The naked earth is warm with Spring

And with green grass and bursting trees

Julian Grenfell (May 1915)

Spring in all cultures and at all times has signified new beginnings and among both the Native Americans and the Ancient Celts, the birch tree has a special significance at this time of year. It is a tree that has a graceful and delicate appearance earning it the nick-name 'lady of the woods' and yet it is hardy and strong, among the first trees to colonise new ground and rising to heights of 24 metres and more in the woodlands where it grows.  The Celts considered the birch to have powers of purification and cleansing - its twigs were used to make broomsticks and in purification rituals. It was also thought to convey love and protection and had strong female connotations. Birch water would be collected from the trunk, by boring a small hole into it, while the sap was rising, and this water was used to treat spots, acne and rheumatism. To avoid harming the tree only small quantities would be taken from each and only over a few days in the season.

The period ruled by the birch moon led into the time of the great Celtic festival of Imbolc which falls on 1st February. It is believed that the name relates to the root word for 'milk' and more specifically ewes' milk as this festival was set to coincide with the milk flow in the pregnant ewes. It was one of the first signs of the reawakening of life and re-birth after the darkness of the winter months. The festival was associated with the earth goddess Brigit (Brigantia) whose powers ranged over all aspects of life. She was invoked as an inspiration by bards and poets and promoted communication in this world and with the Otherworld of spirits; she was the patroness of smiths and was associated with fire and the forging of weapons but also presided over the healing arts as the goddess of  herbalism. In ancient Ireland, Brigit was depicted as accompanied by a white cow -   - representing her mother, Bofhionn, goddess of the River Boyne. The cow was regarded as a sacred creature by the Irish Celts who  were dependent upon cattle for meat, milk and hides. for  Her bird was the oystercatcher, known in Western Ireland as giolla Brid - 'Brigit's servant' and her flower was the dandelion (or coltsfoot) - an early flowering plant with a milky sap.

Among Native American tribes too the dandelion was a plant representing the spring moons. Maturing early it was one of the first plants to provide food and medicine. The root of the dandelion can be dried and used to make a drink, rich in potassium and supportive of the liver - it is de-toxifying and cleansing for the whole system. Like many spring flowers it also seems to herald the coming of summer with its sunshine bright yellow petals.

Planting Moon, for Native Americans was also a time of hard work, preparing the land and setting the seeds for the future harvest. The animal totem which represents this time is the beaver - industrious and dedicated to repairing its dams and rebuilding lodges for the summer months, it works on into the evening throughout the Spring.

Behold we know not anything;

I can but trust that good shall fall

At last - far off - at last, to all,

And every winter change to spring.

Alfred Lord Tennyson  (In Memoriam)