Birch

The first sacred tree is the birch, with the bark being used for magical purposes. The birch tree is a member of the Genus Betula with a white or ash-colored bark which sometimes unrolls from the trunk in horizontal bands. Bundles of birch twigs (smooth) are used for cleansing ritual areas (the periphery beaten by the bundles). The leaves are small and rounded, bright green in spring and yellow in the fall. Birch branches droop dramatically. The wood tends to a white with a grain which is difficult to see unless stained.

Birch is the tree of beginnings.

Betula pendula

The birch tree is associated with the letter Beth of the Ogham alphabet. Birch corresponds to Group IA? on the Periodic Table (the first column). This means that it relates to Sacrificial Satisfaction, the eco-relation (0,-), and the vocabulary of the current balance. Birch is also associated with cesium? and a developmental number of 55.

The magicks associated with birch are usually related to simple illusion:

• love spells
• illusions
• simple creation
• driving away evil spirits

These are seen as being based on the will to believe which drives those who are newly introduced to some interesting new concept or idea.

See also Sacrificial Satisfaction, Holy Grove, Group IA?, Woods and Wendings, and Beth.

— Scotus - 10 Jun 2001