The rune Fehu (ᚠ) is the first rune of the first aett in the Elder Futhark. This rune represents material wealth, abundance, and resources. It also raises the importance of responsibly managing your resources. If you draw Fehu in a rune reading, the messages are likely centered around personal and/or financial growth, new beginnings, and the need to care for and nurture your resources.

To me, this rune is also about recognizing what we consider “wealth”; this means reflecting on both material wealth and the intangible like our resources and connections. It calls for introspection around how we relate what we have and calls us to question our perceptions around self-worth. Fehu asks us to consider what we bring to the table on a psychological level (our skills, talents, and values) and how we can use that to grow our prosperity. It challenges us to recognize our own self-worth, outside of what we own, and think of ways to use this to grow abundance. On a deeper level, Fehu encourages us to examine how we perceive and manage not only our resources but also our own intrinsic value. It calls us to reflect on how we can cultivate and share what we have, ensuring both material and personal growth.

Basic Information

• Name: Fehu (Proto-Norse), also known as Fe (Old Norse), Feoh (Old English)
• Pronunciation: “FEH-oo”
• English Translation: Cattle, Wealth
• Symbol: ᚠ

Fehu has taken on broader meanings beyond its original associations with cattle and wealth. Its energy extends into areas like personal growth, financial wisdom, and how we exchange and manage all types of resources.

• Material Wealth and Possessions: This could be a sign of financial gains or increases in the resources available to you. For example, this could suggest a raise at work, a profitable investment, or new assets.
• Career Success and Growth: Can indicate a positive shift in your career, such as a promotion, a new business opportunity, or a successful project launch.
• New Beginnings and Opportunities: Fehu encourages starting new ventures or pursuing fresh financial opportunities.
• Energy and Fertility: Reflecting vitality, creativity, and growth. You might be entering a period of increased energy or productivity in personal or professional life.
• Responsibility with Resources: A reminder to manage assets wisely. This could mean budgeting, investing carefully, or sharing resources with those in need.

Warning:

Fehu cautions that wealth can be fleeting if mismanaged, urging you to approach it with respect and responsibility.

Orientation: Merkstave and Reversed Meanings

If Fehu appears merkstave (reversed) it may indicate:

• Financial Instability: Watch for potential losses or mismanagement in financial areas.

• Lack of Energy: You may feel drained or creatively blocked, needing rest or rejuvenation.

• Materialism or Greed: A warning to examine whether an excessive focus on wealth is negatively impacting relationships or values.

Fehu is most closely associated with Freya due to the themes of wealth and prosperity. Because of its early association with Cattle, some may also link it to Freyr, the god of good harvest and fertility. Due to this early meaning of “cattle” some interpretations, Fehu is also linked to Audhumla, the primeval cow in Norse creation myths, representing nourishment and the foundation of life. 

Elder Futhark and astrology are not inherently linked, but some modern practitioners have drawn parallels between them. This can add greater meaning and interpretation, especially when using runes in combination with astrological readings.

For Fehu, we might consider the following astrological associations:

1. Taurus: As an earth sign ruled by Venus, Taurus is often associated with material wealth, possessions, and resources. Like Fehu, Taurus is connected to cattle (the bull) in astrological symbolism. Both embody themes of abundance, stability, and the physical world.
2. Second House: The Second House governs personal finances, material possessions, and values. This aligns closely with Fehu’s associations with wealth and resources.
3. Venus: The planet of love, beauty, and material comforts resonates with Fehu’s themes of abundance and prosperity.
4. Jupiter: Known as the “Great Benefic,” Jupiter represents expansion, growth, and good fortune, aligning with Fehu’s positive aspects of increasing wealth and opportunities.

Fehu invites us to reflect on wealth, both in material and non-material forms. Here are some prompts to consider as you work with this rune:

• Assessing Your Resources: What resources do you have at your disposal? Not just money, but also your skills, relationships, or health. Fehu encourages us to acknowledge all forms of abundance in our lives.
• Abundance Mindset: Do you approach life with a mindset of scarcity, always worrying about running out? Or do you recognize the abundance around you? Fehu asks us to shift our perspective toward gratitude and trust in the flow of resources.
• Responsible Stewardship: Are you managing your resources well? Whether it’s finances, time, or talents, Fehu reminds us that true wealth comes from responsible management, not just accumulation.
• Generosity and Flow: How do you give and receive? Fehu’s energy teaches that abundance grows when it’s shared and kept in motion. Consider where you might need to be more open to receiving or more willing to give.
• New Beginnings: Fehu often signals fresh starts. Think about areas in your life where a new beginning might be needed, especially related to your resources or financial situation. What’s your next step?

Fehu holds a lot of power when it comes to prosperity, growth, and new beginnings. Its energy can be harnessed in various magical practices, including:

• Prosperity Rituals: Fehu can be carved onto a green candle and burned while visualizing the flow of abundance into your life. Some also create a “money bowl” inscribed with Fehu, filled with coins and herbs like mint or basil to attract wealth.
• Agricultural Blessings: Fehu’s historical connection to livestock makes it a strong rune for blessing crops and agricultural endeavors. Drawing the rune in the soil before planting seeds can promote fertility and abundance.
• New Venture Success: If you’re starting a new business or project, Fehu can support your success. Try creating a sigil incorporating Fehu and placing it in a prominent location in your workspace.
• Financial Decision Making: Meditating on Fehu before making important financial decisions can bring clarity and help ensure you’re using your resources wisely.
• Energetic Cleansing: Some use Fehu in ritual baths or visualizations, focusing on cleansing any financial blocks or limiting beliefs about money.

Third Ætt (Tyr's Ætt)
17. ᛏ (Tiwaz) - Tyr, justice
18. ᛒ (Berkano) - birch, fertility
19. ᛖ (Ehwaz) - horse, trust
20. ᛗ (Mannaz) - human, self
21. ᛚ (Laguz) - water, flow
22. ᛜ (Ingwaz) - Ing, fertility
23. ᛟ (Othala) - inheritance, homeland
24. ᛞ (Dagaz) - day, breakthrough