The Celtic Tree Calendar is a calendar with thirteen lunar divisions, following the waxing and waning lunar cycle. It is based on a concept that each letter in the ancient Celtic alphabet corresponded to a tree. Birch Moon December 24 - January 20 Birch – A tree of new beginnings
Of withered trunk fair haired the birch. Faded trunk and fair hair. Browed beauty worthy of pursuit. Most silver of skin. From the Book of Ballymote, written in 1391. The Birch Moon signifies the first month after the Winter Solstice and the rebirth of the sun that brings renewed fertility to the land, a time of rebirth and regeneration. As the Solstice passes, it is time to look towards the light once more. When a forested area burns, Birch is the first tree to grow back. The Celtic name for this month is Beth, pronounced ‘beh’. Known as the Lady of the Woods, the graceful Birch is surprisingly hardy and bold. It is one of the first trees to spring into life and produce new leaves after the long, cold winters of the north. As a pioneer tree it is often found in boggy and uninhabitable places, where it prepares the ground for more sensitive and demanding plants. Magical work done during this month will add strength and a bit of extra energy to new endeavors. The Birch is associated with magic done for creativity, fertility, healing, purification, courage, and protection. Hang Birch twigs over a cradle to protect a new-born baby from psychic harm. Birch signifies inner strength and daring needed to break new ground and go where no-one has gone before (a little Star Trek verve). Birch can help you to get in touch with your inner youthfulness and the courage that opens the heart for new experiences and daring ventures. More information about Birch, together with its magical correspondences, can be found in this blog – www.kitchenwitchhearth.net/post/magical-birch-a-windfall-gift-by-heather Further reading – www.learnreligions.com www.walkingmoon.com
