Fehu

Cattle, Wealth

Financial strength, prosperity, new beginnings, circulation of power, social success, control, abundance, fulfillment, wellbeing

The first rune of the Elder Futhark is Fehu ("Fay-Who") (or Feoh). Fehu translates to "cattle" quite as the first letter of Greek, Hebrew, and Gothic alphabets.

In the older times, the number of heads of cows was measuring one's wealth, power and status, as well as the prosperity of the household, but also the calmness of a happy, worry-free lifestyle. Much like how money is used today, thus Fehu is a rune of power and control.

The wealth can lead to greed and envy, two human vices which arouse social divisions and inflict damage. Thus Fehu represents the wealth and the material abundance which must be shared and circulated to last. There is strong importance that the gifts of Fehu, in any form must be moved around and shared. An example can be found in the relationship of cattle to the food chain. The chain of energy and recycling.

The gifts of Fehu must be worked for, received with gratitude and humility, and what is possessed must be looked after with respect.

Fehu foretells fame, good reputation, advancement, and fruitful collaborations.

This rune announces a fruitful season, enjoying the fruits of hard labor, rightful gain, a well-deserved reward after conscious and hard work as well as appreciation of our efforts.

Fehu shows a harmonious, balanced and joyful life and mutual understanding between partners.

A healthy, strong immune system. In case of disease, Fehu foretells good health, in which the patient has to fight and work to enjoy a long-lasting recovery.

Courageous deeds are empowered by luck and transformed into magic through you. In a deeper level, it represents abundance in essential possessions such as food, shelter, water, and clothing rather than luxury.

In times of grief or sadness, Fehu brings comfort. In starting new endeavors, Fehu will activate the will, restore self-confidence and assist in goal-setting followed by immediate action.

Fehu is also the rune of the fire, of the primal energy, of the strength and of the power.

Greed, wastefulness, lack of control, loss of something valuable (material or social), blockage (creative, physical, fertility)

Reversed Fehu can sometimes indicate a frustrating delay or obstacle before the goal is successfully reached.

Fehu may also indicate a disguised blessing. It may act as a reminder for a need for a temporary retreat. You need to conserve your energy or other resources in order to gain abundance and control.

Sometimes snakes are associated with Fehu, representing a need to shed old skin in order to recognize and enjoy the wealth we have.

Socially, it may indicate the loss of a friendship, fame or respect as the aftermath of wrong actions or attitude against those around.

Conflict, unbalanced lifestyle, lack of harmony within a couple, virtual loss, decreased vitality and endangered immunity.