Birch Bark - Betula alba

The graceful birch, lady of the woods, is one of the most sacred trees of northern European traditions. In Scandinavian countries it is deemed as a tree of life. In Britain it is considered sacred to the Maiden Goddess Bridha /Bridget, the shining one who guards over the waters of life.

Birch indeed has an affinity with water. Despite its fragile appearance it is a tough and resilient tree, a pioneer tree that fearlessly populates even quite inhospitable places, bogs and swamps where few other trees would set root. Magically, birch is highly regarded for its life-giving properties. Birch twigs are hung over the stable doors to protect the cattle and ensure the flow of milk. A broom fashioned from birch twigs has special magical powers that can clear out negative energies and to protect against the evil doings of witches.

Folk-magical healing practices recommend birches to restore a failing manhood and to take away the aches and pains of rheumatism, gout and arthritis, usually by weaving a spell into its branches, thus transferring one's own suffering to the tree. The fact that birches were thought to protect against witchcraft did not stop witches from utilizing them for their own purposes and birches were a choice source material for their brooms. Today, the only relic of these ancient beliefs that has survived, is the custom of using birch as a May-tree, the ever popular symbol of fertility around which children still twine their symbolic dance of life.

Medicinal:
The therapeutic inner bark of the Birch tree is an important herbal diuretic for urinary tract health. Its natural compounds promote joint comfort; Birch Bark also makes an effective external preparation for skin and muscle health as well. Birch bark plays a prominent role in North American culture. From making beer to its inclusion in many of today’s popular natural toothpastes and hair care formulas.

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

Associated with beauty and tolerance, the Birch's vibration heightens tolerance of oneself and others. Use a Birch Broom to brush out the old year on the morning after Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. Add the cut bark to protection spells or drink birch beer if you feel you are under psychic attack.

Stripped of its bark, Birch is the traditional Yule Log. Traditionally, Birch twigs were used to light the Beltane fires, and couples paired off to the Birch forests. Later, they began to make the Maypoles out of Birch, setting them up and decorating them as the focal point in the villages. The traditional broom of the Witches was made of birch twigs, and cradles were once made from birch wood for the sole purpose of protecting helpless children.

Birch is sacred to the Maiden Goddess Bridha, the bringer of light. They convey fertility, female power and endurance in adversity, especially with regards to overcoming the growing pains of new beginnings. Birch can serve as a symbol of hope, light and energy that help us get through the dark times. Its affinity with water teaches us to let go of all that is hampering us and blocking our flow.

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