Fehu (ᚠ) – wealth in motion
- Julia Runeborn
- Aug 20
- 28 min read
Updated: Oct 22
Fehu opens the runic row and speaks of resources that move: money, skills, time, vitality. Upright, it brings income and fertile beginnings; reversed, it warns about leaks, greed, and undervaluing.
Aliases: Fehu, Feoh, Fé
Futhark: Elder Futhark (Rune 1/24)
Phoneme: /f/
Core theme: Movable wealth (cattle → capital), energy-in-motion, the value you can generate, exchange, and steward.
Fehu is the first rune of the Elder Futhark alphabet, representing the “F” sound. Its name literally means “cattle” or “livestock,” which in early Germanic societies signified movable wealth – assets like cattle that could grow, be traded, or transferred. Thus, Fehu symbolizes wealth in motion: income, resources, skills, or vitality that one can generate and exchange. It is often called the rune of abundance, prosperity, fertility, and new beginnings, as it kicks off the runic row with the promise of incoming wealth and the responsibilities that come with it. Upright, Fehu heralds success, earned income, and fertile endeavors; reversed (also known as merkstave), it warns of financial leaks, greed, or undervaluing oneself. The energy of Fehu is like a fire – warm and expansive when tended, but capable of burning out or spreading uncontrollably if mismanaged.
Fehu rune overview and correspondences
Traditionally, Fehu is associated with the Vanir deities Freyr and Freyja, gods of fertility and prosperity, reflecting its themes of growth and wealth. Being the 1st rune in the Elder Futhark, it also begins the first aett (family of eight runes), which is often named after Freyja or Freyr. The table below summarizes key facts and commonly cited correspondences for Fehu:
Fehu At-a-Glance (Elder Futhark Rune 1/24)
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Etymology & Historical Note: The word Fehu is a reconstruction of the Proto-Germanic term for “livestock”, cognate to Old Norse fé and Old English feoh (both meaning wealth, cattle). This root also survives in modern English as “fee” (a payment), harking back to times when wealth was measured in cattle. Owning cattle meant having productive capital – a source of food, income, and status. Notably, the rune’s shape (ᚠ) is said to resemble animal horns, reflecting this bovine symbolism. As the first rune in all major runic alphabets, Fehu set the tone for the futhark: it represents beginnings and the energetic charge of creation, much like the spark that initiates a flame.
Fehu’s ancient importance is highlighted in the old rune poems – the Norse poem grimly notes “wealth causes strife among kin”, while the Anglo-Saxon poem reminds that “wealth is a comfort to all men; yet must everyone share it freely if they seek honor”. These historical verses underscore the dual nature of Fehu’s gift: wealth can bless a community if managed with generosity and honor, or breed conflict if hoarded selfishly.
Divinatory meanings of Fehu
In rune divination, Fehu often signals matters of money, resources, or energy flow in one’s life. It is generally considered a positive omen, especially when upright, indicating growth and gain. However, like all runes, Fehu has a shadow side when appearing reversed (merkstave). Below are the interpretations for Fehu in readings:
Upright Fehu (ᚠ) – “Flowing Wealth”
Essence: When Fehu appears upright, it heralds an inflow of resources, financial gain, or a fertile new start. It signifies earned success – wealth or rewards obtained through effort, skill, or talent. Fehu upright emphasizes that money, like energy, is meant to circulate: it’s the rune of fair exchange, fruitful beginnings, and prosperity in motion. There is a sense of momentum and “new fire” in your endeavors, promising that your hard work will yield tangible results.
Life Domains: Upright Fehu carries specific blessings in different aspects of life:
Career & Business: Expect a new opportunity or client, a raise, or an improvement in cash flow. A project could start paying off. You’re likely aligning pricing or salary with the true value of your work. Investments or efforts show promising returns. This is a great time to launch a venture or monetize a skill, as success and growth are indicated.
Money & Finances: Income increases or a windfall is possible – perhaps dividends, a bonus, or long-awaited payment arriving. Budgeting efforts bear fruit, and you find a sustainable balance. It’s an auspicious sign for any question about prosperity or financial stability, suggesting that resources will be available when needed.
