The Runes of the Elder Futhark: Rune I, Fehu

[Rick]

OK... it's finally here... the Rune discussion thread!

Rune I of the Elder (Germanic) Futhark is Fehu (fay'-hoo, fee'-hoo, feh'-hoo). Phonetic value = F.

I /
I/
I /
I/
I
I

Fehu means 'cattle'. The shape is suggestive of a cow's horns. The 1st creature (in Northern Myths) was Audhumla, a giant cow. She provided nourishment for the first Giants & Gods. Fehu, while associated with the Thunder God Thor, is a feminine Rune, leading to an association with Thor's wife, Sif. Sif is the golden-haired Goddess of fertility, harvest, & grain. The shape of Fehu has also been suggested to be an ear of grain. Fehu is a Fire Rune (the Old High German root word is connected to the word 'fire') through connection to Thor, & an Earth Rune, for the same reason. It's corresponding color is red-orange. In the old sagas, gold was often refered to as being 'red'.

In divination, Fehu indicates: money (or perhaps more accurately, 'portable wealth'; that is, cash as opposed to real estate, etc.), or financial matters; prosperity; creative energy; new ventures.

In the 'Havamal' from the 'Poetic Edda', Fehu is generally considered to be the first Rune listed in the 'Rune Poem' section. Here, it is said to bring 'help'; that is, money may not cure ALL ills, but it goes a long way toward curing many of them (see the thread 'Practical Rune Magic I' in the Magick & Ritual Forum).

OK, class :) ... discuss Fehu

[Emerald Sky]

I /
I/
I /
I/
I
I

Uh, what's all that? Could you possibly post a pic of the rune that you're teaching about? Sorry, I'm totally new to this.:rolleyes:

[Kat BrightSong]

This is great! I'm not sure what the lines..
/
/
/ are about but the info is great! I had been studying runes until Year 12 came along so its good to refresh my memory and to get the pronounciations!!!
Thanks for doing this!
Can't wait for more!
Love Kat

[Lavender]

You guys darn well killed me! 8O 8O

Think of all the "I" as one solid line & the "/" are joined together, branched off from the "I". Rick is trying to show us what the rune looks like.

[Silver Venus]

Originally posted by Emerald Sky


Uh, what's all that? Could you possibly post a pic of the rune that you're teaching about? Sorry, I'm totally new to this.:rolleyes:

Find the piccie below darl... But Rick did a wonderfull job making that up I thought :)

Fehu
This is the first rune so the first step in our journey..
Fehu generally means material gain to me as cattle was money in the old days... but it also means any gain as it is full of fertility and ripeness... so it could just mean a great day is coming your way! or whatever applies to your life... maybe a bright secure outlook is needed to go on with the journey.

It also means a new beginning (and is the first rune!) and I always feel very happy and positive energy drawing this rune, so I also think its a feel good rune! Its certainly lucky and very feminine.... It is saying to me that a positive outlook is needed to start a journey, project, relationship...

:sunny:

[Rick]

Sorry about the crude rendering, Emerald Sky. I'm technologically challenged. If it's more complicated than a toaster, I fear it. :p :D

Thanks, Silver Venus, for posting the piccie of the Rune. Your observations on Fehu are "right on" (but they always are, dear).

[Emerald Sky]

Oh, I get it now. LOL. Yeah, it does look like symbol - you did well, Rick! :p

[Silver Venus]

When I first learnt Fehu I thought of the two major meanings ~ Money and New Begining and assigned Money to the top line that comes of the long straight
I /
I/
I /
I/
I
I
and New Begining to the bottom...

[Dagda Moon~Lily]

Originally posted by Wildchild
You guys darn well killed me! 8O 8O



I read this while eating breakfast......and I agree Wildchild....we shouldn't come here while we are eating! LMAO!!

[Loki]

I have also read it could mean goals, promotion, self esteem, and centerdness.

But I like the idea of new beginings and money thats easier to remember. I have also seen it as concerns for physical and financial needs.

Good stuff.

