Traditionally, the Runes have always been divided into three families of eight. Each family is named after the first Rune in the family. This ruling Rune also colors all members of its family with its own influence.
Fehu, the Rune of possession, is the ruler of the first family known as the Feoh aett. Fehu represents the physical part of man, so all Runes within the Feoh aett also represent the physical man.
Hagalaz, the Rune of storms, rules the second family Haegl. This aett is colored by the emotional part of man.
The third family, Tyr, is ruled by Teiwaz, the warrior Rune, which represents the mental part of man.
The old English names of Feoh, Haegl and Tyr are commonly used over the German names of Fehu, Hagalz and Teiwaz when naming families, so they will be used here as well.
Within each family, the Runes are paired together. The pairing is based on contrasting or closely related meanings. The table on the next page shows that pairing as well as the meanings of each Rune.