Love & Relationships: Fehu can mean a relationship is entering a stable, nurturing phase. There is equal give-and-take; partners support each other practically and emotionally. It might indicate sharing resources (moving in together, pooling finances) or exchanging meaningful gifts. Overall it’s a positive sign of “prosperity” in love – mutual growth and generosity. (If asking about potential partners, it can even suggest someone who is financially secure or generous.)
Health & Vitality: An upright Fehu implies vitality and energy are on the rise. You have a good baseline of strength to build on. It’s a favorable time to start a health regime or exercise program, as you have the “fuel” you need. Fehu’s fire element adds motivation and drive, while its earthiness reminds you to take practical care (nutrition, rest).
Spiritual & Personal Growth: Fehu encourages recognition of your self-worth. You’re learning to value your talents and time, which is attracting more abundance in non-material forms as well (knowledge, experiences, connections). Spiritually, this rune may appear when you are finding a healthy balance between generosity and maintaining boundaries. You give of yourself, but also honor your own needs – a flow of energy that keeps you and others enriched.
Advice when Upright: “Strike while the iron is hot.” Fehu urges you to initiate things and put energy into your goals. Go ahead and launch that project or business, send out the invoice, or ask for the raise – claim the value of your work. Charge what you’re worth without shame. This rune also advises investing in tools or education that can further increase your productivity or skills (reinvesting your “cattle” to grow the herd). At the same time, practice generosity with discernment: share your good fortune (donate or help others) but avoid waste. Shore up any small “leaks” – for example, cancel unused subscriptions or tighten time management – so that your energy and money are well-directed. By acting confidently and ethically, you keep Fehu’s positive momentum flowing.
Reversed Fehu (merkstave) – “Wealth blocked or leaking”
Essence: When Fehu is reversed (ᚠ upside-down, also called merkstave), its energy of wealth and movement is blocked, diminished, or misdirected. Reversed Fehu often points to some kind of loss, scarcity, or imbalance in how you handle resources. It could manifest as financial setbacks, or internally as a mindset of lack and insecurity. In essence, the flow is disrupted – money may be leaking away, or the give-and-take of energy is out of sync. Greed, envy, or fear may be clogging the channels of abundance.
Common Signals: In practical terms, a reversed Fehu might show up as delayed payments, dwindling savings, or feeling like you never have “enough.” You might discover you’ve been underpricing your work or over-spending beyond your means. Perhaps you’ve been saying “yes” to others too often (people-pleasing) and draining your own reserves. Feelings of shame or unworthiness about receiving wealth can also be indicated – for example, difficulty accepting help or chronic undervaluing of your skills. In relationships, reversed Fehu can signal one-sided giving or material disagreements (money fights, mismatched expectations), where the balance of support is off. Overall, this rune reversed is a warning that something is “leaking” energy or value from your life, whether it’s a poor budget habit, a toxic exchange, or an internalized scarcity belief.
Advice when Reversed: “Audit and realign.” Fehu merkstave calls for a thorough look at your resources and boundaries. Start by plugging leaks: review your subscriptions, debts, or unnecessary expenses and cut off what isn’t serving you. If you’ve been undercharging or giving too much away for free, re-price your offerings to honor the effort you put in. Reinforce your boundaries – learn to say no to people or activities that drain you without fair return. It’s time to break the cycle of feeling “less than” or dependent. Practice receiving help or payment without guilt; remember that you deserve nourishment and reward as much as anyone. On a deeper level, challenge any “scarcity scripts” running in your mind (e.g. “I’m only worth what I earn” or “there’s never enough for me”). Reversed Fehu often contains a lesson: by addressing these issues and reorganizing how you manage value, you can restore the flow of abundance. Be patient and cautious in financial moves for now – avoid risky investments or big spending. Rebuild gradually, knowing that this setback is temporary if you learn from it.
Shadow Work Prompt: “Where do I confuse love with material giving, or equate my personal worth with my revenue?” – Reversed Fehu challenges us to face unhealthy attachments between wealth and self-esteem. Journaling on this question can uncover beliefs that need healing so that true prosperity (inner and outer) can flow again.
