Birch

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Symbolizes new beginnings and birth among the Celts (which ones?). Birch Twigs were used to carry the flame used to light the Bonfires at Beltaine among the Irish; Birch Wood itself was believed to ward off evil and build courage; a broom made of Birch twigs was used to “brush the dust of the old year away” on the morning after the Winter Solstice in order to bring in fresh beginnings. In Russian folk ritual to summon the Leshtii (or Lieschi)- a forest demon supposed to be one of the fallen angels of heaven- Birch saplings were cut and arranged painting towards the center of a circle. They would then call the Leshtii, who would appear on the stump of one of the felled trees. Kissing its hand and reciting “Uncle Leshtii, ascend thou not as a gray wolf, not as an ardent fire, but as resembling myself”, at which point it would assume a human form and become their servant.

Birch Sap is edible when gathered in Spring, and sweet in flavor, often made into Birch Sap Wine. It is also a natural shampoo, and a remedy for dysentery. The bark is thin and light, and often made into paper by peeling it and laying it flat (this applies mostly to the Paper Birch). An oil that can be extracted from the bark acts as both an insect repellant, and as a treatment for skin conditions (which ones?). An infusion of Birch leaves as a tea works as both an internal diuretic, as well as an external antiseptic.

'Folk Magic and Healing: An Unusual History of Everyday Plants' by Fez Inkwright

[Birch] is a northern tree and very important particularly to Russian culture, being the national tree of Russia [...] In Russian culture, and in others, the Birch tree represented coming back from Death — rebirth.

In Northern Russia, the Birch tree branches were and still are brought into Churches on Trinity Sunday to be blessed [... then] taken home to be placed by the family Icon. Birch still features in the Summer celebrations in northern parts, and [...] young girls choose a Birch tree in the forest to decorate with tied ribbons, to which songs are sung [...] While dancing around the Birch three times, the girls ask for blessings from their mothers to bring good health. Offerings of omelets or pastries are often left under the tree to pay homage to the Birch and to feed the [...] important nature spirits of the region.

There is a Russian folk ritual involving Birch [used] to evoke the Lieschi, the Genii of the forest. Russian peasants cut down very young Birch trees and arrange them in a circle so that all of the points are directed toward the center. They enter the circle and then call the spirit to them, who [then] makes his appearance. They then place him on one of the Birch tree stumps, facing towards the east, kiss his hand, and [while] looking between his legs, speak these words: "Uncle Lieschi show yourself to us, not as a grey wolf, not as a fierce fire, but as I myself appear". Then the Birch leaves tremble and the spirit shows himself in a Human form, that will aid the peasants in whatever they wish as long as they promise him their soul in return.

'Under the Witching Tree: A Folk Grimoire of Tree Lore and Practicum' by Corinne Boyer

Called the white lady of the woods, birch is a tall, thin tree that grows in groups known as stands [...] The birch tree is one of the first to sprout leaves in the spring, making her symbolic of new beginnings and fertility. Birch’s seeming fragility but actual strength makes her a symbol of protection [...] Just like us, birch can seem fragile, but she has a profound inner strength. She teaches us how to overcome personal troubles while learning to shed that which doesn’t serve us. Birch encourages us to start anew and to take a leap into the unknown, fully trusting in the natural cycles of change and being. If you dream of birch, she is calling you to come and heal with her [...] Simply sitting with her won’t do [however] — she wants to hear [...] your voice.

'Plant Witchery: Discover the Sacred Language, Wisdom, and Magic of 200 Plants' by Juliet Diaz