Fehu

Fehu means “cattle” and was related to the general idea of mobile wealth, which these days is best represented by the concept of money.

Two out of three of these poems define money as the cause for strife within the clan, which gives the impression that it was seen as something to be avoided. The Eddas as well as at the historical and archeological record do not confirm that impression though. Being wealthy and acqui- ring riches was seen as a very positive thing but in order to prevent “strife among kinsmen” it was essential to keep that wealth circulating. No Germanic chief or Viking Jarl would keep his position of power for long if he kept the wealth he gained through trade and warfare for himself. If we look at the lore, we can also see that there is a connection to the cosmic cow Audhumla, the nourishing principle that we encounter in the creation Myth as told by Snorri in the Prose Edda. We also find a pair of Gods, Freya and Frey, whose names start with the F-sound that the Rune represents who also are both connected to wealth and plenty even though in a more natural than a monetary sense as they stand for good harvests and numerous and healthy offspring.

In a magical context Fehu can be used in order to attract money but the concept behind the Rune goes far deeper than that. It can nourish and enrich life in many ways, making us rich in experiences, relationships, wisdom and more. The darker side of Fehu is greed. If the force of Fehu is not circulated, if we feel that we have to keep it all to ourselves we will fall prey to greed, jealousy and paranoia as we’ll start believing that everyone is just out to take it all away from us again.