If you are starting out with Elder Futhark divination readings, you’re probably still getting to grips with their meanings. So if you’ve drawn the Fehu rune you’re curious about what it means.
The Fehu rune is associated with wealth and prosperity. It is the first symbol of the Elder Futhark alphabet. The Fehu sign is ruled under Freya’s aettir. The Fehu symbol is also related to luck and the will to make a better life for yourself.
That’s a general oversight of the Fehu symbol, but if you want to dig deeper then keep reading.
This guide will tell you everything you want to know about this rune symbol and how you can use it for divination purposes and energy work.
Let’s get started.
What is the Fehu Rune?
Fehu is the first symbol of the Elder Futhark runes. You pronounce it as Fey-hoo.
The whole elder futhark alphabet is split into three lots of eight. A Norse deity rules over each set as an aettir (family).
Fehu is the first symbol of Freya’s Aettir. Freya was the Norse goddess of love fertility, beauty, gold, and death.
Freya’s aettir represents runes that encourage change and creation. These runes help to keep us on the right path when moving through everyday life.
To grow as a person, we much challenge ourselves to become better.
In addition to Fehu the other symbols in this Aettir include the:
What is the Meaning of the Fehu Rune?
In a general divination reading the Fehu Rune symbolizes wealth. It translates as cattle, which back then was a form of currency for the Germanic people.
In modern times it relates to money or possession which can be easily gained or transferred.
Yet, Fehu can also relate to abundance and prosperity in general. Think of seeking non-monetary things such as good health, love, good experiences, or happiness.
Fehu keywords
- Wealth
- Prosperity
- Abundance
- New beginnings
- Good luck
How to read a Fehu Rune
Rune divination starts with you having a question or intention in mind. Drawing the Fehu rune can bring answers to that which you seek guidance.
We’ve already discussed the general meaning of the Fehu rune. Yet, you may find this doesn’t really relate to your intention or question.
If you are using more than one rune for a reading, it’s important to take the other runes drawn into consideration. These will influence the message of the Fehu symbol and can point you in a clear direction rather than a generalized meaning.
On that note, these meanings are not set in stone. As a beginner, they may help you to decipher the meaning of the message in your rune reading.
As always use your own judgment and intuition to guide you through.
Can Fehu be reversed?
Fehu is a rune that can be reversed. That means a position that appears mirrored, inverted, or reversed carries a shadow meaning (merkstave).
Reading a reversed rune is subjective. Some only consider it a merkstave rune if it falls at a positioned 180° flipped from upright (e.g the first rune above). Any other position is considered upright.
Another option is if a rune falls at an obscure angle, it is rotated in a clockwise direction until it reaches an upright or reversed position. This is shown in the other three examples above.
When Fehu is reversed, the general meaning is related to the negative side of wealth, such as loss or deprivation.
It is related to greed, selfishness, and failure to achieve. It can also be a sign of bad luck.
You may choose not to consider a reversed Fehu as a meaning. But, you may be missing an important message from the Divine.
Fehu For Love
Upright
Drawing Fehu in a matter of love means you will encounter luck in this area of your life. It also signals new beginnings so often the start of a relationship or getting to know one another again. This relationship is likely to bring an abundance of happiness and perhaps even material wealth.
Fehu reminds us that we need to work hard at maintaining a loving relationship and not take it for granted.
Reversed
Drawing a reversed Fehu in love can mean the ending of a romantic relationship. This may be a break-up, cheating, unrequited love, or unhappiness. Money issues may also be causing problems in your relationship.
This lack of fulfillment from a loving relationship signals that you may need to regroup. Consider discussing issues with your partner to overcome them. It may also signal the relationship needs to end for you to move on with your life.
Fehu for Family and Friends
Upright
Fehu in family and friendships gives the message that things are going well in this area of life. You should appreciate who you have around you for love and support. It may also signal new friendships starting or even the announcement of new family members coming.
Fehu reminds you of the joys of sharing your happiness and good fortune with your family and friends. Repay the favors that they have given you over the years.
Reversed
Drawing a reversed Fehu can mean that you may have been selfish or greedy in relationships with family and friends. It’s important to maintain positive relationships with those around you. You may have some sort of disruption to your support network.
Fehu for Health and wellbeing
Upright
Fehu relating to health and well-being gives the message that you are healthy and happy. Things are going well in your life and the outlook is positive. You are enjoying nutritious foods, moving regularly, and having a joyous outlook. Fehu can also signify improved fertility.
Fehu is a reminder to look after your health and wellbeing. It is a wealth of its own and continued work will reward you well into old age.
Reversed
Drawing reversed Fehu in matters of health can indicate health problems. This may relate to physical, emotional, or mental health. Its purpose is to alert you to take better care of your body and mind.
Poor health and well-being can set you back financially as well as socially. Your body must be a priority.
