Honoring the Natural World
By Gythia Ashley Stockton
December
As the wheel of the year takes its final turn, the Beaver moon wanes and the Cold moon graces us, we find ourselves entering the month of December and thus welcoming Yule, the holiest feast of the Teutonic year. In December we anticipate Yule or Jul. One of Odin's many names included Jolnir, stemming from "Jol." Legend has it that during this month Odin would travel around Midgard more than usual to visit locals. Children would fill socks with hay for Sleipnir and in return Odin might give them a small gift as a token of his visit.
In our modern world, December is a month full of festivities and merriment. However, beneath the surface, we find a deeper connection to the natural rhythms of the Earth. As Raven Folk United, we honor the traditions and wisdom of our ancestors, recognizing Yule as a pivotal moment in the year.
For the Celts, Samhain marked the beginning of the new year, a time when the veils between the realms grew thin. Originally, many Pagans were thought to have followed the moons and would have celebrated Yule with the full moon following the winter solstice. Yet, with our traditions and in harmony with others who came before us, we choose to celebrate Yule in alignment with the solar cycle. With the return of the Sun, we embrace the hope of ongoing life and the promise of renewal. Perhaps one of the most enduring symbols in the natural world during this season is the evergreen, considered sacred for its ability to retain its vibrant greenery even as other plants and trees succumb to the chill of winter. By bringing these steadfast trees indoors, we embody the spirit of the Green Man and pay homage to our ancestors that had to hide their faith from Christian rule and reliving traditions practiced long before our own personal existence. You can find more about Yule in Gythia Melisa Mills enlightening post: Yule Traditions.
On the blissful eve of December 24th, a time of renewal and introspection descends upon us and the Celtic Month of Birch begins, unveiling its profound associations with vitality, beginnings, protection, purification, fertility, and love. Steeped in mythical wonder, the birch tree holds a special place in folk traditions spanning across our cultures and time.
When springtime unfurls its vibrant hues, the birch majestically dons a coat of shining white bark, juxtaposed against lush green leaves. It becomes the archetypal vision of the otherworld. Ancient Celtic romances speak of a woman adorning a green dress, her luminous white skin shining through as a sure sign that she is “of the otherworld”.
The etymology of the Latin genus name, Betula, traces its origins to the Celtic word "betu," meaning tree. In Norse, it bears the name Bjarkan, evoking connotations of luster, gloss, and radiance. The birch's significance varies across different cultures: in Wales, it is the emblem of love, while in some places, German folklore identifies it as the tree of life. The birch's medicinal properties were utilized throughout Europe, and Siberian shamans are said to have incorporated it into their initiation rituals.
The celestial realms look upon the birch with favor, as it is faithfully represented by the prominent goddess Frigga. Norse mythology personifies the birch as an elongated, enchanting woman, emanating a warm glow from her fair, blonde tresses. The tree's enchantment also found expression in the tradition of Maypoles, where it stood tall among others, symbolizing celebration and fertility.
The birch's ancient lineage is woven into the fabric of our peoples existence in many ways. Archeological discoveries unveil its integral role in crafting tools and weapons, such as arrows fashioned from lashed birch strips. The tree's versatile bark served as an early form of paper, bearing witness to the earliest written sources of our shared history. Even Heimdall's Gjallarhorn, he used to alert the gods, known as the Lur, is made of birch.
Through the ages, birch sap has sustained our ancestors, offering vital nutrients and sugar long before distant foreign plantations emerged. Its essence nourishes both body and spirit, connecting us to the root of our existence. As we observe the beginning of the month of Birch, let us embrace its gifts of vitality, protection, and love.
In the whispers of the sacred birch, we find solace and inspiration, beckoning us not to fear the new, the unknown or the paths less traversed.
Use birch twigs in December in spiritual practices as its power extends to the realm of purification. As its branches grace your space, the birch twigs sweep away lingering negativity, creating a clean and charged atmosphere for the magical workings to come.
When a small twig is set ablaze, its fragrant smoke permeates the air, infusing the surroundings with a sense of clarity. This act not only cleanses the physical space but also purifies the metaphysical energies, ensuring that only positive vibrations remain, ready to attract abundance and prosperity into our lives.
The birch tree, with its lustrous white bark, plays a significant role in rituals of love and union. During weddings or handfastings, birch is often hung over the husband and wife, symbolizing fertility, love, and new beginnings. Just as the birch tree sheds its old bark, inviting fresh growth, so too does it remind us of the limitless potential for love and renewal within the bonds of marriage.
During times of transition and new beginnings, it is beneficial to place a couple of birch twigs on your sacred altar. As you embark on a new chapter in your life, let the birch twigs serve as a reminder of the dawn of a new day, where possibilities abound and fresh starts await. The presence of the birch twigs on your altar guides and supports you through times of change, drawing upon the energy of the birch tree to provide strength and clarity on your path.
To foster harmony with the land wights and honor the dwelling in which we reside, scattered pieces of crumbled birch twigs can be spread around the property. This offering appeases the land wights, fostering a sense of balance and respect between ourselves and the natural world.
In the realms of ancient wisdom, the birch is aligned with the ogham Beithe and the runes Berkano and Uruz. Embracing the energy of these potent symbols, we can tap into the birch's innate power, finding solace, inspiration, and a renewed sense of purpose.
As we engage in our spiritual practices during this time of year, let us always remember the significance of the birch in correlation with our Gods and our folk. Whether we seek to purify our surroundings, protect ourselves during Seidr, celebrate love and new beginnings, or honor transitions, the birch tree stands as a steadfast ally. It reminds us of the constant potential for growth, the beauty of fresh starts, and the sweeping away of negativity. May the birch be a guiding presence in our rituals in December, calling forth the energy of renewal and the glory of a new day.
