Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs - Scott Cunningham 1985

Birch
The Herbs

(Betula pendula, B. pubescens, B. lenta,

B. alba) G

Folk Names: Beithe, Bereza, Berke, Beth, Bouleau, Lady of the Woods

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Deity: Thor

Powers: Protection, Exorcism, Purification

Magical Uses: Birch twigs have been used to exorcise spirits by gently striking possessed people or animals, since the birch is a purificatory or cleansing herb.

The tree is also used for protection, and Russians used to hang a red ribbon around the stem of a birch to rid themselves of the evil eye. The birch also protects against lightning.

The traditional broom of the Witches was made of birch twigs, and cradles were once manufactured from birch wood to protect their helpless charges.