Berkana

"Beorc bears no fruit, yet without seed it brings forth shoots, for it is generated from its leaves. Splendid are its branches and gloriously adorned, its lofty crown reaching the sky."
                                                                     
                                                          "The Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem"

 
To the Anglo-Saxons, the rune was Beorc, while to the Norse of Scandinavia and Iceland it was known as Bjarkan.
In the commun alphabet, this is the letter "B".
This rune is feminine in nature and has connotations of motherhood, domesticity and protectiveness, seen in the shape of the rune, which suggests beasts. Its animal symbols include the she bear and the graceful swan. In human terms, wise women, herbalists and healers are also indicated by this rune. However, the name of the rune, Berkana, literally means "birch tree", or possibly "polar", although it also has symbolic links with fir trees of all types. The rune's association with growing things also connects it with agriculture.


Upright Meaning:

Berkana is a rune of new beginnings. It indicates good news, birth, fertility and times of family rejoicing, such as weddings. The rune's link with the birch tree in particular, and agriculture in general, shows that a time of personal growth is on the way. This may involve material, domestic or - by far the most likely possibility - spiritual affairs, because Berkana is also associated with intuition, the higher self and the soul's purpose on earth. As a more specific indicator, Berkana suggests that a new project is getting off the ground, but will need rigorous care and attention if it is to thrive, much as a human infant needs the loving care of its mother in ordor to thrive and develop.
Traditionally, Berkana relates to women's issues, particularly to feminine health and the care of infants. In its upright position, the rune can be regarded as a good omen that denotes proper growth and development. If your question is aouth a health problem, the appearance of Berkana symbolises natural regenerative powers and a raising of the spirits as a sense of well-being returns.


Inverted Meaning:

Worrying family news is often indicated when Berkana is inverted. The health of a relative is the most usual reason for this anxiety. There is a hint that a celebration will be cancelled or, at the very least, indefinitely postponed. If health is not the issue under examination, then the inverted Berkana indicates that you are on a course that will lead you nowhere. You will find that since all doors are closed to you at present, it will be necessary to cut your losses and return to square one.



Body Part: Breasts, uterus, vagina, female genitals.
Associated Maladies: Breast cysts or cancer, uterine problems, irregular bleeding, vaginitis, yeast infections, infertility. In men, problems due to failure to nurture one's self.
Action: Growth
Solution: Nurturing, nourishment, feeding. Eat as healthily as possible; do not restrict food intake. The problem needs to be babied along.