Birch Leaf Herb
Metaphysical Properties Of Birch Leaf
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 Leaf
-
Birch twigs have been used to exorcise spirits by gently striking possessed people or animals since the Birch is a purificatory or cleansing herb.
-
The tree is used for protection, and Russians used to hang a red ribbon around the Birch stem to rid themselves of the evil eye.
-
Birch protects against lightning.
-
The traditional witch's broom was made of birch twigs, and cradles were once manufactured from birch wood to protect the helpless babies.
The branches were marked with ogham and carried for protection in small pouches and given to newlyweds for fertility. In Wales, the Birch is a tree of love, and wreaths are made out of the branches and twigs as tokens of love. When beginning a new project or journey, call upon the powers of the Birch as it is also a tree of new beginnings and new viewpoints. Birch rods are used in protection spells and carried to protect from malicious magics (crossing/hexing) or even mundane situations/people.
The Birch Leaf is considered to be strongly connected to the Goddess of the Forests as is all parts of the Birch Tree. Birch Leaf is often used in spells and rituals for protection and warding against both negative entities and negative energies. Hanging dried Birch Leaf near the windows, chimney or doors to assist with protection and wards to veer lightning away from the home.
Rituals of cleansing can use Birch Leaf alone or mixed with such herbs as Rosemary and Thyme for cleansing a person or a location. Charms can be used with Birch Leaf placed inside to assist with keeping a person's aura cleansed before a ritual.