- Latin name
- Betula pendula
- Element
- water
- Planet
- Venus
- Safe to eat?
- No, not for eating or drinking
How to use it
- Use fallen twigs to make a besom for sweeping ritual space
- Place a strip of shed bark on the altar for new beginnings
- Weave twigs into a spring wreath
- Write intentions on naturally shed bark
Lore
Birch gives its name to the rune Berkano and the Irish ogham letter Beith, both linked with beginnings. Birch twigs were traditionally used to make besoms and to beat the bounds of English parishes.
Safety
Not for eating. Birch pollen is a common hay fever trigger. Only take bark that has fallen or been shed naturally, as stripping it can kill the tree. Birch contains salicylates, so take care if you are sensitive to aspirin.
Not for eating or drinking.
Gods linked with it
- Frigg Queen of Asgard, keeper of the hearth