The deeper psychology of Fehu: value, boundaries, and flow
Fehu’s energy goes beyond material wealth – it reflects your mindset about value and exchange. Think of your life as having an inner ledger: how you value yourself, how freely you give or receive, and what boundaries you set. Fehu mirrors this inner ledger. If you have solid self-esteem and clear boundaries, Fehu’s “wealth” flows in a healthy cycle. But if you believe in lack or feel unworthy (a “scarcity mentality”), you might hoard resources or over-give to prove yourself, freezing the flow. In essence, “abundance is a state of mind.” Fehu teaches that prosperity isn’t just money – it’s also time, energy, knowledge, love – all forms of value. Learning to ask for what you need, say no when necessary, and share when you are able keeps these energies circulating. This balanced exchange is Fehu’s ideal.
Modern interpretations often emphasize that true wealth is not mere accumulation, but the harmony of giving and receiving. When you recognize your own worth (so you can receive) and respect others’ (so you give fairly), you unlock Fehu’s power. Breaking out of fear and into a mindset of “enough for everyone” can be transformative – it “re-opens” Fehu’s flow in your life, attracting opportunities and resources where none existed before.
Using Fehu in magic and manifestation practices
Because of its strong association with money, luck, and fertility, Fehu is a popular rune in practical magic and manifestation work. It represents the energy of increase and movement, so it’s used to attract wealth, launch new ventures, or “charge” intentions with momentum. Here are some ways Fehu is incorporated into spiritual practice, along with ethical guidelines:
Talismans & Charms: Carve or draw ᚠ on a small piece of wood, stone, or even a coin to create a wealth talisman. You can carry it in your wallet, wear it as jewelry, or place it on your work desk. Many practitioners “charge” a Fehu talisman by passing it through the smoke of appropriate incense (like basil or cinnamon for prosperity) or holding it over a flame while focusing on a specific intention (stated in the present tense, e.g. “I am attracting abundant opportunities”). Fehu’s power can amplify what it’s programmed with – so be clear and positive in your intention.
Money Altar: Dedicate a small space to prosperity energy. For example, set up a bowl with a few coins or cash, add something green or gold, and perhaps a living plant (to symbolize growth). Draw the Fehu rune on paper or have it on a card and place it on this altar. Regularly (say, each Friday), spend a few minutes here in gratitude, adding a coin or refreshing the offerings. This simple ritual acknowledges the flow of money in and out of your life and keeps you mindful of financial intentions.
Bind Runes & Sigils: Fehu combines well with other runes to create bindrunes (a fused symbol carrying multiple rune energies). For example, Fehu + Gebo (ᚷ) is a classic pairing for fair trades and partnerships, as it blends wealth with the principle of gifting and reciprocity. Fehu + Sowilo (ᛋ) might be drawn for success and victory in an endeavor (wealth + sun triumph). Add Algiz (ᛉ) to a money bindrune for protection of assets. When creating a bindrune, draw each rune so that their lines merge into a single glyph. You might place it on a business card, contract, or candle. Remember to activate it (through visualization or a small ritual) and to later deactivate it (burn or bury the symbol) once its purpose is fulfilled or no longer needed.
Ethical Spellwork: Fehu’s lesson is that wealth must be handled with integrity. Any spell or working you do with Fehu should include a clause like “for the highest good of all and harming none,” reinforcing that you intend an ethical increase that benefits more than just the self. It’s ill-advised to use Fehu in coercive magic (for example, forcing someone to give you money or manipulating affection through gifts), as that backfires spiritually and even practically. Instead, focus Fehu magic on creating genuine value and opening paths for prosperity. A common practice is to visualize Fehu’s rune in bright gold, sending out energy that attracts opportunities which are mutually beneficial.
Caution – Amplifying Effect: Fehu will amplify movement in your finances or energy. Before working with it, make sure your “containers” are sound. If there are leaks or bad habits, fix them first, or Fehu could simply accelerate losses as well as gains. In other words, tighten up your budget or personal boundaries before doing a big prosperity spell. Once things are in order, Fehu can greatly enhance growth. It’s like adding fuel to a fire – it should heat your home, not burn it down!
Fehu in rune readings and spreads
Because of its focus on prosperity and flow, Fehu is often featured in rune spreads that address financial questions, career moves, or any situation requiring a “value check.” Here are some ways Fehu might be used in readings:
When to Draw Fehu: Include Fehu in spreads asking about pricing, raises, job opportunities, business launches, investments, or resource allocation. It’s also useful when exploring issues of self-worth and boundaries (“Am I giving too much?” or “What can I do to feel more abundant?”). If Fehu appears in a general reading, it usually points the discussion towards wealth (literal or metaphorical) in the querent’s life. For yes/no questions, Fehu upright leans “yes/success”, whereas reversed leans “not yet” or a need to correct something first.
