Celtic Tree Calendar and Celtic Reiki - The Birch Tree

December 24th - January 20th is known as the month of the Birch Tree under the Celtic Tree Calender. The Celtic tree calendar is a controversial subject; essentially, it is believed that it was created by someone much, much later on for the purposes of a book as opposed to being something the ancient Celts actually followed. However, I don't see any harm in at least acknowledging it, and whether it is authentic or not shouldn't stop you from utilising the power of the sacred trees in your magick.


The birch tree makes a lot of sense being assigned to the new year. Pronounched 'Beh', and spelled 'Beith', it is the tree of rebirth, regeneration, new life, growth, and new opportunity. After a forest fire, the birch tree is one of the first to grow back. As such, the energy of the birch tree is great to utilise if you are doing a 'new year, new me' sort of thing, or making new year resolutions.


In Celtic Reiki, we use the 'essence' of trees in our healing. The birch tree is one of the essences we encounter in level one of Celtic Reiki. It helps us release old ways, habits, thought patterns and general negativity, so that we can embrace the present and the future. As well as helping the user to work through any issues that may be holding them back from making the changes they wish to see or making any progress, it is a great motivator. Starting something can sometimes be the hardest thing to do; the energy of the birch tree will help you get over that intital inertia and fear of the unknown, and help you find the motivation you need.


To use the energy of the birch tree, draw the symbol for Beith (below) on each palm. Then meditate, and see the symbol of Beith in your crown chakra, glowing golden in colour. Chant the word 'Beith' either out loud or in your head (remember, it is pronounced 'Beh'). It's that simple!


Word of warning; best not to perform this meditation before bed. Every time I have done so I have been filled with such energy that it has taken hours to get to sleep!