huge success with over 900,000 copies sold, since its original publication in 1983, The Book of Runes has proved to be a modern classic. For this, the 25th anniversary of the work, Ralph H. Blum has expanded and refined the runic system, making the Runes one of the most profoundly useful self-help tools of the new century.

Galdr is a song or howling by which a poem written in runes is "made active." Anthropological texts will often describe a healing ritual where the healer has been seen to mutter some indistinct words over the patient. This book gives these 'mutterings' back their true meaning and importance. It will also explain their rational value by clearly stating the root causes of the sickness, and explore their religious meaning. The poetry and creativity of these chants combine to form a very effective healing technique, albeit a very difficult one. Many of you will be familiar with karate's 'scream that kills', that came to us from the East. We will explore the 'scream (or song) that heals' called galdr by the Norse. In this book, galdr will be explored in two ways: by looking at a new interpretation of the famous Finish epic, Kalevala; and by considering pagan charms from various parts of the world, including two unexpected sources, those from Lithuania (not yet published) and those from Hildegard von Bingen (a German Christian visionary of the early twelfth century, whose charms were not considered to be Pagan). The Kalevala teaches us the twelve steps for physical healing, and the nine steps for healing mental illness. Old charms are used as a model for buidling new ones.

This title is an introduction to the oracle of the Runes which can be used as a tool for self-counselling. The 25 cards represent the Runes themselves and can be used to guide you on a journey beyond the material to the creative and spiritual.