Sample Questions for Fehu: To get insight from Fehu, one might ask:
“What value do I bring that I’m not charging for yet?” – to uncover talents or services you underappreciate.
“Where is my main energy leak right now?” – to identify where resources are unwisely spent or given away.
“What is the next aligned step to grow my income (or personal abundance)?” – for guidance on actionable strategy.
These targeted questions invite Fehu’s wisdom on balancing input and output in life.
Mini-Spread – “The Fehu Flow” (3 Runes): This is a quick three-rune draw you can do when you feel stuck or imbalanced in matters of wealth or energy. Draw three runes and lay them left to right, interpreting them as:
Source of value – What is your primary asset or gift right now? (This could be a skill, opportunity, relationship, etc. that holds potential wealth for you.)
Current leak – What is the main drain or blockage in your wealth/energy? (This reveals where Fehu’s flow is escaping – a bad habit, an external obstacle, a fear.)
Action to restore flow – What step can you take to improve the situation? (Advice to close the leak or better harness the source, getting prosperity moving again.)
This mini-spread quickly highlights how to go from stagnation to circulation.
Prosperity Spread (5 Runes): For a more comprehensive look at finances or a business plan, a five-rune prosperity layout can be used. One example:
Your core asset – The foundation of your wealth (e.g. a personal strength or resource you have).
Market/Context – The environment or external factors affecting your prosperity (e.g. economy, industry trends, community support).
Block – An internal or external blockage to address.
Strategy – What approach or change can lead to growth?
Outcome – The likely result if you apply the strategy (or the direction things are headed currently).
If Fehu itself appears in this spread, pay extra attention to that position – it underscores the theme of wealth and suggests the answer lies in how you manage flow in that area.
Fehu pairings and rune combinations
Fehu often works in concert with other runes. In castings, the combination of runes around Fehu colors its meaning – for instance, Fehu next to a disruptive rune might warn of financial turmoil, whereas paired with a joyful rune it could mean profitable happiness. Here are some notable rune combinations with Fehu and how to interpret them:
Of course, context matters – these pairings are read within the larger spread’s story. But they illustrate how Fehu’s meaning can shift when dancing with its runic friends.
Practices: meditations, journaling, and rituals with Fehu
Working with Fehu on a personal level can help align your mindset with abundance and clear any blocks in your value flow. Here are a few practical exercises to connect with Fehu’s energy, from quick meditations to a simple ritual:
5-Minute candle meditation on Fehu
This short meditation uses visualization and breath to harmonize the cycle of receiving and giving, under Fehu’s guidance:
Ground & Center: Find a quiet spot and take a few deep breaths. Feel your feet on the ground, connecting to Earth (Fehu’s earthy aspect of material stability). Relax your shoulders and close your eyes briefly to focus.
Gaze at Fehu: Light a small candle (green or gold if available, for prosperity) and place the Fehu rune symbol in front of you (you can draw ᚠ on paper or use a rune stone). Soften your gaze on the rune. As you inhale, silently say the word “receive” to yourself; as you exhale, say “share.” Continue this breathing pattern slowly. Envision drawing in positive energy or resources as you breathe in, and releasing gratitude or service as you breathe out.
Visualize a Clean Loop: Now imagine Fehu’s energy as a loop or circuit. Perhaps see it as a glowing golden loop flowing from the universe to you and back out – like an infinity symbol. Picture money, health, and love energy flowing toward you, and then you circulating it onward wisely. Any stagnation or block dissolves in this loop; it’s a clean, balanced exchange.
Set Intention: In this calm state, whisper a one-sentence intention that encapsulates what you want to create or attract (e.g., “Money flows to me easily while I do what I love,” or the affirmation above about stewarding wealth in balance). Say it as if it’s already true.
Close in Gratitude: Finish the meditation by thanking the Fehu energy, the candle, and yourself. You might say, “For the highest good, so it is, and thank you.” Feel the gratitude for the abundance already in your life. Blow out the candle, knowing you’ve seeded a positive intention.
Doing this simple meditation regularly (say, each morning or every Friday which is Freyja’s day) can gradually shift your mindset to one of confident abundance and generosity.
