Standing tall with its beautiful silver bark, the Birch tree is a symbolic tree in many ways. Its health uses in many alternative remedies are renowned, whilst its colour throughout winter brings the eyes limitless delight. Its striking golden leaves during autumn fills the dullness of winter with an exuberant golden glow. But what of the folklore that surrounds the wonderful Birch tree?

The birch is a tree traditionally linked with purification and cleansing. During the corporal punishment era in England the tree was used to administer whippings. The term was defined as “birched”. In essence the ideal was to drive out and purge the person of evil spirits, although the physical pain must have been intense. The religious notion of cleansing the soul features strongly with this treatment and within the tree itself.

However the most interesting aspects of this tree are its association with Celtic mythology. The tree in Celtic traditions represents the renewal and purification process. The tree is also worshipped by the God Thor and Goddesses Diana and Cerridwen. Indeed the tree is often referred to as the White Goddess. The trees bark, leaves, and buds can be used to treat many illnesses.

Its affinity with woodland spirits sees an unusual connection between fairy-like folk who are said to inhabit the tops of this illustrious tree. These spirits referred to as Ghillie Dhu protect the trees from humans. It also has to be noted that the preferred growth location for the fly-agaric (Amanita Muscaria) is under the birch tree. This mushroom itself has strong links with shamanism throughout the world.

Animals associated with this White Lady are the pheasant and the white sow according to Celtic mythology.

The celebration of the tree in its natural form occurs during the Samhain, which is the start of the Celtic year. This Samhain date has now been appropriated as the Halloween festival. An aspect of the birch tree is its assistance in driving out bad spirits. During this celebration brooms made from birch twigs help drive out lingering bad spirits from the previous year. The idea of witches using these brooms as transport stems from this mythological root.

Another interesting aspect of the Birch tree is how it is seen as an indication of fertility. The tree has strong connections with Beltane (traditionally now represented as May Day). The idea of dancing around the phallic symbol of the maypole, itself a symbol of fertility, with the tree as the living maypole shows a clear indication of the tree’s importance in fertility.

With the advent of spring and the fact that the Birch tree is one of the first living organisms to start budding and producing leaves, it is understandable why the tree is linked with fertility and the rebirth of life after the winter.

http://www.treetarot.com/festival.php?ID=124

http://www.isle-of-skye.org.uk/celtic-encyclopaedia/celt_b2.htm