Tree of protection and grace.
Trees in Everyday Life
If you are fortunate enough to live near trees you may have come to appreciate their changing beauty, their silent presence, their shade on a hot day or the hope that you feel when new leaves appear in the spring. You can look at trees and forecast the weather and cutting a tree will show you the history of years past.
There are many stories associated with the Birch tree, it is known as Beich and is the first letter of the Ogham Druid alphabet and is associated with many useful properties in cultures all around the world.
Birch Tree Astrology
December 24th-January 20th.
According to Celtic folklore, those who were born in this lunar cycle are strong motivators. These are resilient people who are able to overcome setbacks and challenges. They are strong and courageous and always looking to improve themselves. They have a feminine energy are loving and full of charm. These ambitious people keep going and never give up.
Birch Tree Mythology
Birch trees are the first to grow back in an area after a fire or after a forest has been cleared, this is why they are known as the pioneer tree. They symbolise new beginnings and the wood has been used to make cradles for newborn babies. The birch cradle will protect the newborn against evil.
Trees that grow back after a fire are purifying the earth and therefore they are also associated with cleansing. Besom brooms have been used by gardeners and home owners to drive away evil spirits and purify a space. These same broomsticks have been used by witches!
The birch has also been used by Shamans along with some magic mushrooms to take journeys of purification. Maypoles were also traditionally made from birch. There is also an association with fertility as a barren cow herded with a birch stick was said to become fertile.
In other folklore the birch was associated with Eostre and Freya, there is a strong feminine energy with this tree. The silver birch will often grow in clumps with many small groups growing together. They are elegant and associated with the light that reflects from the bark.
Birch Tree Uses
The leaves and sap have been used as medicine and are a diuretic so definitely would be used for purification. They can also be used to treat rheumatism and kidney stones. Definitely not something to try unless you are trained in this!
Native Americans used the birch to make canoes. There are many varieties of birch and they are used for different purposes throughout the world. In Victorian times a birch switch was used to correct naughty children. Whereas birch may be used in Scandinavian countries in a Sauna or in Russia to beat the skin in a steam room.
Birch tar has been used to treat eczema and the bark has been used to easily light fires and also to make paper.
Spiritual Connection
You do not have to be a dendrophile to appreciate trees. They are silent companions it always seems that they are watching and patiently waiting for us to reconnect with them. Throughout the world ancient peoples once appreciated their value and used them sympathetically without destroying them.
To connect with a tree, approach the tree and feel it’s energy. Is the tree inviting you to give it a hug? Does the tree prefer you to sit on the ground beneath it? Is it better to sit opposite the tree and study it like an artist?
Get comfortable in whichever position is communicated to you. Take some deep breaths and relax. Then take a look at the tree, what wisdom is in the branches? Is the tree telling you a story? Perhaps you can see that the tree has suffered and there is a message to you about resilience.
Do you feel that the tree is telling you to wait for something or reassuring you that everything will be alright? Trees can give you a message about abundance or to tell you to be patient about a situation.
If you are looking for protection or have problems with fertility, a birch tree is a great choice for making a connection with the tree spirit. You may ask the tree for purification if you feel that you have been sullied in some way. Perhaps you would like a new beginning the birch tree is a good choice if you would like that.
Remember the tree will always be there for you, be grateful for the help from the spirit and feel free to visit at any time.
Be Like a Tree
Trees use their senses to see the amount of light, feel the temperature and use their hormones to shut down growth of tree limbs in winter. You can read more about how trees react to the climate around them here. The tree rings inside a tree show how the tree reacts to adverse conditions by growing less and preserving energy. As humans we need to be the same, take actions to protect ourselves in adverse times. Be strong in outlook and confident in your ability to deal with challenges.
Calm Me
Standing like a party of friends
But silent and still
Not alone
And cherished
Cleansing to my soul
Protecting my earth
Reaching deep within
Shining out
My silver birch
A branch
To sweep
I am safe with you.
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