Birch

Origin: Northern hemisphere

Family: Betulaceae
Subfamily: Betuloideae
Scientific Name: Betula spp.

Folk Names: Beith, bereza, berke, beth, bouleau, downy birch, European white birch, hairy birch, lady of the woods, moor birch, white birch

Magical

Element: Water
Day: Friday
Planet: Venus
Zodiac: Cancer
Associated Celebrations: Floralia
Deities: Aphrodite, Brigantia, Brighid, Earth Mother, Freya, Frigga, Idunna, Nethus, Persephone, Sif, Thor, Venus

Parts used: Wood/bark, leaves

Magical Properties: Beginnings, purification, protection, healing, divination, fertility, love, exorcism

Lore

• Nicholas Culpeper describes birch as a tree of Venus, and lists its use to break kidney stones and wash sore mouths.
• Birch protects against lightning.
• A witch’s besom is traditionally made from birch twigs.
• Russians were said to tie a red ribbon around a birch branch to rid themselves of the evil eye.
• Gently striking a posessed person or animal with a birch twig has been believed to exorcise spirits.
• Cradles were made from birch in order to inbue their protective powers in guarding the infant within.