In this calendar, each month has fixed dates, and doesn’t follow the waxing and waning cycle

Beth (Birch) December 24 to January 20

Luis (Rowan) January 21 to February 17

Nion (Ash) February 18 to March 17

Fearn (Alder) March 18 to April 14

Saille (Willow) April 15 to May 12

Uath (Hawthorn) May 13 to June 9

Duir (Oak) June 10 to July 7

Tinne (Holly) July 8 to August 4

Coll (Hazel) August 5 to September 1

Muin (Vine) September 2 to September 29

Gort (Ivy) September 30 to October 27

Ngetal (Reed) October 28 to November 24

Ruis (Elder) November 25 to December 22

December 23 is not ruled by any tree because it is the traditional day of the proverbial “Year and a Day” in the earliest courts of law.

Beth, the Birch month, is a time of regeneration and new projects. This is the perfect time to go back to the light once again as the Sun comes back.  During this time, we celebrate the light as the days grow longer, and we look up to the beautiful white birch trees for guidance.

Birch or Beithe, is the first tree of the Ogham, the Celtic tree alphabet. Beithe (pronounced ‘bey’) is the Gaelic word for birch and means inception or existence. The Birch tree is the first tree to grow back after a forest fire.

Such a beautiful, feminine-looking tree. She stands tall and slender. The birch tree like the willow loves to be near water.

The birch tree symbolizes starting a new project, fertility, rebirth, and regeneration.

This month is the best for spells related to creativity, healing, protection, and fertility.

Placing birch water in cosmetics and lotions aids in keeping your skin healthy. Birch water is sold commercially and also is a helpful addition to your healthy diet. It is high in Vitamin C, magnesium, and polyphenol antioxidants.

BIRCH ASSOCIATIONS:

Ogham Letter: Beith (B)

Symbolic Meaning: New Beginnings, Growth, Renewal, Rebirth, Adaptability

Ruling Planet: Venus

Ruling Elements: Air & Water

Season: Spring & Autumn

Corresponding Star Sign: Capricorn

Language of Flowers meaning: meekness

Colors: white, silver, and red

Associations: Beltane, Whitsun, Samhain, witches’ besoms, fly agaric mushrooms, Freya, Frigga, Lugh, Arianrhod, Blodeuwedd

BIRCH MAGIC

Birch branches are used to cleanse negative energy and beat out the Old Year on 31st December 

Tie a red ribbon around the birch tree to ward off negative energy.

Gardeners still use a birch besom to ‘purify’ their gardens.

Birch besoms are used in witches’ flights

Shamans use extracts of the fly agaric mushrooms that live under birches for vision work.

Highland folklore says that when you herd a barren cow with a birch stick the cow becomes fertile.



It is tradition for a newly married couple to step over a birch broom to enter their new home together, representing a wish for fertility.

A gift of a birch twig will initiate a serious relationship. 

Birch oil works for love spells.

Birch wood is used for the May Pole during Beltane. 

New Years Intentions Spell

Spells using birch help you to commit and secure your plans.

You need:

1. Red bee wax candle – place on a table you can walk around

2. Red ribbon

3. Birch wand or birch branch. You need a small branch about twelve inches long.

4. Frankincense essential oil

5. Sprig of Rosemary

6. Think of your plans and goals you want to accomplish in the coming year. They should be realistic and attainable.

7. Anoint the red candle with the three drops of frankincense oil. Frankincense encourages creativity, concentration, and inspiration.

7. Place the rosemary sprig next to the candle. Rosemary helps us keep our promises. 

Light the candle

Stand in front of the candle and visualize your plans, desires and intentions. Concentrate on seeing yourself attaining your goal. See yourself proud and happy at having met the all your goals. 

Holding your birch wand, walk clockwise around the candle. 

Repeat the words, “I manifest this undertaking  and state what your intentions are. I open myself to this new experience and let positive changes to manifest in my life.”

Stand in front of the candle and visualize the attainment of your goals.

Say

So mote it be.

Blow out the candle

Birch and the Dieties

There are several Gods and Goddesses associated with the birch tree. During this month, honor one or two of the gods at your altar.

Lugh is the Celtic god of light, oaths, and truth. When Lugh lost his wife to the underworld, the God Ogma carved birch seven times on a branch to make a talisman to keep her safe. 

Arianrhod is the Celtic Goddess of fertility and birth. Celtic women use birch to ask for Arianrhod’s assistance in childbirth.

Birch Associations

Venus (the planet and the goddess) rules over birch.

Birch is also connected to the Norse goddess of love and fertility, Freya

Blodeuwedd, the Welsh goddess of springtime and flowers.

The birch tree is often connected with the mysteries of the otherworld – fairies and spirits of the dead.

The birch is the tree of life in many countries of the Near East. 

In the Tartar culture, the birch tree stands at the center of the world. 

The birch is the guardian of the door and can provide access to the nine great celestial realms for the people of Mongolia. 

Embrace this month of new beginnings and welcome the coming New Year.