Fehu |
|
| This is the first letter of the Germanic Alphabet, and is concerned
with worldly wealth and possessions. In ancient times the main measure
of wealth and status was the number of livestock a person owned. Livestock
was much more important than land as the ancient Germanic peoples were
essentially nomadic. This rune implies that wealth and success can be obtained through hard work rather than inherited wealth: cattle are not easy to look after and require considerable time ad attention. This image is reinforced by the fact that, as the Germanic tribes gave up their nomadic existence and settle the land, cattle played an increasingly important role as workhorses in the cultivation of the land. There is also an image of conservation in this rune: the cow is a female symbol representing nourishment and continuity, and in ancient times would have been essential for survival in the long dark months of winter. The ideas behind this rune are of gain being achieved against the odds, and also of advantage or vanquishing opposition. The counsel this rune offers, then, is that success may be achieved in the face of opposition, as long as a cautious approach is assumed. REVERSED If the upright Feoh implies expansion, vanquishing and gain, then
reversed it signifies loss, restriction and being overcome by the
odds. This always has a negative tone, but the negative effects are
mediated by the surrounding runes. If the accompanying runes are positive,
the reversed Feoh means only delays, but if they are negative, this
indicates that matters are beyond repair and there is no hope of a
satisfactory outcome. This applies not only in financial matters but
also in affairs of the heart, perhaps signifying the end of a relationship. |