The Rune Poems: A Reawakened Tradition (Book Review)

For those looking for a new rune book, I found this to be a great addition to the shelf. It’s refreshing to see this type of collaborative effort at preserving the art of runes and poetry. Many great and diverse angles are given on each rune and futhark, delving deep into the well within each.

I think my favorite of the modern rune poems were “A Tally of Staves” by Eirik Westcoat and “Rune Poem” by David Jones. I was previously unaware of both of these people, so it was nice to hear some new perspective on the runes and their functions.

Eirik’s Raido poem stuck to me, as it describes the long road one embarks on towards finding their Self. “Ever spiraling” as he says…

“Raido is wagon, and riding as well,

on the lengthy road that leads to Self,

ever spiraling in endless cycles.

By holding to right, a healthy order

is built through turnings of bright and dark.

When wheels and axles are well aligned,

rede for the road is readily heard.

This craft of construction, careful synthesis,

manifests ice in its myriad forms.”

The poem describes how one must endure certain journeys to discover and form the Self. Through an “ordered” and controlled lifestyle, one can survive any bouts with light or dark instances of life. When we are carefully controlled and mastered, like the chariot, we will stride straight and true toward our goals. The end of the poem, in my opinion, refers to a solidifying of positive momentum or rhythm. This momentum, like ice, shows itself in many forms and shapes.

“Rune Poem” by David Jones was as satisfying as a bright beer, good smoke, or golden sunset. Absolutely amazing work and reeking with wisdom.

The Sowilo poem stood out to me, as it is an essential turning point in the journey of the poem. One completes this phase of life and moves into the next…

“Onward and upward toward the glow,

Holy light strikes the crystal of will,

This the rainbow bridge is cast for use.

Stepped out of the cycles of rebirth,

The bold of all ages now benchmates,

No longer as piece but now as player,

He stands shoulder to shoulder with gods

In the right at the grand end of time,

Where all is renewed in destruction.”

This poem shows a deep belief in reincarnation. However, it also shows the belief that one can break the cycle by reaching “Othala,” which is the Germanic version of Samsara. This implies, that through Sowilo, one now steps out of rebirth and into a new, celestial, godlike phase. Beginning with the rune Tiwaz.

If you’re on the fence because of the price, I get it. Nevertheless, you likely won’t need another rune poem book, as this covers most, if not all of what is available to us from antiquity.