[Rick]

If you think for a moment what money (or the lack of it) means, what it can bring (or leave lacking) in our lives (food, clothing, shelter, transportation, mecical treatment... physical needs & comfort in general), a very broad range is covered by Fehu.

[Silver Venus]

Yeah its mad how only 24 runes can cover every possible answer/subject and situation!! Certainly Odin's creation :)

[Rick]

OK, I finally have a copy of the 'Poetic Edda' (Hollander translation) in the same place as a computer. Here's a bit of the 'Havamal' (sayings of Odin from the Edda regarding origin of the Runes, & their use...

I wot that I hung on the wind tossed tree
all of nights nine,
wounded by spear, bespoken to Odin,
bespoken myself to myself.

Neither horn they upheld nor handed me bread;
I looked below me-aloud I cried-
caught up the Runes, caught them up wailing,
thence to the ground I fell again.

Runes wilt thou find, and rightly read,
of wondrous weight,
of mighty magic,
which that dyed the dread God,
which that made the Holy Hosts,
and were etched by Odin.

Know'st how to write, know'st how to read,
know'st how to stain, how to understand,
know'st how to ask, know'st how to offer,
know'st how to supplicate, know'st how to sacrifice?

'Tis better unasked than offered o'ermuch;
for ay doth a gift look for gain;
'tis better unasked than offered o'ermuch:
thus did Odin write ere the Earth began,
when up He rose in after time

[Silver Venus]

I loved how it read and I felt very calm and centred reading it. I like the Know'st how to ... verse and noticed there were 8 Know'st 's! :D
thanks for posting that up babes.

[Loki]

Thats great but, what's it mean?
I'm still fresh to this stuff.
could you explain it?
Could anybody recomend a book on runes for me?


Thanks,

Loki

[Radocs]

Loki, here's a book I've been reading recently concerning runes:

A Practical Guide to the Runes by Lisa Peschel

It's kinda small but it's got tons of good information in it. ^_^

[Spirahl]

Awesome display of creativity there Rick:sunny: !

[Lavender]

Originally posted by Rick
In divination, Fehu indicates: money (or perhaps more accurately, 'portable wealth'; that is, cash as opposed to real estate, etc.), or financial matters; prosperity; creative energy; new ventures.

In the 'Havamal' from the 'Poetic Edda', Fehu is generally considered to be the first Rune listed in the 'Rune Poem' section. Here, it is said to bring 'help'; that is, money may not cure ALL ills, but it goes a long way toward curing many of them (see the thread 'Practical Rune Magic I' in the Magick & Ritual Forum).

OK, class :) ... discuss Fehu

Does Fehu only only represents physical wealth? I mean, in a new venture, you may have emotional investments as well. You're putting in your time & emotional energies as well as monetary wealth. Your reward or gain can be knowing that you've succeeded in your new venture...whether it be a business venture or creative endevours or a new path? Just rambling...

[Silver Venus]

Yeah I think so! I always get a strong feeling of happiness and abundance when I pick out Fehu, I think its talking about all forms of wealth.

[Rick]

To Loki:

I wot that I hung on the wind tossed tree
all of nights nine,
wounded by spear, bespoken to Odin,
bespoken myself to myself.

Neither horn they upheld nor handed me bread;
I looked below me-aloud I cried-
caught up the Runes, caught them up wailing,
thence to the ground I fell again.

Runes wilt thou find, and rightly read,
of wondrous weight,
of mighty magic,
which that dyed the dread God,
which that made the Holy Hosts,
and were etched by Odin.
OK, this section explains where the Runes came from, that Odin sacrificed himself to himself, & thereby gained the Runes & their knowledge. This is also seen as an act of shamanic sacrifice, making Odin the first shaman (at least, in the Northern European paradigm).

Know'st how to write, know'st how to read,
know'st how to stain, how to understand,
know'st how to ask, know'st how to offer,
know'st how to supplicate, know'st how to sacrifice?