Journal prompts for Fehu’s energy
Grab your journal and explore Fehu’s themes with these prompts. Writing honestly can reveal where you’re thriving and where you need adjustments in your “wealth” habits:
“Three ways I create value today are…” – List at least 3 things (big or small) you did or can do that add value (to your work, household, community, or self). This trains you to see yourself as inherently capable and contributory – a mindset of abundance, not lack.
“A boundary that protects my energy or finances is…” – Identify one boundary you have or need. Maybe it’s “I don’t check work email on Sundays” (protecting personal time) or “I won’t loan money to that friend again without a plan.” Reflect on how this boundary preserves your wealth (time, sanity, money) and why it’s healthy.
“One leak I will close this week is…” – Find a “leak” – a small way money or energy slips away from you. Perhaps it’s a subscription you don’t use, or too much time spent on a draining activity. Commit in writing to address it. Also note how you’ll redirect that saved money/energy (e.g., put $10 into savings, use freed time to learn a skill).
These prompts help in aligning daily life with Fehu’s principles of wise stewardship and balanced exchange.
Coin and candle ritual (10 minutes) for prosperity
If you want a slightly more formal ritual to manifest a financial goal, try this simple spell using a coin and a candle:
Materials: A coin (choose a value or currency meaningful to you), a small candle (green, gold, or white), and a piece of paper and pen. Optional: an essential oil like basil or cinnamon, or any prosperity herb, to dress the candle.
Write Your Intention: On the paper, write a concise statement of what you want to receive, phrased positively and in present tense. For example: “I easily and ethically earn $X per month, and manage it wisely,” or “Opportunities for financial growth come to me now, for the highest good.” Be specific but realistic. Sign your name underneath as a pledge.
Light & Warm: Light the candle. Take the coin and (safely) warm it in the candle’s flame or near the flame. Be cautious not to burn yourself – you just want it a bit heated as a conductor of energy. As you do this, you might speak aloud: “By the light of Fehu’s flame, I charge this coin with my intention.”
Trace Fehu: Using the warm coin, trace the shape of the Fehu rune in the air above the flame three times. Visualize a glowing ᚠ symbol as you do so, imbued with your intention. You can also carve ᚠ into the candle wax beforehand or draw it on the coin with a marker, if you wish.
Seal and Store: Place the charged coin on top of your written intention paper. Let the candle burn while you focus on the feeling of already having what you asked for (super important – feel the gratitude and relief as if it’s done). After a few minutes of visualization, snuff out the candle (don’t blow it out; pinching or using a snuffer preserves the energy). Keep the coin and paper together somewhere you’ll see them regularly – perhaps tucked in your wallet, a purse, or on your money altar. This is now a charm representing the flow of wealth to you.
Closing: Say a final phrase of closing and trust: e.g., “I welcome aligned opportunities only, and I release this intention to the universe. So it is.” Whenever you see or touch the coin afterwards, recall that feeling of abundance. You can spend the coin after your goal manifests, or keep it as a lucky token.
This ritual, while simple, symbolically ties your intention to real-world currency (the coin) and the element of fire (transformation). It’s important to follow up by taking real-world actions toward your goal as well – Fehu’s energy works best when you meet it halfway with effort.
Mythology, archetypes, and symbolism of Fehu
Fehu’s themes are deeply rooted in Norse mythology and the agrarian life of early Germanic peoples. Understanding these roots adds a richer dimension to the rune’s meaning.
Cattle and the Primeval Cow: Cattle were not only economic assets but also had sacred connotations. In Norse creation myth, the primeval cow Audhumla was a central figure – a cosmic cow that nourished the first giant Ymir with her milk and licked the salty ice to reveal the first gods. Fehu, meaning cattle, resonates with this myth of the divine cow as the source of life and sustenance. In fact, some rune scholars note that the shape ᚠ can be seen as Audhumla’s horns, reinforcing Fehu as the rune of nourishment and creation. When Fehu appears, it can be a reminder of that primal truth: prosperity is about nourishing life (for yourself and others).
