When I was a little girl, I lived in a magical place. My parents’ house was surrounded by deep woods with a creek running through it, cornfields, and 3 neighbors. I spent all day outside playing in those woods, riding bikes and making up games with the other kids. But my favorite place of all was the lone birch tree planted in the middle of my mom’s flower bed in the middle of the backyard. I have heard people say that their cat or dog or fish was their best friend growing up. If I am honest, my birch tree was mine.
As a younger woman in a college writing class, I remembered the happy days spent with my friend and was inspired to write this poem.
The Birch Tree
High above the ground
I wandered off between the words of my favorite book
You stood strong and single in a field of green
Captivating my mind with the wonder of your bark
I peeled as paper and flatware
You were a lightning rod of creativity
Leaves shimmered silver with summer storms
I watched with you
You reflected splendor and sun
Offering your seeds to the stew of my imagination
I nourished my fantasies
You were the giver
The birch tree has special significance in Russian mythology. Maybe my second generation Russian grandmother planted my birch tree in the backyard as my grandfather helped my dad build the house. Maybe the tree was a holdout from the days when the land was a budding forest. I never asked how my tree ended up in the yard. But I believe her and I were meant to be. Kindred spirits vibrating on the same frequency. And I am certain, more now than ever, that the days spent in her branches shaped my purpose.
The Russian word for birch tree is “bereza.” This word has its origins in the verb “berech,” or “to take care of.” The birch offers herself in myriad ways. From herbal tonics to psychic energy protection, the birch is revered across time and culture. She is a symbol of rebirth, love and light. Compassion and change vibrate in her bark. In, The Wisdom of Trees, Jane Gifford says, “The Birch tree symbolizes a fresh start and can bring courage and determination to those of us who are treading the path of spiritual growth and development for the first time.”
Birch is the pioneer tree. Settling uninhabited and abused land so that others may have an easier time when they follow. Roots root up and loosen the soil bringing light and air and space for movement. Leaves and seeds and bark shed and decompose at the feet of the White Goddess. She gives of her body to nourish the ground and prepare it for the healthy growth of others. She is Mother. And like so many females of other species, eventually she will give all of herself as a complete sacrifice in service to the next generation who will continue her work. She is an envoy of Mother Earth Herself. An appendage, a streak of light, a solar flare or moon beam that reaches above Gaia’s own bodily limits to extend her power, just a little farther, to give just a little more.
Birch burns hot white as a beacon saying, Come here. I will prepare new life for you. I will open the closed to you. And you, dear one, may take root and grow and flourish into generations of new life, new Earth. I will light the way. I honor the gifts of The Lady of the Woods by choosing her name of Birch as my own, and pray to be graced by her gifts.
I am grateful to find a place with rich soil to grow a community. May we take root, and flourish together.
@Bia.Birch 🌱
All artwork, photographs, and content are original and created by 
Inspired by:
The Hidden Life of Trees, Peter Wohlleben
Lesson of the Birch, from The Wisdom of Trees, by Jane Gifford
