Tree:
The
Birch tree is known for its beauty and splendor in the early spring, when its
white bark shines through its splendid green leaves. The image of white shining through green is an archetypal
vision of the Otherworld. In Celtic
myth, when a human is seen wearing a green garment with white skin showing
through it, it is a sure sign that
the person is of the Otherworld. It
is said that the Birch can protect one from being carried off to the Sidhe, or
Otherworld. The Birch is also the
tree of new beginnings. Birch rods
were used in rituals for driving
out the spirit of the old year, and in ceremonies for expelling evil spirits.
New Birch trees can grow from twigs that have fallen from a parent tree.
It was the first tree to grow again in the Celtic lands after the last
Ice Age. It is the tree of
purification, birth, and renewal. In
Celtic lore, the first Oghams were carved upon a pure white branch of Birch.
Rapid growth for first 20 years and mature at 40 years
Height max 25m. Max age 60 - 80 years.
The Tree Year
| Flowers |
Leaves |
Fruit |
Ripen |
Fall |
| Apr-May |
Apr-May |
June |
Sept |
Nov |
Expression:
Birch deals with new beginnings and the inception or birth of things.
The Birch tree contains the life-giving power of the Earth Goddess and
the Lady of the Greenwood. This
vitality causes the birth of all things in spring each year.
The energizing and vitalizing effect of this power also provides for a
cleansing aspect of the Birch. It
has the power to drive out evil or corruptive influences by means of its
eternally vital life force. This is
the original reason why Birch was used as an instrument in flagellant fertility
rites.
Divination:
Beth tells of the vitality present to give birth to new beginnings gradual
changes. Prepare for positive
growth to begin in your life from a previously unapparent source.
New things are going to begin.
Greater
things will come from small beginnings.
If
not much is happening now, have faith that a new phase of activity will be
coming soon. Well-being and
prosperity are on the way. There is
great strength and resilience deep within you.
Unseen forces of growth and change are at work.
There may be choices to make concerning in which direction one may need
to grow. You need to avoid problems
in the early stages of something. Begin
to realize the new and good by shearing away the old and detrimental.
Clear away all obstructions to make way for new events to take their
course. Prepare for purification to
occur in your life.
The
Challenge
of
the Birch Ogham is the lack of energy and vitality needed to cause positive
changes and beginnings to occur. There
will be the need to deal with constant change and loss of familiar things as
time goes on. You must learn to
trust and to loose this fear of the unknown.
There may be small difficulties in making a start, or a lack of drive.
Enthusiasm may be hindered by circumstances.
Failing to grow may occur due to internal negativity and negative
thinking.
Beth in The Fifths
Mide, Center: Beth
in Focus
(P) Beginnings.
The
focus right now is on new beginnings and the energy needed to bring them into
focus. There is the need to begin
something new, to take a risk, or to leap into the unknown.
The vital power of growth and energy of life is strong in your life right
now and it is time to take advantage of these new possibilities.
(N) A new beginning may commence before one is prepared for
it.
Seis, South: Beth in
Fire is Vitality.
What you need to learn or be aware of is that our lives are
full of new beginnings. Greater
things come from small beginnings. You
have the energy needed to begin something new.
Fis, West:
Beth in Water is Interruption.
What you need to do to regain balance and harmony is to
accept the new beginnings in your life as positive change, rather than fight
their birth. This interruption may
be disturbing at first, but realize that it is necessary.
Something new may interrupt a love affair or romance.
Cath, North: Beth in
Earth
(P) Material Growth.
Your
own personal well-being is about to manifest and cause positive growth in your
life. This may come as a new
opportunity to make money or a financial possibility that needs to be taken
advantage of. You will have an
increase in material resources.
(N) Growth of a Debt.
An explosion of growth and energy on the material level will not allow
ample time for a period of adjustment and acceptance. Perhaps the growth of a debt that demands immediate attention
Blath, East: Beth in
Air is Fury.
Energy and vitality, when it is applied to a conflict,
brings an intense battle into play. Be
wary of your own fury, do not let it muddle your mind and cause you to do
something you may later regret. Beth
in Cath also warns you to avoid problems in the early stages of a relationship
or project.
