Berkano

The Birch Goddess

Birth, sanctuary, safety, silence, secrecy, nurture, female fertility, renewal, new beginnings, growth, life, the womb, shelter, life changes, motherhood, wisdom

The birch tree was a symbol of fertility in older myths, but also used in healing and it is the first tree to awaken in the Spring. Berkano ("Burr-can-oh") (Berkanan or Berkana), represents the universal idea of the Goddess and her child - the bond between the mother and child.

Its shape can be easily translated with her breasts as the upper part and pregnant belly as the lower part.

This rune, embodies everything that a mother is, nurturing, protective, creation and support. But also takes us back to the moment of pregnancy, the safe sanctuary, dependence, the silence but also the creative and powerful birth and the womb as a symbol.

Berkano's polarity is strongly female, just like Uruz is for male. However, these two runes don’t only speak to female or male, but their characteristics. A male figure that is nurturing, protective and supportive in this case.

Berkano embodies the healing energy as well as the Earth and everything that grows on it.

Berkano brings new relationships that are healing and nurturing. A creative partnership.

Growth and hard work, enjoying your rightful gain. Now is the right time to plant your seeds and with patience, you will watch them grow.

Being the rune of fertility, Berkano announces that it might be the right time for a pregnancy or a creative new change like starting a family or going on an adventure. Love is strongly present with this rune.

Berkano announces health improvements and healing. You are in need of renewal and rejuvenation and this rune asks for time and patience, but also to assess your current health habits.

Berkano symbolizes secrecy but in a positive way. As through silence we can master listening and protecting. Silence gives you the time and the space you need to grow on your own.

This rune indicates a new start in your life, the fertility of all kinds. A physical birth or a creative birth, rebirth and life-giving energies even are found in this rune.

Berkano speaks of the support of those around you who nurture, love and keep you safe. The energies of this rune are healing, so this rune could also speak of a healer, a doctor or a nurse, etc.

Sterility, stagnation, insecurity, deceit, blurring of consciousness, stagnation, lack of growth, betrayal

Berkano foretells of a period of stagnation and lack of growth. Your growth is being stunned of your refusal to accept love and protection by others but also to channel the creative and healing forces.

By feeling insecure, you isolate yourself not allowing space for your family and friends to reach out and help you. While you always have the strength and power, life can be hard sometimes and we need to let others in to give us a helping hand. Leaning on someone or having a shoulder to cry on, or speak to even can be healing and just the right amount of renewal to keep pushing forward.

Berkano connected with health and fertility, in reverse position it may indicate menstrual health issues such as issues with fertility that need to be assessed, breast health and disruption of the female cycle. You are in need of detox and focus on your self-care habits.

You lack creative vision and a change of scenes, an adventure or something new is needed to bring back that spark of life back to you.