Witchcraft in Birch Sap
It’s springtime witches! That means it’s the only time of the year you can harvest Birch Sap! The best time to harvest the sap is in the month before the leaves appear, generally starting around the second week of March.
Collecting Birch tree sap has been a practice in multiple religions and cultures for centuries. Longer than the longest century. But what does that have to do with you and your craft?
Firstly, why the sap of a Birch?
Birch water is derived from the sap of birch trees and offers numerous minerals and antioxidants. It's particularly rich in manganese and magnesium while low in calories and sugar. Birch sap can help boost immunity, fight fatigue, treat arthritis and joint pain. It also acts as an energy or sports boost to prevent migraines. Here are some of the most popular things to treat with Birch water in folk medicine:
Decreases Cavities: The natural sugar can prevent cavities, since some types of decay-causing bacteria cannot use xylitol as a food source.
Eliminates Cellulite: Birch tree sap contains diuretic properties that help to flush out harmful toxins, uric acid, and excess water from the body.
Lowers Cholesterol: Saponin, a compound in birch sap, has been shown to have blood cholesterol-lowering properties.
Promotes Liver and Kidney Health: It captures and is able to neutralize toxic waste products, as well as in the urinary track.
Rejuvenates Skin: Birch water is touted for replenishing the skin and protecting the skin cells. The sap can be used as a wash to improve skin texture and relieve skin problems such as eczema and acne.
NOW LETS TALK WITCHCRAFT
The Birch tree is symbolic of starting over, new beginnings, or a clean slate.
It is also the first letter of the Ogham as it is the first month of the Celtic Tree Calendar 24th December to 20th January.
In the Druid religion this tree represents the beginning of possibility and of growth that is not hindered by obstacles and setbacks.
The Gauls used Birch twigs in marriage ceremonies by lighting them during the ceremony to invoke good luck for the bride and groom’s marriage and for a long and happy marriage.
In ancient times, brooms made of Birch twigs were commonly used to drive out the spirits of the old year and to ‘beat the bounds’ of property for protection. It is said it that a small piece of Birch carried upon a person will prevent kidnapping of the individual by the sidhe, or the Faerie Folk.
Magickally, Birch wood is believed to ward off evil, banish fears and build courage.
Nowadays, as in the past, Birch is one of the nine sacred woods with which to light the Beltane fire.
