Magic - The Brilliance of Birch

Tree magic is powerful and readily available to anyone. From images of the world tree, to walks in the woods, to picking their fruits and nuts; our root and branch friends are everywhere, ready to communicate, support and nourish.

Different species of trees appear in different myths and folklore. Though these may vary between cultures, somehow, a certain kind of tree usually represent a certain energy signature. If we want to work magically with trees, knowing these energy signatures can help us make the magical work strong and efficient.

Here follows one example of a tree ally we can work with. I chose the birch tree simply because its qualities are so in harmony with the very early spring.

Sometimes called The White Lady of the Forest, birch is a very important tree in North Native American lore, as well as that of Celtic, Old Norse, and Siberian lore. Its slender white stems, with mysterious blackish cracks, and almost fluorescent green leaves, has inspired our ancestors of the northern hemisphere since time immemorial and continues to inspire us today.

Greening early, branches with tiny leaf-ears, can be brought indoors to bring new life to a home, or to symbolically sweep out winter and staleness. Or, why not join into the living tradition of the Finish – use them to whip your body clean in a sauna. “Out with the old, in with the new,” is a saying that goes well with the magic of birch.

Though well known for its beauty, birch is a real fighter – sturdy and strong. It was the first tree to grow in the hardy climates where the glaciers of the ice age had receded. Its bark can be used to make protection spells, and its sap is still used to make spring tonics.

If you want to work with the birch as your magical ally, it will lend you strength for renewal, spring energies, hardiness, protection and much more. So, what are you waiting for? Go out and hug a White Lady of the Forest!

First published in our mid-monthly newsletter "Writing, Magic, and Marketing." If you want to sign up, go to: www.theechoworld.com Images with courtesy of Pixabay free download.