This stanza explains that, to fully grasp Runes & Rune workings, it is necessary to know how to write & read them (to recognize their shapes, & reproduce those shapes); to stain them (with blood or semen; that is to say, life); to understand their meanings; & to know how to ask for what it is that you want to know, or manifest, & reminding us of TANSTAAFL (there ain't no such thing as a free lunch), that, as Odin sacrificed to gain the knowledge of the Runes, so, too, must every one who wishes to have that knowledge (but you probably don't have to hang upside down for 9 days & nights without food or water & with a spear wound in your side. Burning a candle & some incense, maybe sharing some mead or wine & bread in your blessing bowl would be adequate).

'Tis better unasked than offered o'ermuch;
for ay doth a gift look for gain;
'tis better unasked than offered o'ermuch:
thus did Odin write ere the Earth began,
when up He rose in after time
This stanza means don't keep asking the same question over & over. Accept the first answer; if you don't like the answer, then work to bring about the changes you want, not just keep trying to force the Runes to tell you what you want to hear. A 'gift looking for gain' is another reminder of TANSTAAFL.

To Wildchild:
While Fehu is usually taken to mean physical, or literal, wealth, as Silver Venus says, it can also encompass the other areas in which we might consider ourselves "wealthy'.

To Radocs: Thanks for bringing up Lisa Peschel. She's a really good Rune author, & I can never remeber her name!

Also, Northern Mysteries & Magic by Freya Aswynn & Futhark by Edred Thorsson are pretty much "must haves" in the Rune worker's library.

[Loki]

for the books and the explaination on the peom Rick, it clears up alot when I read it again.

I can see how Fehu can mean any kind of wealth other than monetary. Like family and knowledge, success at accomplishing something.

[mythril]

Aw i didn't see this thread until today.
May i join in?

Pretty please :)

[Silver Venus]

Ricky Baby! When ya going to post the next rune up? Im just dying to get cracking on another one now :)

Welcome to the discussion Mythril :D

[mythril]

thank you .

Yeah, this is cool. need some clarification on some of my interpretations.

[Silver Venus]

I find its great to get ideas flowing if you jump in!
Whats your ideas about Fehu?

[mythril]

to me ,fehu represents all kinds of wealth, material and spiritual,
but it reminds one to have a healthy balance in such things.

[Silver Venus]

Thats a really good point! :)

[mythril]

thanks :), the runes are really wise in their teachings if studdied just for their meanings.

They are really indepth and filled with legend and mystery.
i love them.

[Ellegon]

Fehu represents more than just monetary gain or wealth. It can represent prosperity coming or leaving your realm in many forms. In relationships, for example, it can mean that the inquirer shall receive bountiful energies and emotional gifts from his/her partner...it can represent knowledge and wisdom gained. It can mean that when one travels they shall enjoy many blessings for safe and unhindered travel or no mishaps. It can be used in runic magic to help bind a spell to ensure a positive outcome...and works well in creating bindrunes for binding and ensuring success, generally place at the end of the bindrune to quicken or hasten magic to its fruition. Is a great rune to use to protect valuables from harm or being taken. I also have seen it used to send energy of the runes to the ethereal for purposes required by those being sent energy to....its known as the 'sending' rune.

My 2 cents worth...ain't the runes an awesome thingie?

Blessings,

Elle )0(

[DragonMystic]

:confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :crazy: help i dont get it:( :( :( :( :( :(

[loopy]

Thanks, this is great! When's the next Rune? :D

[Silver Venus]

Originally posted by DragonMystic
:confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :crazy: help i dont get it:( :( :( :( :( :(

Hiya DragonMystic ~ Merry Meet! :)
What part/s dont you understand?
We are going through the runes one by one.. and this is the first one Fehu.


Loopy ~ Ill post up on the next one later on today because Rick is really busy at the mo :D

[Emy]

To me Fehu stands for: both inner and outer wealth. It stands for riches, luck, well being, completion, and connections. It also stands for one reaching ones goals. =)
Reversed it stands for obstacles, or that one is afraid of succeeding. It might also stand for lack of money and riches or the opposite that one has got too much money and is greedy.

Wear Fehu (or Feh or Färunan in swedish) when you wish for inner and outer wealth.

Blessings

[Emy]

Oh and Rick, which verse is it that you quoted from the Edda? I mean which number is it... =) I'd love to read that part in swedish..

