Fehu (ᚠ) is the first rune in the Norse Futhark runic alphabet and represents the phonetic sound F, and was also used to represent the number 1. It represents both material wealth and spiritual abundance.
In the Norse world, wealth was closely linked to ownership of livestock, which is why the literal meaning of the rune is “cattle,” but it has connotations of wealth and prosperity. It is specifically linked with movable wealth, cattle in ancient times, but today cash or credit, that can be leveraged to increase your prosperity.
The Fehu rune was also linked to the goddess Freyja, the goddess of love and beauty, and one of the Vanir gods, known to be bringers of luck and prosperity. He was also a master of Seidr magic, representing a strong connection to the spiritual world.
Fehu Rune Poems
Our understanding of the Old Norse runes comes from rune poems, which provide explanatory stanzas for each letter. Most date from the15th-17th centuries, and there are Norwegian, Icelandic, and even Anglo-Saxon poems for each rune.
Norwegian:
Fehu causes strife among kin; the wolf lines in the forest
Icelandic:
Fehu is strife of king and beacon of floods (the sea) and grave saithe’s path (serpent’s path)
Anglo-Saxon:
Fehu is a comfort to every man; but must everyone bestow it freely, if they wish to gain honor in the sight of the Lord.
These rune poems clearly represent the double-edged nature of wealth. It is necessary and beneficial to have, but it can also engender greed and jealousy, which can result in danger, even if not especially from the people closest to you. Plus, with wealth comes responsibility. The Norse never respected someone who hoarded wealth and expected them to be generous.
Fehu in Divination
In runic divination practices, the Fehu rune can have several meanings:
- Material Wealth – usually disposable wealth that can be leveraged immediately.
- Career Success – Fehu usually suggests success, abundance, and growth on the professional front.
- New Beginnings – the rune points to opportunities for new adventures and challenges
- Energy and Fertility – it is suggestive of vitality, creativity, and growth.
The position of the runestone in relation to the reader influences the reading:
- Upright: Fehu is usually an indication that you have wealth and abundance that can be leveraged.
- Merkstave (reversed): it can suggest a time of lack or wanting, suggesting hard times of a lack of resources to achieve something.
- Sideways: Fehu can be a challenge to consider our self-worth outside of traditional material things and the other sources of abundance in our lives.
How it should be read also depends on where it falls in relation to other runes.
- Combined with Jera and Wunjo – hard work will result in financial growth and personal fulfilment
- Combined with Uruz – often the need to protect wealth and resources against outside threats
- Combined with Ingwaz and Berkana – is suggesting of a new project that is likely to be successful
- Combined with Othala – suggests filling gaps to create stability and the potential for growth
- Combined with Algiz – might suggest that now is the time to protect resources rather than take risks
Fehu Associations
Taurus – An earth sign ruled by Venus, Taurus is also associated with material resources and is connected to cattle, as Taurus is represented by the bull. It embodies both abundance and stability in the material world.
Second House – This governs personal finance and material possessions, aligning with the fundamental aspects of the Fehu rune
Venus – The Fehu rune is linked to Freyja, who is linked to Venus, the planet of love, beauty, and material comfort.
The Empress – In the Major Arcana, the Empress represents fertility, abundance, and nurturing. She is linked with material abundance and plans coming to fruition.
Nine of Pentacles – In the Minor Arcana, the Nine of Pentacles is depicted with a woman surrounded by symbols of wealth and prosperity, and indicates both success and self-sufficiency.
29 June -14 July – People born on these dates are believed to be governed by the Fehu rune. They are usually hard-working people who enjoy seeing the success of their labors.
Fehu in Magical Rituals
Use the Fehu rune in magical rituals for prosperity, spells for luck at the start of new ventures, and guidance for financial decision-making.
- Combine the Fehu rune with a green candle for candle magic spells
- Inscribe the Fehu rune on a money bowl filled with other symbols of abundance to attract prosperity
- Meditate while focusing on the Fehu rune when looking for financial guidance
You can incorporate the Fehu rune into sigils for success, growth, and prosperity.
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