Inexplicable Things Blog

December 24th – Celtic Birch Moon

Today begins the Celtic New Year – the month of the Birch Moon – which just happens to be the perfect time for new beginnings and making plans for the future. As we draw closer and closer to the end of our regularly observed calendar year, we are ever closer to the beginning of the next.

The Birch Moon begins just after Yule and runs through most of January. Yule is the marked as the shortest day of the year – so the Birch Moon was rejoiced as this begins the period when the daylight hours begin to increase over the hours of darkness. The Birch tree itself is usually the first tree to grow back after a forest has been cut – this only reinforces it’s association with new beginnings. This tree is one of extreme hardiness and will easily thrive in places where Oaks and others cannot. This is the perfect tree for ‘sticking to your guns’ with your New Years Resolutions.

It falls into a “quiet time” which is considered the bleakest time of the year – a great time for reflection and introspection. I generally like to spend a great deal of time in contemplation over the things that occurred in my life during the past year, as well as looking ahead to the future and starting to make plans for the year ahead – hence the term of New Year’s Resolutions.

The following is spell that I have worked for myself, as well as for a few clients. I have also successfully set lights for clients during this time of year for them to realize their resolutions.

Resolution Blessing Spell

Go for a walk outside – collect a birch branch or twig, if you can locate one. They often grow in very urban areas such as parks, nature trails, etc.

When you return home, take a few drops of rose, frankincense or benzoin oil and rub them into the palm of your hand. Annoint a red candle with the oil.

Light the candle and stand in front of it for a few moments – thinking about your resolutions. If you are planning to learn something, see yourself having already learned the task and performing it well – no matter what it is. State your intent – ‘I will write a novel’ or ‘I will learn to sky jump’ whatever it is.

Hold the birch twig at one end and pass it through the candle flames. Turn it around and draw a circle around you in the air – this bind you to the spell.

Repeat your incantation about learning the new task.

Sit down, relax, and visualize yourself performing the task perfectly, time and time again.  When you are finished, extinguish the candle.