Druid’s are known for their Tree Lore – their connection to the trees. They support tree-planting and reforestation. Ceremonies and rituals would be performed in Sacred Groves in the forest, as well as that these groves offer a space for meditation, prayer or to commune with nature. Trees are bridges between the lower, middle and upper worlds and we as humans are very much like them. We can turn to the trees to ask for wisdom, guidance and protection. They are great listeners too. Trees help too clean up the energies in an area. They are the witnesses of the transformations and events that happen in the land and therefor record keepers and guardians of the forest.
Every 11th of the month we will introduce you to a different tree from the Ogham Tree Alphabet. To learn from the trees and walk in their ways. Rooting ourselves deeply into fertile grounds and to connect high with clear skies above…
As spring arrived, we saw birches sprouting and celebrating new life...
As the first of the ogham trees, it springs up as a pioneer when and wherever Earth has been disturbed. It was also one of the first trees to emerge when the ice and glaciers retreated after the ice age.
Birch is seen as a tree of new beginnings, as the way shower.
The druids had multiple names for the birch... “glasium cnis” which translates to “most silvery of skin” or “withered foot & fine hair”. The word birch, relates back to ‘Bherh-g-o’, which translates to glitter, shines, shimmer & brilliance
According to legend, there was a birch tree, growing on top of iron mountain, whose seven branches symbolised the seven levels of heaven. From its crown flows a golden foamy liquid, which whoever drinks of it, will make hunger and tiredness vanish.
When the first human was created, and asked what the purpose of being was, he walked up to the world tree. Once there, he discovered a hollow in which a lady appeared. She told Human that he was created as ancestor to the human race.
Birches are beings of light, bringers of light… In the Celtic calendar, birch is the tree that guides us through the months of December and January – where it symbolizes the rebirth of the sun. Sometimes, birch is offered to the moon as its bark is just as silvery white as the moon.
Another legend tells us about a sick druid or shaman on a journey, which discovers an island with a young, slender birch growing on it, which reaches into heaven. It is the tree of the controller of the earth. At its base, grows all the ancestral herbs of all plants. On the branches, people sitting, ancestors of many tribes and cultures. Then the voice of the tree speaks “take the branch which just fell to the earth, use it to make a drum, it will serve you for a lifetime”. Ever since, the drum is a key tool in druid/shaman ceremonies, especially when carved out of the wood of a cosmic birch.
When beating the drum, the spirit of the one drumming, will travel to the centre of the earth, from where it can reach into heaven.
And so, Birch is used as a sky ladder for the shaman, traveling to the sky world through its branches, guided by his drum.
Birch has a symbiotic relationship with the toadstool, Amanita Muscaria, which was used by druids and shamans alike to travel into an altered state of consciousness or trance. Amanita can connect to multiple species, birch being the favourable option. Eating amanita is said to be dangerous, often connected to the toad, being of witches and dark forces of the underworld - hence the name toadstool. Despite its bad reputation, Amanita isn’t as dangerous as often believed. Although poisonous to a certain degree, it isn’t deadly. Muscimol is one of the active ingredients in Amanita. Amanita can create altered states of consciousness which can be frightening to the one who has eaten it, but can also gain insights from the experience.
So, as it branches are used as a ladder to reach the heavens, the stool at the roots, is used as a door to the underworld….
Birches are the homes of our ancestor’s souls.
Birch is full of oil, which burns easily, either wet or dry – and was used to ignite ritual fires.
Birch has a symbiotic relationship with Chaga, a medicinal mushroom, famous for its adaptogenic and anti-cancer properties.
Birch sap contains betulinic acid, a potent anti-tumor treatment
Making love on May Day in a birch forest, is an ode to Frigga, goddess of fertility and love.
Birch and Linden were often sacrifices in a sacred grove.
Birch helps to focus on the task at hand and provides energy in the process of becoming.
Birch is regarded as a goddess tree, work with her to connect to the feminine aspect of the Universe and within ourselves. Inviting us all to honour our feminine side, our vulnerability and the life giving and nurturing qualities within ourselves and others.
And so… walking with the birch, beith, beth…
Honoured by your being, we conclude…
“Beautiful Birch, silvery and white of skin, show me the radiance of your light within. With your branches reaching to the sky, supporting and inviting us to fly high. Roots growing strong at your base, where the toadstool also has its place. Opening up another dimension, when invited and connected to, with clear intention. Oh birch tree, standing there so divine, inspire us, with the light you so brilliantly shine”.
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