Birch (Beith) - Lady of the Woods
Birch (Beith) is the 1st tree of the ogham - celtic tree calendar, 24th December - 20th January - also known as the Lady of the Woods, and seen as a portal to the Otherworld.
Ruling planet - Venus
Abilities - Healing. New starts and beginnings. Mysteries of the young Goddess.
Deities - Frigga, Frya, Arianrhod, Eostre
Elements - Air and water
Medicinal properties - birch is good for treating skin conditions, and as an insect repellent. It can be used to prevent stones in the kidneys and bladder. The sap is a natural shampoo, and an infusion of young leaves is used for treating dysentery and urinary infections. Birch bark is a is a diuretic, antiseptic and a tonic, it contains an anaesthetic which cause nerve endings to lose sensation, making it a great pain reliever.
Magical properties - It is the most fairy like of all our trees, especially when moonlit....and as it is white it was seen as pure, so birch was used to ward off evil spirits, banish fears and build courage. It is also associated with beauty and tolerance. A birch besom broom is traditionally used to brush out the old year, the morning after the Winter Solstice. Babies baskets were often made out of birch, to keep evil spirits away from the helpless babes. It is the traditional Yule log and Beltane fires were often started using birch twigs, it was also used as a living maypole. In Wales it was customary for a man to give the woman he loved a garland made of birch, if she felt the same, she would give him a similar garland.
Yoga - Tadasana, Surya Naramaskara, Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana, Baddhakonasana & Matsyendrasana.
Card Message -Nine of Pentacles (sensation/the senses, body)
Receiving an unearned income. No longer needing to work for a living. Luxuries, hobbies and pleasures. You may be keen to succeed - both materially and spiritually. Affirming your values. Enjoying the benefits of a successful and full life on your own. A productive, active and settled life, in which you are self assured and spiritually aware.
24th December - The celtic tree month of Beith begins/ Christmas Eve
Gratitude - Nature
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