The birch tree is one the fastest spreading trees and Berkano speaks of fast, eager growth. This is a rune of spring, the green shoots rising, flowers exploding in a riot of colour upon the woodland floor, the crying of baby animals calling for food so they may grow strong. The two triangles that make up the rune also speak of duality; in this case the ‘womb and the tomb’ – the earth that gives life is also the cave to which we return upon death. The full breasts and belly of a pregnant woman can also be seen in the shape of this rune.
Berkano is helpful for female cycles, pregnancy and birthing and can be used very effectively with Perthro and Fehu. It is a gentle, sensual rune and has a protective element which makes it a good talisman for children (especially girls). It can also be helpful and healing for those who had negative sexual experiences resulting in repression, anxiety or fear.
Don’t mistake the gentleness of the Berkano rune for weakness though. The cycles of time it works to are far longer than we can fathom – everything returns to the earth eventually.
My rune staff is made of silver birch and I find that the protective, expansive nature of Berkano complements the energies of Isa, Eihwaz, Teiwaz, Algiz and Laguz which I often work with in conjunction with the staff. All of these runes evoke powerful energies cascading vertically up and down the practitioner and the birch wood is very helpful to me in staying grounded.
To ground using the Berkano rune like on your back with your knees bent. Rest your hands upon your forehead with your elbows raised up. Excess energy will ground through the feet, finger tips and back of the head.
Old Norse rune poem: bjarkan meaning birch
Birch is the leaf-greenest of branches;
Loki had luck in deceit.
Translated by Pollington, Rudiments of Runelore
The more fiercely protective aspect of Berkano comes out through its association with the bear. Think of the mother bear protecting her young. The secretive northern European bear is the largest European predator. Mother bears are ever watchful of their young who may fall prey to an aggressive male. Until they are mature, baby bears also have a protective instinct: they will climb a tree when danger threatens. The hibernation habits of the northern European bear reflect the dual nature of the Berkano rune. Bears emerge from hibernation just at the end of the half month of Berkano to enjoy the summer months and return to hibernation in October.
Literal meanings: Birch tree
Rich meanings: New beginnings, divine feminine, the cycle of birth and death, that which is hidden
Deepening your connection with Berkano
Journey with Berkano
Journey with Berkano
My Elder Futhark journeys are based on the traditional meanings of the runes. To get the most from the journey follow these steps:
- Make sure the room in which you are working will be free from disturbance. Do a simple warding if you want to.
- Have a look at the basic correspondences for Berkano. Make a note of any that stand out for you.
- Make sure you know the shape of Berkano; if you have a rune set select the Berkano rune and hold it for a short while.
- Listen to the recording.
- If you feel a bit light headed or not fully back from your journey, have something to eat.
Articles about Berkano
Berkano: the trickster God in the birch leaves
Not many people notice but Loki, the lord of wildfire, renowned trickster and master shape shifter is intimately connected to the mysteries of the Berkano rune
Latest posts
Those who have not been wounded can never know what it means to be whole – Waxing Moon week – 22nd – 28th May
Our theme for the month: Tradition and Transformation Those who have not been wounded can never know what it means to be whole. In the…
Vision and Vulnerability – New Moon week – 15th – 21st May
Our theme for the month: Tradition and Transformation Vision and Vulnerability This week’s new moon opens Aerra Litha (‘before Litha’), a time of anticpation as…
Self-doubt and self trust – Full Moon – 1st – 7th May
The Hagalaz full moon (that’s Scorpio for you western astrologers) offers a time of skin-shedding and change-making. Hagalaz is known as ‘the sickness of serpents’;…
Solitude and Service – Waxing Moon – 24th – 30th April 2023
Are you an introvert? An extrovert? An ambivert? Ever noticed how Odin, unlike most sovereign deities is given to wandering off? Time alone is one…
Good reading & very informative, thank you.
Thank you Nick!
Beautiful, I am so glad that I found this information and it relates to me so much!
Thank you Mitalii. I am so glad you are finding my work helpful.