The Silver Birch

My store currently holds several hand-carved silver birch wands and so I thought this blog would explain the spiritual symbolism of the birch tree. The Silver Birch is symbolically known for being a tree of rebirth, renewal and purification, and ecologically, is a pioneer species. This means it is one of the first tree species to colonise bare ground, particularly important in the United Kingdom after the last glacial period. It reminds us that even after catastrophe, there is still hope for renewal and regrowth. The birch is also known as the ‘Lady of the Woods’ for its slender and somewhat youthful appearance with its smooth, white bark. Birch wood is considered to have protective properties, hence, babies cradles were made from the wood to bestow protection for the new life. Witches were said to have utilised birch twigs for their brooms. Finally, the birch was important during the festival of Beltaine, a fire festival marking the start of summer and the slender trunks were used to create the Maypole and start the Beltaine fires. The birch, therefore, celebrates all life and the spark of rebirth.