All the trees gain a symbolic imagery from their unique qualities. On this page we will look at the physical, the practical and medicinal properties of the plants to demonstrate the fact.

Birch – Rebirth

Key phrases: Rebirth, cleansing, healing, purging, purity, a tree of the virginal goddess.

This was one of the first trees to recolonise the British Isles after the last Ice Age. A common feature of the old and new woodland because it propagates so easily in the open spaces and stabilises the wet soil. It is also well adapted to the extremes of the highlands. It is also popular in gardens and lining streets and avenues because it tolerates the poorer air of the city. In the vein of rebirth it is also a tree associated with cleansing and purging. There are obvious reasons for this;

1. The branches were used for sweeping and it is closely linked to ritual spring cleaning that would have taken place as soon as the harsh weather broke.

2. It was also used as a tool of discipline. The Birch rods were used for corporal punishment; being flexible and strong they were an effective instrument.

A further less adverse use for the plant was from its by-products.

3. The Birch was a healing tree giving up medicines that were antiseptic, anti-parasitic and analgesic.

The timber of the tree also has many other practical uses, e.g. tools, furniture and boat making. The papery bark lit easily for torches and the slow burning wood made excellent charcoal.

The appearance of the tree is very feminine and caught in the moonlight the silvery bark has a luminous quality. This made it a natural step to associate it with the lunar goddess and the triple deity form. It is highlighted by the crescent or new moon. This is also the stage of rebirth when the virgin goddess manifests her purest image.

In ancient European ritual the Birch was adorned with colourful clothes or ribbons and paraded through the homestead or village. It was a celebration of the awakening spring, a sign of hope, promise, renewed life and energy. The earth was beginning to warm again and start to reproduce. So this is evocative of the virginal state. It is remarkably similar to the customs that still exist today in Catholic countries for parading the Virgin Mary or chosen saint through the town in Chritian religious festivals.

The Birch blesses and refreshes those that it touches.