Tyr's Aett · Rune 18
Berkano
“Birch, Growth” · sound: B
Keywords
birch · growth · fertility · nurturing · renewal · birth · motherhood · healing
What Berkano means
Berkano is the rune of the birch tree, representing growth, fertility, renewal, and the nurturing feminine principle. The birch was one of the first trees to reclaim the land after the glaciers retreated, symbolizing new beginnings and resilience. In Heathen practice, Berkano is associated with birth, motherhood, and the gentle but persistent power of growth. It governs rites of passage, healing, and the tending of new endeavors. Berkano reminds the practitioner that growth requires both fertile ground and patient care, and that new life emerges from the clearing of old growth.
Berkano in the historical rune poems
Three medieval poems preserve the meanings of the runes — the oldest testimony we have.
The poplar bears no fruit; yet without seed it brings forth suckers, for it is generated from its leaves. Splendid are its branches and gloriously adorned its lofty crown which reaches to the skies.
Birch has the greenest leaves of any shrub; Loki was fortunate in his deceit.
Birch is a leafy twig, and little tree, and fresh young shrub.
Correspondences
Deities
Frigg · Freya · Nerthus
Element
earth
Color
dark green