The Silver Birch, is the first Tree of the Celtic Tree Ogham. For those who don't know the Ogham, is an early alphabet system that was used by Druids and Celtic people. Each symbol ( 20 in total) called a Fedha or few, represents a letter and their corresponding tree or shrub, along with the wisdom they hold and their underlying energy.
The silver birch grows in the Northern Hemisphere and it is the first tree to colonize new ground and by dropping it's leaves and twigs, it enriches the soil and makes way for more trees to grow and flourish. For this reason it is the first tree in the Ogham, as it represents New Beginnings, nourishment and change.
These three things, are in great need, right now and it is for this reason that I wanted to focus on this amazing tree today.
In the past, birch trees where used to help remove negative influences and energies. The twigs were used in ceremonies to drive out old spirits and make way for the new.
Each tree and shrub in the Ogham, have many many teachings to share with us. One of the greatest ways to learn these teachings is to sit with the tree and observe it, and also to allow yourself to sense it's energy, to note how it makes you feel.
Many of us who have been around the Birch Tree, know how it loses it's Bark as well as it's leaves and branches, reminding us to let go of the things that no longer serve us, so that we can begin to move forward. Each of those experiences that we let go of, have nourished us, just as the leaves and bark nourish the soil it lands on. So let go with gratitude and open up to new opportunities, that will help you move forward.
Embrace the change that arrives once you shed what you no longer need!
The wonderful Birch tree encourages us to nourish ourselves and those around us. So that we can become active in achieving what we want in life, inspiring others to grow alongside us as we make our way in life.
The Birch reminds us, than from small actions or small beginnings, we can create huge positive changes, just as it does, when it makes the way for other trees to grow and eventually become a forest.
The Birch may look like delicate in it's appearance, but it is very strong, a pioneer. It calls on us to stand strong in our decisions and encourages us to really push for what we desire, to birth new ideas and make them a reality!
Take the time to sit with this tree, allow it's calming energy to wash over and uplift you. If you see any twigs on the ground take some with you and use them for purification and cleansing. This can be done by gently sweeping them over your body, whilst you envisage them clearing any blocked emotions or energy, so that you are revitalized.
The sap of the birch has been used as a sweetener in the past and it is also used to make Birch Sap wine, which was an important spring tonic in the past. I do however know a few folk who still make it in Ireland.
The leaves of the Birch, are antiseptic, toning, a diuretic and a wonderful remedy for kidney and urinary infections. As well as breaking up kidney stones and gallstones. Make an infusion of the leaves to treat all of the above, but be aware that it also has sedating effects. You can also make wine out of the leaves.
The bark, when collected fresh from the tree (but please only take a little and never in a continuous circle , as this will kill the tree)can be applied to the skin to ease muscle pain. When collecting please do so consciously, give your thanks to the tree as you harvest their wonderful medicine.