CELTIC TREE ASTROLOGY
BETH/BIRCH - December 24 - January 20
Characteristics
The Birch Tree - The birch tree is referred to as the "Lady of the Woods" for it's grace and beauty. Despite it's beauty it is hardier than even the mighty oak! In the Celtic culture, the birch tree had uses continually throughout the year, therefore the tree symbolized constancy and the continuity of the cycle of life.
The Birch Sign - holds the seeds of all potential life. These are patient people who direct thier energy ambitiously. Everything they do is to attain a specific goal. Personal limitations are not readily accepted by Birch people and tend to make them even more determined to reach thier goal! They are often the most successful members of a family but tend not to flaunt thier success. Because of thier drive and ambition they may become cynical or pessimistic. They thrive best under a well regimined lifestyle and can tend to be workaholics. They are physically and mentally resistant to all things but can become a bit too regimented in thier health routines, almost to the point of hurting themselves by working too hard to be healthy! Thier sense of humor tends to be rather droll and can be misunderstood by some and have others falling off thier chairs. Successful marriages for Birch tree people often occur later in life. It is often difficult for them to find someone who fits into thier strict routine!!
Flower
The Common Daisy
The daisy is a symbol of innocence and fidelity. The healing power of the yarrow and daisy were often used by the Druids. Worn as a charm, the Daisy was said to protect the wearer and afford a cure for ulcers and warts, and to dream of Daises in the Spring or Summer is associated with good luck. The tears of Mary Magdalene, as they fell upon the ground, are said to have created the first Daisies and, according to Celtic legend, the spirits of infants who had died in childbirth scattered Daisies on the Earth to cheer their sorrowing parents.
Gemstone
Rock Crystal
This is a naturally occuring substance with the ability to make invisible light visible through refraction.Alchemists in medeival Europe thought that if it was cut in a certain way and put in sunlight it could make anything invisible. The Druids were said to have used rock crystal to make themselves invisible so that they could travel undetected. Aborigines use the crystal as a protection amulet. If held in both hands it can induce serenity and peace of mind.
Animal
The Stag - The stag of ancient times was considered a royal animal. It was a guardian of the gateway between the worlds. It is a symbol of the metamorphic process of spiritual growth.
The Golden Eagle - This was also a symbol of the soul signifying resurrection and rebirth. It also symbolizes metamorphosis or the change of spirituality on all levels.
Polarity: Feminine
Color: White
Class: Peasant
Planet: Sun
Letter Character: "B"
Ogham Association: Beith
Deity
The Birch deity is Lugh, also known as the "Shining One." Lugh was a Hero God whose symbol in Wales was a White Stag and whose sacred symbol was a spear. Always accompanied by two Ravens, Lugh is sometimes depicted as having only one eye. He was a deity of many skills, a diverse God whose jurisdiction included the Sun, light, grain harvest, fire, metallurgy and weaving. He was also know to be a protector of the weak. Lugh, whose destiny it was to kill his grandfather, was Chief Lord of the Tuatha De Danaan and may have originally been a King of the Fomorians who was adopted by the Tuatha De Danaan and then by the Celts. Though divine, Lugh is thought to have possibly been sired by an earthly father and, because of this association, is perceived as a "bridge" between the mortal and immortal worlds. More statues and holy sites were erected to Lugh than to any other Celtic deity and he is often equated with the Greek God, Apollo. Lugh's final claim to fame is that his name became part of the term used to describe a certain fairy common in Irish folklore...over time, "Little Stooping Lugh" or "Luchorpain," evolved into the word "Leprechaun," the tiny expert cobbler and guardian of hidden treasure.
Famous Birches
Louis Pasteur, Richard Nixon, Jim Carrey, Mel Gibson, Marilyn Manson, Howard Stern, Minnie Driver
