The Rune Dad

I know I can’t be the only one
Who’s holdin’ on for dear life.
But God knows, I know
When it’s all said and done
I’m not okay,
But it’s all gonna be alright.

“I Am Not Okay” – Jellyroll

For a moment, think about the possession of material wealth as the possession of cattle. Ownership of cattle brings with it feelings of security, abundance, and responsibility. You and your family have food to eat; you have a tradeable asset; you own land to graze them on; they self-multiply; and they are living beings that require protection, nourishment, and care. Feel what that’s like to have that level of confidence and responsibility. This is the energy of the rune Fehu ᚠ (abundance,material wealth, cattle.)

Maybe that’s a common feeling you have, or maybe you have a sense of lack. Coming through some tough times, myself, it can be a challenge to possess that level of confidence: “it’s all gonna be alright.” We go through tough times; lean times. Not everything always clicks together the way it should in life. 

It’s worth remembering that wealth doesn’t usually appear out of nowhere. It’s true that it can be inherited, but at some point down the line, someone still sweated to purchase a calf that grew into a cow. There’s always a first step. 

Expand beyond material wealth. What are the other areas of life where you may be lacking the energy of Fehu? Where can you take a first step? Find a place in your life where you can regain a sense of control and accomplishment. When you start to work on one area, it spreads to all other parts. 

Friends, life can throw you curveballs, and I know that in this area I have to remind myself to take my own advice. Are you feeling down about your health but crave a 5:00 p.m. hit of junk food? Don’t stop today. Keep driving past the drive-thru. Feeling out of sorts with your spending? Create a DIY layaway plan for your purchase. Put money aside, and delay your gratification.  Feeling disconnected from your loved ones? Just send one text. “Hi.” 

Those first steps will turn into second and third steps. And before you know it, you’re taking first steps in other areas. You’re creating that energy of Fehu. You’re creating abundance, confidence, and the knowing that “it’s all gonna be alright.”

Here’s an exercise:

It’s so easy to get caught up in feeling small. We are physical bodies, but we’re also so much more. Our spirits are so much bigger than the flesh that houses it, and we often forget that while the body has physical needs and demands, our spirits do, too. Most of the time, our spirit knows what’s best, which may be at odds with the addictions of our body and mind. 

So…the exercise. Take your spirit on a walk. Stay with me here…

Imagine your spirit so much larger than your body as you walk. It has no bounds. As you walk past the trees, envision and feel your spirit jumping from limb to limb like your local tree-loving creature (squirrel, monkey, lemur, etc.) Feel your spirit light on its feet and flitting from tree to tree. (If you live in a treeless environment, send your spirit off through the plains or sand). Then, like a snake, slither your spirit down the cool trunks. Feel the bark on your skin and plunge into the depths of the root system. Slip into the damp darkness. Keep walking. Detangle yourself in the bushes and feel your spirit unwind. Or, use your spirit’s arms to feel and glide across the grass. If you’re really getting into it, you’ll feel a tingle down your spine or leap in your heart. 

This is a reminder that you are so much more than your skin bag. You are sentient. Enjoy the physical aspects of life, but don’t let your spirit suffer for it, either. Seize control and remember how much bigger you really are. Now, take that one step.