Mid winter;
Reflecting the growing light,
Silver Birch.

Today, the 21st December, is the Winter Solstice, and in celebration of this day, I turn to a special tree, the birch.  Silver Birch (Betula pendula), although having a relatively short lifespan, perhaps up to one hundred years, will grow quickly if left alone and transform an open landscape into a woodland.

In the Celtic Tree Ogham, it is the first tree, Beith. B  and is known for its life-giving properties, its vitality, its nourishment of the ground in which it grows and therefore, in our human world, we think of new beginnings and new opportunities.

In Praise of Trees

This morning, this evening,
everyday;
in praise of our oldest companions,
and of the Earth;
sing, out loud!

Mother Earth,
we welcome the growing light
back into this bleak life;
the bright light
of hope.

To everyone who visits here, have a wonderful Winter Solstice, and I wish you all heart-happy good health for the new year and the new season.

Ashley