Fehu, Fé, Feoh: The cohort of Wealth
Fehu, Fé, Feoh
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What is wealth measured?
It's something to give freely.
Let all be gracious.
Pronunciation: Fehu: FAY-hoo, Fé: fay, Feoh: Fay-Oh or foe
Literal Translation: Cattle, wealth, moveable property
Sounds: F, Fae, V
Magical Correspondences: Money magic, fertility, to bring positive change in favor of the querent, for comfort or healing. Reversed can do the opposite of the above uses with proper intent and actions.
Divination Meaning Upright: All three Runes carry positive connotations. Drawing these Runes may suggest the arrival of financial gains or new possessions. They could also signify a forthcoming positive change, such as a significant achievement, personal awakening, or the next step in progress. In turn indicating that a goal is beginning to come to fruition. I generally view these as “Yes” Runes across most contexts. In times of difficulty or sorrow, drawing any of these Runes can offer comfort and reassurance that circumstances are likely to improve in accordance with one’s hopes.
Divination Meaning Upside Down: When reversed, these Runes serve as a caution against overindulgence, highlighting the importance of avoiding greed or complacency. They remind us to prioritize safety and the familiar, rather than risking unnecessary harm. It is advisable to reflect carefully on upcoming decisions, considering both the potential risks and rewards.
Delving into the Runes: As the beginning of each Futhark, these Runes strongly symbolize new beginnings. The meaning of Fehu is reinforced by its literal translation, “cattle,” and by the Norse myth of Auðhumla, the first ancestor of Uruz and the aurochs, a cow credited with freeing the ancestor of the Æsir from the ice in Ginnungagap. Fé represents trade routes and the exchange of goods, originating from Feoh and reflecting the wealth accumulated in early England.
Fehu is associated with the goddess Freya, who presides over it as a deity of sensuality, beauty, abundance, and also as a mistress of magic and more. It is closely linked to the concept of hamingja, which encompasses luck and life force possessed by living beings. Furthermore, Fehu has a strong connection to the goddess Nerthus, the Earth goddess. Cows were sacred to Nerthus, serving as a reminder that all abundance originates from the Earth. Every food we consume, every liquid we drink, and all that we enjoy derives from Nerthus’s gift. She is a goddess of spring and prosperity, honored by several Proto-Germanic tribes in hopes of securing a fruitful season.
The colors most commonly associated with these Runes are varying shades of red and gold. Interestingly, red was among the first colors named across human cultures and is easily produced by natural dyes. These three Runes symbolize the energy of life itself and are strongly associated with blood. When applying any of these Runes in spellwork, it is important to specify the type of wealth intended, as otherwise there is a risk of unintentionally increasing livestock or herds rather than personal wealth. All three are linked to divine feminine energy and healing, and many find that Freyr holds particular affinity for Fé.
Additionally, when studying the Younger Futhark, it evokes the sagas of old, notably the Saga of the Volsungs in Fé’s case. The Norwegian Rune Poem contains a subtle reference to the Volsung cycle, with the line “the wolf is born and reared in the woods,” echoing the story of the wolf’s presence in the wilderness. Both the Volsunga Saga and Fé relate to the dual nature of wealth; as both texts illustrate, the wolf, a savage predator of the ancient forests, could take cattle from farmers without recompense. This allegory reflects modern challenges within capitalist societies, fiscal missteps can invite adverse consequences, much like the wolf’s demand for toll.
It is also noteworthy that among the four (F) Runes of the Futhorc, Feoh is the only one that corresponds phonetically to the Roman letter (F). It can also serve as a symbol of self-worth, reminding us to invest in what we wish to cultivate and give energy to.