B*B

[Rick]

...OK, this is from memory (Damn! I never have the right reference handy!)... I think the 'Rune Poem' in the Havamal begins with stanza 147... at least, that sounds familiar... :D

[Emy]

Thank you! :)
I'll look it up later, right now I am going to bed, its almost midnight here, so nighty night everyone.

:)

[Emy]

Had to look it up now anyways, I think it is somewhere around verse 141 and forward, could that be correct, turns out the translations are more different then I had expected...

Well, now I am definitly going to bed, so sweet dreams everyone... :)

[mythril]

Hey Rick.

would u b able to post up the rune poem , i had it once but lost it.

[Rick]

...I don't have the 'tech support' to do so (if it's more technological than a toaster, I fear it!). :D You might do a web search using havamal, or poetic+edda, elder+edda, or rune+poem as your key word(s). You might also check

http://www.irminsul.org

If they don't have it on their site, they probably link to somebody that does.

Do you have a public library or university library nearby? You might give that a go, as well. Just ask for the Poetic Edda.

[mythril]

Thanks, while i was looking for the poem, i found other interesting stories of the norse people:)
really cool.

[Rick]

...I could browse those sights all day...

...well, 'cept the ones that are blatantly skinhead, neonazi racist... they just kinda piss me off...

[mythril]

oohhh yeah, tell me about it :)

have you been to www.sacred-texts.com rick?
They have some nice ones there in the traditional section.

[Silver Venus]

Originally posted by mythril
have you been to www.sacred-texts.com rick?
They have some nice ones there in the traditional section.
That is an amazing site!!! Imn going off to explore now .... :D
Thank you soooooo much Mythril Ive been looking for something like this for ages!!! :) Thank you!!

[Silver Venus]

Hiya guys, Just in case people are missing the next rune... I started a thread at the beginning of the week ~ Rune 2 ~ Uruz!! Please hop on over there and discss this strength rune!! :D

[mythril]

Pleasure silver, it is a cool site.

[Rick]

Originally posted by mythril
oohhh yeah, tell me about it :)

have you been to www.sacred-texts.com rick?
They have some nice ones there in the traditional section.

Thanks Mythril, I will peruse it.

[Flar's Freyja]

Key words: Prosperity, mobile wealth, abundance, fertility, unstructured creativity, the primal fire
Tree: Elder
Herb: Nettle
Gemstones: Ruby, garnet, red cat's-eye, rose quartz, blood agate, carnelian, jasper
Color: Red
Runic Half-Month: June 29-July 14
Hour of the Day: 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Power Animals: Falcon, boar, cat, bear, cow,tiger, horse, sow, ant, deer, hare, bee, bull, hedgehog, ewe, snake, sparrow, mouse, goat, ram, lion, monkey
Element: Fire
Number: 1
Astrology: Aries
Tarot: The Magician

From: The Little Giant Encyclopedia of Runes by Sirona Knight

[Flar's Freyja]

Aong with Dagaz and Othilo, Fehu corresponds to Litha, or midsummer at June 21st. Fehu represents Freyja (in the oldest Germanic tradition, Freyja is considered the same as Frigga, the oldest name for both being Frija), Othila represents Odhinn and Dagaz represents the slaying of Baldur, the decline of the sun and the shortening of days.

A sabbat ritual could be constructed around the myth of Baldur's death involving Odhinn, Freyja and Baldur.

[Flar's Freyja]

*~*bump*~*

[Seamus MacNemi]

Have you made any comparison studies with the Anglgo Saxon Futhark?
It seems to me that the Anglo Saxons had a much more complete developement of the idea. Certainly their Futhark offers a much broader range of expression and ideation. What do you think?
:reading:

[Rick]

I just think it has more runes... :hehehehe:

The basic difference between any of the Futharks is linguistic... adaptations to meet different linguistic needs... I don't see any other significance, but that's merely my opinion, for whatever it's worth...

[ShinningStar_13]

OK, here are some of my questions about runes
How exactly does one make her own runes?
Is their a certain kind of rock/clay you need?
Where can I find images/definitions of the symbols?

