White Birch

As I look out the door this morning, I am greeted by a stand of White Birches that are growing in a clump at the edge of my lawn. Well actually they are growing in my lawn. There is something quite majestic about White Birches. They remind me of the Snow Queen leading winter across the land. I suppose this makes sense because Birch, (or Beith in Ogham) in the celtic tree calendar is November 1-28, yup, first snows of the year generally.

Birch signifies beginnings, endings and a new start. Well the birch is the first tree to grow in the forest and the first to leave when the other trees arrive. It is also the beginning of the wheel to the year. The Celtic New Year! Birches also signify overcoming difficulties, pliability, re establishing boundaries (or in the case of my lawn, reclaiming them), releasing old patterns, shedding unhelpful influences and resolution of conflict. They are a very busy tree! And yet they always remain, kind of ethereal and fairy like to me. Birches are the queen of the forest and pines are the king. But we can talk about that another time. As I am beginning a new cycle in my life I am focusing on the Birch and all she has to offer. And since she sits just outside my front door it is easy to remember the message she brings. That a new time is opening in my life and to let go of the old and unhelpful things in my life. To be strong in my beliefs and flexible enough to bend with the wind, and not break. To sink my roots deep, and raise my face to the stars. To dare to dream and know anything is possible, and that while nothing remains forever, as long as we are willing to grow, there will always be new boundaries for us to establish.