Beith/Birch

I am at least 17% powered by metaphor, which definitely informs my druidic and divinatory practice. Especially with a symbol set like ogham, correspondences to what feels familiar can make a huge difference to interpretation. This integrative approach is central to the Nine Fires mission, growing from our “myth-informed” foundation. 

So, for this cycle, I’m going to draw connections between a tree’s culture – its care and feeding, as well as its role in the ecosystem – and what wisdom the ogham offers. (Yes, I am that introvert who will talk for hours about plants.) What topics are you passionate about? What makes you say, “that rather reminds me of ____.” 

If you have been following since 2023, you’ll recognize some of what I’m saying here from our first flight of Ogham Tuesdays! Always trying to go a bit deeper and add more context/nuance. I hope you’ll enjoy. :) 

***

Birch is a “pioneer species,” which means birch stands are quick to grow and spread. They leaf out early in spring and colonize meadows as some of the first trees to reach out from the woodline. Shallow-rooted, it thrives in low-lying areas with early sun and shade in the afternoons. Its bark, sometimes silvery, always seems to be shedding. The delicate foliage is slightly translucent and turns golden in the fall. It’s a medium-sized tree (40-50 feet tall at maturity) and may appear as a single stem or in a clump of 3-5 stems. 

Birch bark and extracts have applications for skin healing in both traditional and modern medicine, while the inner bark can be ground into flour or prepared for food. Birch sap can be made into syrup and birch beer. Birch wood is lightweight and strong, used for a range of items like longboards, model aircraft, and in musical instruments. It also creates safe haven and food for birds and a number of butterfly species. 

Keywords include: introduction, renewal, emerging, first, fresh, growth, budding, expansion

Guidance might be: 

• don’t just start; start early

• let the old peel away so the new is visible

• consider bringing others along on your next step

• being a beginner can be beautiful

Cautions and questions might be:

• in what ways are you vulnerable to your environment?

• well begun might be half done, but it’s definitely not enough on its own

• why are you procrastinating?

• if you put a short-term solution in place, it’s time to look at something more enduring now

What connections do you see between Birch as an ogham and Birch as a tree? I’m excited to fine-tune this series and to hear your thoughts!

Blessings,

Nicole