Fehu For Money and finances
Upright
As a symbol of wealth and prosperity, Fehu really shines if this was your intention. Drawing an upright Fehu means you have money coming your way. You have been making good investments and working hard to achieve good finances.
Fehu also reminds us that wealth and prosperity should be shared with your family or community. Repaying people for their kindness and help will see you on the right path. Don’t be greedy.
Reversed
A reversed Fehu indicates a loss of wealth or property. It can also represent a period of poverty. It can also relate to the need to start a budget or cut back on your spending to prevent large losses.
Fehu reversed can also signal that the way you are achieving your wealth is not sustainable or dishonest. It warns that continuing on this path will see you lose it all in time.
Fehu for Career
Upright
An upright Fehu in a career intention means you will have luck and success in your chosen role. You will achieve career abundance. This may not necessarily mean making lots of money. It can relate to job satisfaction, social contacts, networking, creativity, or growth.
Reversed
Fehu reversed in your career can mean you may be about to quit, be fired, or be made redundant in your role. It’s related to dissatisfaction in your career. You may be underappreciated, have a low income or your job drains you physically and mentally.
Use a reverse Fehu to revaluate what you need from your career. It may be time to look for a new role or retrain to something you feel more passionate about.
Fehu for Personal development
Upright
Fehu in personal development can mean you are starting to see the result of a goal you’ve been working towards. You may wish to take a rest to enjoy what you have achieved.
Fehu can also indicate the beginning so you may want to set yourself a challenge. Your creative side is ignited. You also want to encourage those around you to experience the joy of their own personal growth.
Reversed
Fehu in reverse can mean you are experiencing failure with an area of self-development. It can be as simple as letting a habit go or needing to return to work on an abandoned project.
It can also mean burnout or discouragement from achieving your goals. Only you will know if it’s a cause worth pursuing or not.
Fehu for Spirituality
Upright
Fehu aligns with the process of connecting to your spirituality. It means you are making positive steps to becoming more in tune with your spiritual self. By caring for your body and mind you are laying good foundations for achieving spiritual connection.
Reversed
A reversed Fehu can highlight a disconnect with your spiritual self. You may have abandoned spiritual beliefs or maybe even disconnected from a religious community.
Fehu reminds you that you need to find your own soul connections. Ones that align with your own beliefs and not those forced on you by others.
Spirituality can come in many forms. Without it, you will never achieve true satisfaction with life.
Magical uses For Fehu
- Increase financial wealth
- Increase knowledge
- Improve fertility
- Strengthen your psychic and intuitive ability
- Attract and improve social relationships
- Channeling runic energy into your magical working
- Increasing success of life goals and plans
- Channeling celestial energy
Fehu Associations
The Fehu rune connects with many other universal energies. Each of these may suggest ways to incorporate the Fehu energy into your divination work.
Fehu has been associated with the following:
| Animals | Cattle, Boar, Horse, cat |
| Archangel | Haniel |
| Body | Stomach, chest, circulation |
| Chakra | Solar Plexus, Heart |
| Colour | Light Red |
| Crystals | Moss agate, Amber |
| Element | Fire |
| God/Goddesses | Aesier |
| Half month | June 29th– July 14th |
| Herb | Nettle |
| Hour | 12.30-13.30 |
| Incense | Cinnamon |
| Letter | F |
| Metals | Gold |
| Mythology | Audhumla |
| Number | 1 |
| Ruling planet | Venus |
| Tarot | The Magician |
| Tree | Elder |
| Zodiac | Aries |
Fehu Rune Poems
Anglo-Saxon Fehu Poem
Wealth is a comfort to all men;
yet must everyman bestow it freely,
if they wish to gain honour in the sight
of the Lord.
Norwegian Fehu Poem
Wealth is a source of discord amongst kinsmen;
the wolf lives in the forest.
Icelandic Fehu Poem
Wealth is a
source of discord amongst kinsmen
and fire of the sea
and path of the serpent.
Fehu Galdr (Runic Chant)
Fehu fehu fehu Ffffffffffffff Fu fa fi fe fo Of ef if af uf Fffffffffffffff
Fehu Rune Other Names
- Old Germanic name: Fe (Fehu)
- Old Norwegian name: Fehhu
- Anglo-Saxon name: Feo, Feoh
- Old Celtic name: Feum
- Old Icelandic name: Fé
Final thoughts
Fehu is an extremely positive rune that harnesses new beginnings, prosperity, abundance, and luck. It also promotes excitement and motivation.
Fehu relies on action, networking, and creativity. These will uplift you physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It’s about knowing who you are and what your worth is.
Even when reverse it teaches us to be more resourceful or care for ourselves and others. Reminding you that negative traits such as greed and selfishness do not reward a good life.
Use the Fehu rune to harness these energies into your life and divination work.
