Birch Tree: December 24th – January 20th
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Ogham Letter: Beith (B)
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Symbolic Meaning: New Beginnings, Growth, Renewal, Rebirth, Adaptability
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Ruling Planet: Venus
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Ruling Elements: Air & Water
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Season: Spring & Autumn
- Corresponding Star Sign: Capricorn
The first lunar month of the Celtic Tree Calendar is the Birch Tree. Known as the ‘Lady of the Woods’, birch tree holds deep feminine connections making it a symbol of rebirth and fertility. It’s elegance in the woods is made known by its delicate, peeling silvery white bark.
The leaves from the tree can be brewed into a tea that is used to treat many infections and remove excess water from the body. This tree doesn’t just hold magical energy but practical, medicinal properties too.
Placed at the centre of the Beltane Festival or May Day as it is now commonly known, people will dance around the May Pole made from Birch to bring a fruitful harvest in the following year.
The lunar month of birch is a fantastic time for starting new creativity and projects. Whether that involves a new job or adventure – this is the month to do it!
Birch Tree Zodiac
Just like the birch tree itself, those born under this sign have high ambitions, they are driven and will strive to grow wherever they can. Born at the darkest time of the year they are always reaching towards the light, easily inspiring those around them. Cool headed and natural born leaders but in touch with their softer side bringing beauty where it’s needed the most.
Birch signs are well matched with Vine and Willow signs.
Birch Tree Symbolism and Meaning
The Birch Tree is an elegant force of nature. The silvery white bark looks sophisticated and graceful but under this beauty lies a strong, willfulness to grow where nothing else can.
It is almost always one of the first species to regrow in places of tragedy, a forest fire perhaps or even after the great ice age. It can thrive in harsh conditions of low nutrient soils and colder climates. It’s also one of the first trees to regrow leaves after the depths of winter bringing us into the new life of spring. It’s widespread across the British Isles and a coloniser of many UK woodlands.
The native tree holds strong connections with feminine energies and in Celtic Lore is known as ‘The Lady of the Woods’. It’s most recognisable features are the paper thin bark that peels to reveal dark fissures along the trunk and the delicate, flowing leaves that cover the tree in summer.
The beauty of the tree can be seen in every season making it a great specimen tree for the garden. Silver birch trees are amazing for garden wildlife. The tree is a great attraction and will be unconditionally adored by the birds and the bees.
As the birch is a pioneer species this gives it a symbol of rebirth, new beginnings and growth. It’s a sacred tree within the mythology of the Celts and is thought to have very protective influences.
On Midsummer’s Eve, branches from the tree would be hung around doors of dwellings in hopes to bring good luck and guard against any evil misfortune. To bring in the new year with goodness, evil spirits were brushed from homes using a broom made from the twigs of a birch tree.
Not just magical but also medicinal, the leaves of the birch can be brewed into a tea that can be used to treat infections and remove excess water from the body.
The Birch Tree was the centre of the Beltane Festival, now more commonly known to us as May Day. Maypoles would be created from the wood of the birch and everyone would gather round and dance to ensure a fruitful harvest that year.
Birch is the first lunar month in the Celtic Tree Calendar lying between the dates of 24th December – 20th January.
Birch Tree Zodiac
- Ruled by: the 1st Lunar Month
- Dates: 24th December – 20th January
- Ogham Letter: Beith (B)
- Ruling Planet: Venus
- Ruling Elements: Air and Watery7
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