Metaphysical Properties Of Birch Bark
Official Name: Betula pendula
Other Names: Beithe, Bereza, Berke, Beth, Bouleau, Lady of the Woods
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Deity: Thor
Metaphysical Powers: Protection, Exorcism, Purification
Common Magickal Uses and Folklore of Birch Bark
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Birch twigs have been used to exorcise spirits by gently striking possessed people or animals since the birch is a purificatory or cleansing herb.
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The tree is used for protection, and the Russians used to hang a red ribbon around the stem of the birch to rid themselves of the evil eye.
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Birch trees also protect against lightning.
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The traditional Witches broom was made of birch twigs, and cradles were once manufactured from birch wood to protect helpless babies.
Birch Bark also has strong fertility connections with the celebrations of Beltane. This was the second summer, half of the Celtic year (nowadays celebrated as May Day). People made Beltane fires in Scotland with birch and oak, and a birch tree was often used as a, sometimes living, maypole. As birch is one of the first trees to come into leaf, it would be an obvious choice as a symbol of spring. Love and fertility goddesses, such as the northern European Frigga and Freya, have strong associations with birch. Eostre (from whom we derive the word Easter) was the Anglo Saxon goddess of spring. She was celebrated around and through the birch tree between the spring equinox and Beltane. According to the medieval herbalist Culpeper, Venus (the planet and the goddess) rules over birch.
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Birch - Beith
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Ogham letter B
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Ruler of the 1st Lunar Month
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24th December - 20th January
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Powers: Purification,
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A Guardian of New Beginnings, Bringer of Hope, Channeler of Emotion, Protection.
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The Druid tree symbol for the Bards - ‘The Goddess Tree’ - ‘The Lady of the Woods,’ the Birch tree, Betula Pendula, is the bringer of promise, light, and new beginnings.
Birch Bark is available in three sizes.