Berkana (ᛒ) is the eighteenth rune in the Norse Futhark runic alphabet and represents the sound b. It also represents the concepts of a birch tree and is associated with growth, new beginnings, and fertility.
Berkana is also the second rune in the third aett. The Norse runes are divided into three eight-rune families, which represent the culmination of the runic journey, so the realms of divinity, mastery, and completeness. The third aett is ruled by Tyr, a god of war and justice. He was very likely the original leader of the Aesir gods until he was supplanted by Odin. He represents the sacrifice required to achieve your dreams. For example, he sacrificed his hand to trick the mighty wolf Fenrir and trap him until Ragnarok.
In divination, the Berkana rune suggests a period of growth, renewal, and revitalized energy. It often appears when you are at the cusp of a new and exciting beginning. This is probably either a personal journey, or one starts as a small seed but promises growth. The rune is rooted in feminine energy and earthy fertility.
The Berkana rune is linked with Freyja, a goddess linked with fertility, but also love and beauty, and earthy magic as an adept in Seidr magic. In this way, she is linked both with natural fertility and how we use our power to enhance our own growth.
The rune is also often associated with Loki, whose destructive nature is often a catalyst for change. Some modern Heathenry practitioners, called “Lokeans,” consider the rune sacred to the trickster.
Berkana Rune Poems
Our understanding of the Old Norse runes comes from rune poems, which provide explanatory stanzas for each letter. There are Norwegian, Icelandic, and Anglo-Saxon poems for many runes.
Norwegian
Birch has the greenest leaves of any shrub; Loki was fortunate in his deceit
Icelandic
Birch is a leafy twig and little tree and fresh young scrub
Anglo-Saxon
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.
The association with Loki in the Norwegian poem highlights the dual nature of the god, who is both a destructive force and a catalyst for change. Birch is often the first tree to grow in a burned-out forest. The poem seems to be a reference to the death of Balder, in which Loki is usually accused of orchestrating his death with an arrow of mistletoe, but this poem suggests that, in some traditions, it may have been of birch. Loki’s mother, Laufey, was also a tree goddess associated with birch, and her name means leafy or needle.
Berkana in Divination
In divination practices, the Berkana rune represents the start of a new phase, one which promises new growth, often following a period of pain and destruction.
- New Growth and New Beginnings – the start of a new chapter that promises significant growth and personal development
- Fertility and Birth – it can explicitly point towards a new addition to your family
- Nurturing – Berkana can point to taking on a nurturing role in the life of another
- Healing and Regeneration – a period of personal growth and healing
The position of the runestone in relation to the reader influences the reading:
- Upright: The Berkana rune can encourage you to invest in and nurture that new opportunity that is unfolding for you
- Merkstave (reversed): Berkana reversed suggests that your energy is being blocked and preventing you from growth
- Sideways: In this case, the Berkana rune can point to relationships that require nurturing
How it should be read also depends on where it falls in relation to other runes.
- Combined with Ingwaz – a combination of female and male fertility, which is often a strong indication of pregnancy
- Combined with Gebo – suggestive of a happy and harmonious union
- Combined with Wunjo – the type of growth that brings joy
- Combined with Perthro – this can suggest blocked fertility, especially if Perthro is reversed
- Combined with Fehu – growth in your finances or career
Berkana Associations
Cancer – sign with a focus on home, family, and nurturing
Fourth House – governs home, family, and emotional roots
Moon – reflects cycles, emotions, and the nurturing aspects of growth
The Empress – represents the benefits of giving selflessly and the serendipity of being in the right place at the right time
Ace of Cups – an invitation to lead with love, give generously, and remember that what you give you also receive
27 February-14 March – a time to fight for what you want and follow your integrity
Berkana in Magical Rituals
Use the Berkana rune in magical rituals for fertility, healing, regeneration, new ventures, and purification.
- Combine the Tiwaz rune with a white candle for candle magic spells for protection, especially for children
- Carve the Berkana rune on wood, stone, or bone as healing amulets
- Carve the rune on your birch wood broomstick and use it to clear away negative energy and purify your space
- Draw the Berkana rune on the entrance to a new space, such as a home or office, to ensure good luck and growth in the space
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