Celtic Trees ~ Birch

Merry Meet,

Part of my Year and a Day schedule is to create Celtic Tree Year entries for my Book of Shadows.  So, here I am sharing my entry for Birch:

Month of Birch
Celtic Year

24th December – 20th January

The Latin Names:      Over 60 species of Betula

             Betula Pendula          Betula Alba   

             (Silver Birch)              (White Birch)                                               

Celtic Names:             Beith, Beithe

Folk and Common:     White Birch, Canoe Birch, Paper Birch, Beithe, Bereza, Berke, Beth, 

Bouleau, Lady of the woods

Parts Used:                Bark, Young Leaves, Sap

Divine Association

Gods: Thor, Dagda

Goddess: Freya, Frigga, Brighid, Venus, Banba, Macha, Druantia, the White Goddess

Symbolism

Gender: Feminine

Element: Air, Water

Celtic Month: December

Astrology: Venus

Colour: White

Stone: Crystal Quartz

Flower: Daisy

Bird: Eagle, Pheasant, Egret

 Magical Properties

Renewal, Inception & New Beginnings:

Use a Birch Broom to brush out the old year on the morning after Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year.

Protection & Purification:

Birch wood is believed to ward off evil, banish fears and build courage.

At the start of any journey or project, call on the Birch to protect you.

Exorcisms:

Add the cut bark to protection spells or drink birch beer if you feel you are under psychic attack.

Increased Tolerance:

Associated with beauty and tolerance, the Birch's vibration heightens tolerance of oneself and others.  

• In Norse and Germanic tradition, the Birch is associated with Freya, the Lady of the Forest and Frigga (wife of Odin).
• Birch represents a time of rebirth and regeneration.
• The traditional besom of the Witches was made of birch twigs.

Herbal Usage

Dysentery:

Birch sap can be used as a remedy.

Insect Repellent & Skin Conditions:

The oil from Birch bark is used to repel insects and calm skin conditions.

Shampoo:

Birch sap can be made is a natural shampoo.

Urinary Infections:

The sap of Birch can also help combat  urinary infections.

Antiseptic & Diuretic:

Make an infusion of Birch leaves to apply as an antiseptic.

Circulation:

In Scandinavian and Russian tradition, Birch twigs are used to “beat” the body during sauna, an old method for stimulating circulation.

Gall Bladder, Kidneys, Liver:

A tea infusion made from the young leaves or leaf buds of the Birch, can be used as part of a three week “Spring Detox”, these leaves are collected in April or May, then dried.

Gout & Rheumatism:

Birch leaves can help to relieve these symptoms.

Metabolism:

The blood-cleansing sap can be used as a general tonic to balance the metabolism.

Eczema & Psoriasis:

The oil tar of Birch can be used to treat the symptoms.

Scalp:

Make a sap tonic for a scalp massage.

Stress:

The essence of the Silver Birch enhances the ability to experience beauty and remain calm.

History

Stripped of its bark, Birch is the traditional Yule Log.  

Birch twigs were used to light the Beltane fires, and couples paired off to the Birch forests.

They used to make the Maypoles out of Birch, setting them up and decorating them as the focal point in the villages.  

Cradles were once made from birch wood for the sole purpose to protect the helpless children. 

The derived Indo-European word Bherg means “shining white”, Birch shares this with Goddess Brighid.

More Information

The indigenous peoples of North America, Russia, Siberia, Northern Europe and Scandinavia have used the bark of Birch for making many items, including boats, canoes, coverings for wigwams, roof tiles for houses, all sorts of containers, writing paper and even shoes!

Russian folklore states the Birch is called Lady of the Forest.

☮ ❤ & ツ

Blessed Be

SRM

☽✪☾