Freyr and Freyja – Gods of Fertility: Fehu is commonly linked to the Vanir twins Freyja (goddess of love, fertility, beauty, and war) and Freyr (god of fertility, fair weather, and prosperity). Freyr especially was associated with bountiful harvests, wealth, and peace – he was honored for granting good seasons and financial plenty. Freyja, on the other hand, had myths tying her to gold: one story tells of her crying tears of pure gold in her sorrow, literally turning emotion into precious metal. She also owned the necklace Brísingamen, a wondrous golden jewelry, and is said to receive half of warriors’ battle spoils. Both deities reflect aspects of Fehu: Freyja’s abundance of love and magic, Freyr’s abundance of harvest and riches. Honoring them (e.g. on Friday for Freyja) when working with Fehu can be seen as courting the favor of those divine forces of prosperity. It’s worth noting Fehu is in the rune family named for Freyja/Freyr, placing it squarely in their domain.
The Archetype of the Steward: Symbolically, Fehu embodies the Steward – one who is entrusted with resources and must manage them wisely. In ancient clans, a successful herder (cattle owner) wasn’t just rich; he also had a duty to his community – feeding others, trading fairly, perhaps lending cattle to less fortunate kin (with the offspring being the interest, as was sometimes the custom). Thus, the noble side of Fehu is the philanthropist or caretaker of wealth who grows it and shares it, rather than the greedy hoarder. In a modern context, this archetype might manifest as an entrepreneur who creates jobs, or a community leader who allocates funds for the group’s benefit. When you channel Fehu, you’re stepping into the shoes of this Steward archetype – able to multiply resources without losing your soul. The shadow archetype to watch out for is the Miser or the Power-Hungry, who sees wealth as a zero-sum game and clings to it or uses it to control others (bringing to life the Norse poem’s warning of strife among kin).
Imagery and Symbolic Landscape: If one were to paint a “Fehu” scene, it might be a sunrise over rolling green pastures – symbolizing hope, growth, and potential – with herds of cattle lowing contentedly (wealth that is alive and growing). You might see bees flitting around hives, representing industriousness and the sweet rewards of work. In the distance, perhaps a bustling marketplace with merchants trading goods under fair scales, coins clinking – an image of healthy commerce and exchange. These images evoke thriving and movement. Fehu’s energy is not stagnant treasure in a vault; it’s wealth in action – fields being planted, animals reproducing, goods changing hands, life flourishing thanks to wise resource use.
Dos and Don’ts with Fehu’s Energy
To wrap up, here are some quick do’s and don’ts to honor the lessons of Fehu in your everyday life and spiritual practice:
In summary, use Fehu’s gifts responsibly. Enjoy the wealth you create, share it wisely, and maintain healthy limits. By doing so, you honor the spirit of the rune and invite more blessings.
FAQ about the Fehu rune
What does the Fehu rune symbolize?
Fehu (ᚠ) literally means “cattle,” and by extension it symbolizes wealth and prosperity, especially movable wealth that one can earn or exchange (like money, livestock, goods). It represents abundance in motion – the idea of wealth circulating through fair exchange. Fehu also stands for new beginnings and fertile, creative energy; it’s the first rune of the Futhark, setting a tone of starting ventures and drawing in resources. In short, Fehu is the rune of money, wealth, fertility, and the responsible management of resources. Its appearance in a reading often signals issues related to finances, assets, or the flow of energy in one’s life.
Is Fehu a “good” rune or a “bad” rune?
Fehu is generally considered positive, especially when upright. Upright Fehu indicates material success, financial gain, or fulfillment of hopes – it’s basically good news about money or any endeavor’s prosperity. However, like all runes it has a balanced meaning. When Fehu appears reversed (upside-down), it can warn of problems in wealth: losses, delays in payments, insecurity, or someone being stingy or imprudent with resources. So Fehu isn’t “bad” in itself, but a reversed Fehu means you should be cautious – perhaps your finances need attention or your attitude to wealth needs realignment. In a nutshell: Fehu upright = wealth, success, abundance, Fehu reversed = potential loss, blockages, or lessons about greed and imbalance. The context of the question and neighboring runes will further color it, but Fehu’s core energy is about prosperity, used wisely or poorly.
Which gods are associated with Fehu?
Fehu is often linked to the Norse Vanir deities Freyja and Freyr. Freyja is a goddess of love, fertility, beauty, and magic – she’s also connected to wealth (her tears were said to turn into gold, and Friday is named after her, a day for prosperity and love). Freyr, her brother, is a god of fertility, harvests, and prosperity – essentially wealth in the form of bountiful crops, good weather, and peace. Both deities represent fruitfulness and abundance, each in their way, which aligns perfectly with Fehu’s meaning. In rune lore, the first eight runes (including Fehu) are sometimes called Freyr’s or Freyja’s Ætt in their honor.
