Fehu: The Rune of Wealth and Prosperity

Fehu, the first rune of the Elder Futhark, represents wealth, abundance, and new beginnings. It embodies the energy of prosperity and potential, often tied to material wealth, but also spiritual and emotional richness. Fehu symbolizes the resources you have or are capable of acquiring, as well as the energy and ambition needed to achieve success.

Fehu’s meaning is deeply rooted in the ancient world, where livestock, particularly cattle, represented wealth and prosperity. Even today, its associations with abundance, fertility, and the manifestation of desires remain strong. In this post, we'll explore the rich history and powerful magical properties of Fehu, delving deep into its meanings, uses, and significance in divination, ritual practice, and rune pairing.

History

Fehu is one of the most ancient runes, appearing in the first aett (group of eight runes) of the Elder Futhark, and its origins trace back to the Proto-Germanic word "fehu," meaning cattle or movable wealth. In early agrarian societies, cattle symbolized wealth, status, and the power to trade, reflecting one’s ability to generate and maintain resources. Fehu’s energy extends beyond the physical, encompassing personal energy, vitality, and emotional wealth.

The ancient Germanic tribes considered this rune as a blessing, especially during times of harvest and at the start of new ventures. Owning livestock meant stability and the ability to thrive. Over time, Fehu’s meaning expanded to include not only financial gain but also the manifestation of one’s desires and ambitions.

In Viking times, runes such as Fehu were carved into tools, jewelry, and monuments, not only to mark ownership but to invoke their specific powers. The enduring association of Fehu with prosperity highlights how runes were more than just symbols—they were active forces, shaping the spiritual and material world.

Magical Properties and Elemental Associations

Fehu is governed by the element of fire, representing primal energy, creation, and transformation. Fire, as an element, is a force of destruction and renewal, a key aspect of Fehu’s power. This rune helps in clearing away old patterns to make room for growth and abundance. Its fiery nature can fuel passion and motivation in those who seek to create and manifest wealth, in any form—be it financial, emotional, or spiritual.

On a metaphysical level, Fehu is associated with the Earth as well, drawing a connection to fertility, grounding, and the natural cycle of life and growth. The combination of fire and earth in Fehu creates a balanced energy, helping practitioners stay grounded while pursuing their ambitions.

Magically, Fehu is used in spells and rituals focused on attracting wealth, improving health, enhancing fertility, and cultivating personal power. Fehu can also be used for blessings in new ventures or partnerships, offering energetic support for success.

Working with Fehu in Ritual Practice

In ritual practice, Fehu’s energy can be called upon for manifesting prosperity, boosting ambition, or providing protection over one’s resources. When incorporating Fehu into your rituals, consider working with fire—either through candles, bonfires, or even symbolic representations, such as red or gold objects, which resonate with Fehu’s elemental power.

Here’s a simple yet powerful way to work with Fehu:

1. Rune Crafting: Carve or draw Fehu onto a candle or a piece of wood. As you focus on the rune, visualize it glowing with fiery light, representing the prosperity and abundance you wish to manifest.

2. Sigil Invocation: Combine Fehu with other runes to create a sigil. For example, Fehu can be paired with Gebo (ᚷ) for prosperous partnerships or Berkana (ᛒ) for fertility and growth.

3. Offering Rituals: If you are seeking a specific manifestation of wealth, consider making an offering to your deities or spirits, using Fehu as a focal point. Offer grains, milk, or honey—items historically linked with prosperity.

The physical act of lighting a candle, making an offering, or drawing Fehu on parchment allows you to tap into its ancient power, directing it toward your goals. Fehu is a rune of action and energy, so your ritual should be dynamic and intention-focused.

Pairing Fehu with Other Runes

Fehu’s versatility makes it an excellent rune to pair with others, depending on your intention. When combined with different runes, Fehu’s energy can enhance specific outcomes. Here are a few potent combinations:

• Fehu and Uruz (ᚢ): For strength and vitality. This pairing is particularly powerful when focusing on health and physical energy.
• Fehu and Wunjo (ᚹ): For joy and success. This combination channels happiness alongside wealth, perfect for overall well-being.
• Fehu and Thurisaz (ᚦ): For protection of assets. This pairing calls on Fehu’s wealth and Thurisaz’s defensive powers, shielding you from loss.
• Fehu and Ingwaz (ᛜ): For fertility and new beginnings. This combination is ideal for those looking to start new projects or cultivate creative energy.
• Fehu and Raidho (ᚱ): For business travel or movement of wealth. If you are embarking on a new venture, or if your work involves travel, this pairing supports your endeavors.

When using runes in conjunction, remember that the combined energies should align with your overall intention. Each rune brings its own unique vibration, and together they can amplify or refine your focus.

The Rune in Divination

In divination, Fehu often signals the arrival of wealth, abundance, or a new opportunity for growth. Drawing Fehu in a rune reading is generally seen as a positive sign, indicating success and material gain. However, it can also serve as a reminder to manage your resources wisely. The rune may appear in readings where you are being advised to invest your energy, time, or money into projects that will yield a return.

Fehu can also point to deeper issues around self-worth and personal values. If reversed or surrounded by negative runes, Fehu may signal greed, materialism, or even loss. In such cases, the rune is advising a reassessment of your relationship with money and possessions.

If you’re looking for guidance about career, finances, or personal growth, Fehu is the rune to seek out. Its message is one of action, determination, and reward. But Fehu also warns against stagnation or laziness—just as wealth must be managed carefully, so too must the energy and ambitions you channel into your life.

 

 

 If you'd like to learn more about runes and sigils, check out the powerful Rune Gata Deck for deeper insights and divination: Rune Gata Deck.

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