(Betula pendula, B.pubescens, B. lenta,
B. alba) G
Folk Names: Beithe, Bereza, Berke, Beth,
Bouleau, Lady of the Woods
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Deity: Thor
Powers: Protection, Exorcism, Purification
Magical Uses: Birch twigs have been used
to exorcise spirits by gently striking possessed
people or animals, since the birch is
a purificatory or cleansing herb.
The tree is also used for protection, and
Russians used to hang a red ribbon around
the stem of a birch to rid themselves of the
evil eye. The birch also protects against
lightning.
The traditional broom of the Witches
was made of birch twigs, and cradles were
once manufactured from birch wood to
protect their helpless charges.