So invoking Freyja/Freyr’s blessings is common when working with Fehu. Additionally, the primordial cow Audhumla from Norse creation myth is symbolically tied to Fehu (since Fehu means cattle). Audhumla provided the first nourishment in the cosmos, which makes her a mythic embodiment of Fehu’s nourishing wealth. But in terms of actual worshipped gods, Freyja and Freyr are the main ones to know.
How do you pronounce “Fehu,” and what language is that?
“Fehu” is pronounced roughly as “FAY-hoo” (rhyming with “day-who”). Some say it with a slightly shorter e sound, like “FEH-hoo” – either is acceptable, as exact pronunciation can differ by modern tradition or language emphasis. The name comes from Proto-Germanic fehu, fehu (reconstructed language of around 1st-2nd century CE) meaning “cattle”. This Proto-Germanic term is the ancestor of words in later languages: Old Norse fé (pronounced “fay”), Old English feoh (“feh-oh”), etc., all carrying the meaning of wealth or livestock. So “Fehu” is essentially a scholarly reconstructed name. If you’re reading it in an Old Norse context, you might just say “fé.” In divination circles today, people use FAY-hoo as a convenient pronunciation for the rune’s name.
How can I use the Fehu rune to attract wealth or luck?
There are several ways to work with Fehu’s energy for prosperity. Here are a few practical methods:
Carry or Wear Fehu: Create a small talisman with the Fehu symbol – it could be a pendant, a coin with ᚠ engraved, or even a paper sigil in your wallet. This acts as a constant attractor and reminder of abundance.
Candle Magic: Light a green or gold candle and carve the Fehu rune into the wax. As it burns, focus on your intention (like increasing income or finding a job) and visualize the rune glowing, releasing that intention into the universe. Let the candle burn out safely. This ritual harnesses Fehu’s fire element to “ignite” your goal.
Wealth Bowl or Altar: Set up a dedicated space with items symbolizing wealth (coins, a plant for growth, citrine or pyrite crystals, etc.) and include the Fehu rune. Regularly spend time here affirming prosperity. For example, weekly touch the rune and speak affirmations such as “I welcome wealth in ethical, flowing ways.”
Bindrunes and Spells: Combine Fehu with other symbols for specific aims (e.g. Fehu+Gebo for business partnership luck, or Fehu+Othala if you seek to buy property). Draw this bindrune on a petition paper or in your planner to activate those energies.Remember, the key is intent and action. Using Fehu isn’t about magically making gold rain from the sky; it’s about aligning your mindset with abundance and prompting you to take opportunities. Always act in accordance with your intention (apply for the jobs, start the side hustle, etc.). Fehu’s energy will reinforce your efforts by opening paths and drawing in helpful synchronicities. Also, maintain integrity – Fehu works best when you seek wealth in a way that’s fair and beneficial to all involved.
What does Fehu mean in a love reading?
In relationship terms, Fehu is quite interesting. Upright Fehu in a love reading is generally positive – it suggests a relationship where there’s a healthy exchange and “investment” in each other. Think of it as both partners giving and receiving support, gifts, or time generously. There may be a focus on building a life together in a material sense (saving money as a couple, moving in, or making purchases together) and enjoying a comfortable home. It can also indicate growth – like a friendship blossoming into love, or an existing partnership becoming more secure and fruitful. Emotionally, Fehu upright implies mutual benefit and nurture; each person adds value to the other’s life, leading to a sense of contentment and reward.
If reversed Fehu comes up regarding love, it raises a caution. There might be issues of imbalance – for example, one person is doing all the giving (financially or emotionally) and feeling drained. Or there could be conflicts about money or resources in the relationship (disagreements on spending, feelings of one being “cheap” or one being too materialistic). Reversed Fehu might also hint at a partner who ties their self-worth to how much they provide, causing tension. The advice would be to address these issues: have open talks about sharing responsibilities, ensure boundaries (so no one feels taken advantage of), and maybe work on non-material expressions of love if money has overshadowed affection. In summary, Fehu in love focuses on the practical, nurturing side of relationships – when upright it’s equal and abundant; when reversed, something in that arena needs fixing for the love to thrive.
