In the runic systems of the Germanic peoples, few runes are as rich in symbolic resonance as Berkana (Proto-Germanic *berkanan). Associated with the birch tree, new birth, fertility, and nurturing, Berkana holds a special place in both historical runology and modern esoteric practice. In this essay, I explore Berkana’s origins and linguistic development; its attested roles in rune poems and inscriptions; its deeper symbolic themes (especially in relation to femininity, regeneration, and cycles); and how it is used in divination, magic, and psychological/spiritual work.  

The reconstructed Proto-Germanic name for the rune is *berkanan, meaning “birch.”  In the Elder Futhark, it is the 18th rune. In the Anglo-Saxon (Old English) tradition it appears as beorc, while in Old Norse / Icelandic as bjarkan (or bjarkan / bjarken) in the Younger Futhark. The rune corresponds to the sound b (i.e. it is transliterated “b”). Its graphic form—a vertical stave with two angled strokes branching to the right—evokes, in many interpretations, the image of a tree, a sprouting shoot, or even the outline of a pregnant form. Scholars note that runic shapes are often abstract and may derive from older alphabetic models (e.g. old Italic scripts), but symbolic readings are layered over those shapes. 

Because the rune is attested in multiple rune poems (Old Norse / Icelandic, Anglo-Saxon), we also have poetic associations that help illuminate how earlier Germanic and Norse cultures viewed it

For example, in the Old Norse rune poem: 

“Bjarkan er laufgat lim / ok lítit tré / ok ungsamligr viðr.” Which can be translated roughly: “Birch is a leafy twig / and little tree / and young fresh wood.” 

And in the Anglo-Saxon poem: 

“Beorc byþ bleda leas, bereþ efne swa ðeah / … geloden leafum, lyfte getenge.” This poem remarks on how the birch has no fruit (in a conventional sense), yet still produces suckers (offspring), and has lofty, beautiful branches. 

These poetic and linguistic traditions help anchor Berkana’s core meaning in nature, growth, and regenerative potential, especially in forms that are not always visible or explicit (i.e. growth without seed, new shoots, hidden development).  

At the heart of Berkana lies the symbolism of the birch tree—one of the early and fast‐growing trees in northern climes. In temperate and boreal zones, birch is among the first trees to leaf out, making it a natural emblem of spring, renewal, and the return of life after dormancy. 

Because of this, Berkana is often read as the rune of new beginnings, fresh potential, and nascent growth. 

When Berkana appears in a divinatory spread or meditative work, it may suggest that something is in gestation—not yet fully manifested—but expecting to come forth with nurturing care and patience. 

Another widespread interpretation emphasizes Berkana’s association with femaleness: motherhood, fertility, nurturing, protection, healing. 

In many modern esoteric traditions, Berkana is viewed as the rune of the “mother,” the midwife, or the healer who supports growth. 

Some interpreters see the shape of Berkana as suggestive of a pregnant womb or the contours of breasts. 

The dual triangles in the rune can be read as representing the duality of womb and tomb—birth and death—as cycles of existence. his duality reminds us that for things to begin, something must end or give way. That maternal aspect does not imply passivity; rather, it implicates strength, protection, boundaries, and the slow but potent force of nurture. In magical applications, Berkana is sometimes evoked for protective amulets, especially over children or families. 

Because the birch renews itself, and because life and death are inseparable in many mythic cosmologies, Berkana also invites reflection on transformation. In many interpretations, Berkana does not only mean new birth, but rebirth—the regeneration that comes after decline, the resurrection of life, or the internal renewal after loss. The rune’s dualistic nature (womb/tomb) suggests that endings are necessary for fresh beginnings, and that in decay resides the seed of rebirth. 

In modern or psychological readings, Berkana is often understood as a rune of inner growth, healing, re‐awakening, or the nurturing of latent potential.  When one is stuck or stagnant, Berkana may signal that the time has come to foster growth from within—perhaps to attend neglected parts of the self, to heal past wounds, or to allow a buried possibility to flourish. Because the rune implies gentle momentum rather than forceful thrust, its message is often: “Cultivate slowly, give space for gestation, protect what is delicate.” The growth it offers is not necessarily dramatic, but gradual and steady.  

In rune casting, when Berkana appears upright (i.e. “normal orientation”), its messages are largely positive and hopeful. Some common interpretive keywords include:  

• New beginnings, fresh starts 
• Pregnancy, childbirth, conception 
• Growth (in relationships, projects, creative work) 
• Healing, recovery, regeneration 
• Motherhood, nurturing, protective roles 
• Family, home, domestic harmony 
• Feminine energy, fertility 
• Patience, tending, receptive strength 

For example, if someone asks about a new creative project, Berkana suggests that though the idea is young, it has promise—if fed with care. If someone asks about relationships, it can indicate that love, reconciliation, or deeper intimacy is possible if one nurtures the bond. In health readings, Berkana might indicate a recuperative phase or a need for restorative care. However, as with all runes, the context matters: surrounding runes can modify its meaning (e.g. speeding it up, warning of obstacles, or showing imbalance). 

If Berkana appears reversed (or “flipped” in your reading convention), many interpreters understand that some of its positive energies are blocked, distorted, or delayed. Some shadow‐meanings include:  

• Stunted growth or creative block 
• Unfulfilled potential 
• Issues in motherhood, fertility, or family dynamics 
• Neglect of self or others 
• Miscarriage, delays, complications 
• Emotional stagnation, inability to heal 
• Overprotectiveness or smothering 

In other words, reversed Berkana may warn that the nurturing is off balance: perhaps too little support, or too much protective control. It can signal that what should grow is being suffocated, or that a project is being rushed or neglected. 

In runic magic or contemporary pagan / heathen practices, Berkana is sometimes used in:  

• Amulets or talismans for fertility, pregnancy, or family protection 
• Rune carving in birch wood or birch-leaf motif 
• Rituals of regeneration, renewal, or rites of passage 
• Sigils combining Berkana with other runes (e.g. with Perthro for mystery or fertility; or Fehu for abundance) 
• Galdr (runic chanting) invoking the name Berkana to empower transformations or healing (some modern sources propose chanting sequences) 
• Meditative journeying: visualizing Berkana as a guiding spirit to nurture inner growth 

When used magically, it is often recommended to draw Berkana on birch bark or wood where possible, reinforcing the natural connection. Some practitioners also pair Berkana with other runes that support its themes (e.g. Jera for cycles, Laguz for flow, Algiz for protection).  

While Berkana is beloved in modern rune work, there are a few cautions and critical perspectives to keep in mind:  

1. Historical uncertainty The ancient Germanic runic users did not leave explicit “manuals” about how to use runes magically. Much of our symbolic or divinatory layering is a later construction, particularly from medieval rune poems and modern esoteric traditions. So one must distinguish between historically attested uses and newer interpretive layers. 
2. Overemphasis on gender Because modern interpreters often associate Berkana with “feminine energy” and motherhood, there’s a risk of oversimplifying or essentializing gender. Not all users resonate with stereotypical gender roles, and one should take the rune’s symbolic energies flexibly. 
3. Avoiding over‐literalism Interpreting Berkana solely in literal terms—e.g. as always meaning “pregnancy”—can mislead. More often its power is metaphorical: new ideas, processes of growth, or personal transformation rather than only biological birth. 
4. Context sensitivity As with any rune or symbol, its meaning shifts with context: the question asked, the placement in the spread or ritual, and the companion runes all influence how Berkana is read. 

Nevertheless, Berkana remains one of the most resonate and beloved runes in modern runic practice—because its theme of nurturing growth, transformation, and hope speaks powerfully to human life cycles.