Another of the new rune decks which have recently been released, this one has as its main focus really strongly colored images showing the meaning of the runes, as opposed to scenic pictures OF the runes.  This deck brings to full life the tales and beings portrayed by the runic symbolism.

Each of the 25 cards in the deck is large so that a good look at the imagery contained is given.  The card is bordered with a design of intertwining norse knotwork with a diamond inset at the bottom, containing the rune itself.  In a circular inset on the left side, there is the numerical equivalent in the deck, and on the right is the letter of our alphabet to which this rune corresponds.  At the top of the card the full name of the rune is spelled out in the futhark alphabet.

The little booklet which comes with the deck does not go into explanations at all about what the picture on each card is a picture of.  Nonetheless, it is a better little booklet than many, giving several layouts and a decent amount of information on the history anf background of runes, as well as four different layouts and then finally the divinatory meanings of each rune card.

Obviously, since this is not a tarot deck, there are no Major or Minor Arcana, no suits, no courts.  Just 25 cards with pictures and their runes.  I think this would be an excellent way to work with runes, being of a "card" mindset.  Many people prefer to work with rune stones, but I like the cards concept.

In spite of the deck's large card size, it handles and shuffles easily, probably due to the small number of cards in the deck.  I highly recommend this deck to anyone who is looking for a rune deck with good artwork.  Remember there are two kinds out there, the cards which show a picture of the rune, and those which show scenes of the intended meaning, like this deck does.

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Review Copyright 1998 by Gina M. Pace