How is Fehu different from Othala, since both relate to wealth?
Great question! Fehu (ᚠ) and Othala (ᛟ) are indeed both runes that deal with “wealth,” but they refer to different kinds of wealth. Fehu is movable wealth – it’s the money or assets you earn, trade, or acquire through your own effort. Historically, Fehu was cattle wealth, which grows (breeding) and can be exchanged; in modern terms, think of cash, salary, business revenue, stocks – value that flows and can change hands. Othala, on the other hand, is inherited or ancestral wealth – it represents things like family land, property passed down, heritage, legacy. Othala is more static, tied to clan and home, the “estate.” A simple way to put it: Fehu is what you make; Othala is what you inherit. In fact, rune experts often contrast them directly: “The movable wealth of Fehu is in contrast to the inherited wealth symbolized by Othala”.
In readings, Fehu might talk about your current income or financial activities, whereas Othala might refer to your long-term security, family assets, or even spiritual inheritance (like traditions, values). They bookend the Elder Futhark (Fehu is the first rune, Othala originally the last), which is poetic – the start is acquiring wealth, the end is transmitting it as legacy. Together, they remind us that what we build (Fehu) can turn into what we pass on (Othala). But they are distinct: Fehu = personal prosperity now, Othala = established wealth or legacy from lineage. Both are generally positive but context will dictate which aspect of “wealth” is being highlighted.
Does Fehu also represent fertility or pregnancy?
Yes, Fehu is often interpreted to include fertility – not only financial fertility but literal fertility of life. Because Fehu is about things that grow and reproduce (like livestock multiplying, money making money), it’s symbolically connected to fertility and new life. In some contexts, Fehu’s appearance can hint at a newborn or pregnancy, or the “birth” of a new project or phase in life. For instance, if someone asked about starting a family and Fehu showed up with Berkana (the birth rune), it would strongly indicate conception or a new addition. Even by itself, Fehu carries a fertile vibe: it’s linked to springtime, growth, and Freyr/Freyja who are fertility deities. One text notes “Fehu is considered a rune of fertility and can predict an actual or symbolic birth”. So, beyond money, Fehu is about productive energy in all forms. That could mean creative fertility (plenty of ideas, artistic output), sexual fertility, or economic fertility. If you draw Fehu when asking about a creative venture, it’s like saying “this has the juice to grow.” In summary, yes – Fehu’s not just coins and cows; it’s also the spark of life and creation that leads to new beginnings, whether that’s a baby, a business, or any seed you plant.
What are some other runes that pair well with Fehu for prosperity?
Fehu can be combined with various runes depending on your specific goal. A few popular pairings:
Fehu + Gebo (ᚷ) – for balanced exchanges and partnerships. This duo is great if you want a win-win in a deal or to attract generous clients. It’s basically wealth + gifting, so it emphasizes fair trade and luck in relationships (business or personal).
Fehu + Sowilo (ᛋ) – for success and victory. Sowilo is the sun rune (triumph, energy). Together, they scream “success that leads to wealth.” Good for career advancement or winning competitions that have material rewards.
Fehu + Jera (ᛃ) – Jera means “year/harvest.” With Fehu, it’s reaping a good harvest financially. It’s a patient pairing – indicating that if you’ve invested time or money, the cycle will pay off in due season.
Fehu + Othala (ᛟ) – for big purchases or property. This links your current resources to long-term assets (like buying a home, land, or creating a trust). It’s basically saying use your Fehu to secure Othala.
Fehu + Algiz (ᛉ) – Algiz is protection. So this could be a protective wealth talisman. It’s like saying “secure and safe wealth” – good for safeguarding savings or warding off theft/loss.When creating a bindrune or interpreting pairs, keep their meanings in mind. For example, if you got Fehu and Thurisaz in a reading, that’s not a great combo – it might mean conflict or risk around money (Thurisaz is Thor’s rune of conflict/challenge). But Fehu and Wunjo (joy) could mean happy prosperity or making money doing what you love. Essentially, Fehu amplifies the resource aspect of whatever rune it’s paired with. Always consider context: if asking about a job and you pull Fehu + Ansuz, maybe communication (Ansuz) is the key to more income (Fehu), like negotiating or using your voice/talent. It’s a fun area to explore as you deepen your rune practice!
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