[AlAskendir]

You guys darn well killed me! 8O 8O

Think of all the "I" as one solid line & the "/" are joined together, branched off from the "I". Rick is trying to show us what the rune looks like.

I think what he meant was:


|....../..
|.../.....
|/....../.
|...../...
|.../.....
|/........
|.........
|.........
|.........
|.........
|.........
|.........

[AlAskendir]

Thats great but, what's it mean?
I'm still fresh to this stuff.
could you explain it?
Could anybody recomend a book on runes for me?


Thanks,

Loki

Ooookay...have you seen the Matrix?
Now imagine that it really is true, now.

Remember all those streams of programming that Neo can see that form the reality we interact with? Now instead of all of those weird letters and numbers, there are only 24. Because they control all of how reality can be, each letter has a huge number of meanings seperately, and even more in combination with each other. These 24 letters are the Runes, and this class is about learning how they work, how to use them purposefully, how to interact with them, how to notice them in action in the world. While none of us may ever be 'Neo', and see the 'lines of programming', we can notice things like silently repeating 'Fee, Fihih, Fooo, Fum!' while gambling tends to win us more money than otherwise. That's because the F-rune, Feoh, controls the flow of cash in the world.

Which is part of what they were trying to say.

But this is really just the surface, because money itself is but a symbol for a particular kind of energy, and so it has a lot more uses. Remember that this is magick, so doing anything like taking it for granted is almost the most dangerous thing you can do.

This is just the first lesson...give it some time, this is a multi-layered subject.

Hoping that helped!

[AlAskendir]

Yeah its mad how only 24 runes can cover every possible answer/subject and situation!! Certainly Odin's creation :)

[size=3] uhhhhh, He found them, He didn't create them... They're part of the tree, which predates all of existence...[/soze]

[AlAskendir]

Aong with Dagaz and Othilo, Fehu corresponds to Litha, or midsummer at June 21st. Fehu represents Freyja (in the oldest Germanic tradition, Freyja is considered the same as Frigga, the oldest name for both being Frija), Othila represents Odhinn and Dagaz represents the slaying of Baldur, the decline of the sun and the shortening of days.

A sabbat ritual could be constructed around the myth of Baldur's death involving Odhinn, Freyja and Baldur.

Sounds a bit like the Brisingamen story....

[AlAskendir]

OK, here are some of my questions about runes
How exactly does one make her own runes?
Is their a certain kind of rock/clay you need?
Where can I find images/definitions of the symbols?

Forgive me if someone else already answered....
Runes work best when carved or chiseled...people use clay because it is easier, but if you want to use what's best....

[AlAskendir]

What is really important when making Runes, even here for illustration, is to get the proprtions correct.... the Runes are always 4 units high, and most Runes are one-and-a-half units wide, some, like Dagaz, etc, are 3 units wide. After you've got a grid like that set up, then put in the shapes as you learn them.

[Rick]

What is really important when making Runes, even here for illustration, is to get the proprtions correct.... the Runes are always 4 units high, and most Runes are one-and-a-half units wide, some, like Dagaz, etc, are 3 units wide. After you've got a grid like that set up, then put in the shapes as you learn them.
Source, please.

[Rick]

OK, here are some of my questions about runes
How exactly does one make her own runes?
Is their a certain kind of rock/clay you need?
Where can I find images/definitions of the symbols?
Here's a thread that explains making runes:
http://mysticwicks.com/showpost.php?p=11787&postcount=18
In the stuck thread at the top of this forum, All About Runes, somewhere in each thread for each rune, is a pic of that rune. Or try googling 'runes'.

[ShinningStar_13]

thank you!

[AlAskendir]

Source, please.

The runic Workbook (I bought it about 10 years ago, I think it was Llewellyn, and i haven't been able to find it since...)

[Rick]

Thank you.

I don't profess to know everything about runelore, but I 've never run across that concept in either Lore or tradition.

[Ellegon]

I'm Baaaack!

Blessings, everyone!

Ell )0(

[Rick]

Welcome back, you old coot!

[aluokaloo]

Payday, investments, wealth, and cattle.