Full Description
Using the Gothic alphabet for runic divination
• Examines the divinatory meanings of the 25 Gothic staves and how they correspond with the 24 runes of the Norse Futhark
• Provides a series of rune spreads and several divination techniques for different approaches to questioning and gaining insight
• Explores the Goths' spiritual beliefs, cosmology, and magical systems
Originating in Scandinavia, the ancient Goths viewed runes as mystical symbols from the spirit realm, using them to read the cycles of fate, known as Orlög. As the Goths migrated across Europe into North Africa, they adopted a new alphabet to mask their Pagan origins. Yet the staves, or characters of the Gothic alphabet, were rooted in the sacred runes and still used for divining, leading the Roman Catholic Church to declare the Gothic alphabet "heretical" 1400 years ago.
Revealing here for the first time the system of seership embedded in the Gothic alphabet, Nigel Pennick examines the 25 Gothic staves and compares their divinatory insights with those of the traditional Futhark of the 24 Norse runes. Pennick considers each stave alone and as part of its aett, the three divisions of the runic alphabet. He provides rune spreads and reading techniques, including the Raed Waen divinatory rite, and explores how new meanings arise as staves are combined in dyads or triads.
Contents
Introduction
Techniques of Gothic Divination
RUNIC AND GOTHIC CHARACTERS'
MEANINGS AND EXEGESIS
The First Aett
Faihu ◊ Fe
Urus ◊ Uraz
Pauris ◊ Thyth
Ansus ◊ Aza
Raida ◊ Reda
Kusma ◊ Chozma
Giba ◊ Gewa
Winja ◊ Winne
The Second Aett
Hagl ◊ Haal
Nauts ◊ Noicz
Eis ◊ Iiz
Jer ◊ Gaar
Aihus ◊ Waer
Pairtra ◊ Pertra
Algs ◊ Ezec
Sauil ◊ Sugil
The Third Aett
Teiws ◊ Tyz
Bairkan ◊ Bercna
Egeis ◊ Eyz
Mannaz ◊ Manna
Lagus ◊ Laaz
Iggws ◊ Enguz
Odal ◊ Utal
Dags ◊ Daaz
Quairtra
Triads of Characters
Appendix: Correspondences of the
Gothic Runes and Characters
About the Author
