Gotlandic picture stones are unique! Their well-known wealth of
images is a challenge
to all students of Gotland, the large island in the middle of the
Baltic. But Gotlandic picture stones are not only images, they are
also artefacts, located in a cultural Iandscape, and sometimes
texts, written in runes. This combination of human expressions is
rare, and interpretations of these monuments may consequently have
implications far beyond the Gotlandic horizon. The picture stones
were part of Gotlandic death rituals and may, above all, give
insights into mortuary practice in Scandinavia c. AD 400-1100.
Locally this period is known as the late Iron Age, but from a
European perspective we are in
the early Middle Ages. The timespan mainly represents Norse
paganism, but alsocovers the early phases of
Christianisation.
Rig Svenson
has been a lecturer, writer and practitioner of runes in what he
believes was their original format. Rig came to me both as an
Occultist and a friend some five years ago. I found his philosophy
honest and his point of view genuine surrounding the Northern
Tradition. This is a refreshing change from the very many confusing
dogma surrounding the runes and their applications in the modern
World. Rig has never lost sight that the runes according to the
sagas were given as a blessing to humanity by the Norse God Heimdall
(aka RIG), although many would rightly argue it was Odin who
discovered them. Rig has been
called many things ranging from Runemaster, sometimes a shaman,
sometimes and a modern day wizard. Until a serious illness some
three years ago, he taught students without charge his own way of
working with runes on a one to one basis.
Ian Hennery
promoting his Fenris the Wolf Mummers' Play from the German 'Mummerspiel',
meaning 'Masked Play' or Masquerade. The principal issues of birth,
death, resurrection are pre-Christian and possibly pre-civilization.
The principal characters can be traced back through recorded
history. Inspired by Loreena McKennitt's, "The Mummer's
Dance", Ian set out over a long weekend to write The Fenris Wolf Mummers' Play.
This featured at the
Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Stratford upon Avon as well as Silver
Arrow ROS 2000 Convention at the former Bristol Jarvis Hotel in Bristol,
now called the
Ramada Plaza Hotel.
See:
http://nasty_knight.tripod.com/sa20003.html
Having recovered from
cancer, Rig now focuses his attention on the healing aspects of runes
in conjunction with sound empowerment as a form of timing for the
infusion of healing herbs. I understand this form of rune herbal
healing is little understood or indeed dealt with by many other
authors on the subject and forms the basis of what he considers the
essence of Rune Magic. I recommend this site to anyone who wishes to
learn the old ways of practicing runes or anyone who seeks for truth.
Ian D. Henery
Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales
(2002)
Poet and Playwright
I
first met
Rig Svenson at the Oakleaf Lammas Camp in 2003, where I attended his
workshop on runes and got talking to him afterwards. We have since
enjoyed many discussions on Ásatrú, seiðr and other tribal and
shamanic traditions, not least at the Oakleaf camp again the following
year, and also at a talk he gave to a pagan group that I was running
in Birmingham. Rig has been studying the Northern tradition for many
years, and I believe his insights and perspectives on runelore and
related matters to be both original and provocative. Rig’s military
background and impressive collection of weaponry, both ancient and
modern, mean that the warrior aspect of the cult of Odin and other
Norse divinities is more than a mere metaphor to him, and whilst I
don’t always agree with his conclusions, it’s notable that his work on
runes is firmly based on scholarly research, which is far from the
case with some of the more opportunistic New Age authors on this
subject.
Simon Collins
Rig’s first book
Pierced By The Light was published by Flying Witch Publications in
2003, and it is a lively and thought-provoking read for all those
interested in the esoteric applications of runes. I am happy to
consider Rig my friend – as the Hávamál reminds us:
Vin sínum skal maðr vinr vera: ok gjalda gjöf við
gjöf
A man should be loyal through life to friends, And
return gift for gift.
I first
met Rig a few years ago at a Discussion Group Moot, I remember it well
as I rather impressed (or maybe scared) him with my rather realistic
‘Golllum’ impression!
He came
highly recommended by a Pagan Federation colleague as Speaker so I
booked him to talk about the Runes at my own Discussion Group, the
talk was very well received and everyone was of the same opinion -
‘this guy really knows his stuff’. I found his subject matter not only
well researched but obviously based on a strong foundation of
practical working, he was also open to other peoples ideas and
theories and not arrogant or self opinionated despite his obvious
wealth of knowledge. His passion for his subject was refreshing and
infectious, his knowledge thorough and incisive and, quite frankly – I
was impressed. I subsequently booked Rig again for a more
comprehensive and in-depth presentation at our Pagan Federation
Conference in Telford and he didn’t disappoint… the depth and breadth
of information, research and sheer effort that he put into that
presentation was incredible, I think it left everyone absolutely,
well, astounded!
Rig is
quite an intense person and very serious about his runes, this isn’t
some weekend hobby, it’s his passion, his life. He’s also one of those
rare men of integrity and honour that one just doesn’t find very
often, sadly! He’s what’s known as a ‘thoroughly good egg’ so I’m
delighted and indeed honoured to have him a part of the Workshop
Project at Lammas Barns, he’s a valued, not to mention cherished,
member of the team.
