Berkana Rune
The Feminine Principle, Fertility, and New Life
Berkana Rune in the Poetic Edda
Berkana is a rune closely connected with the feminine principle, childbearing, and the protection of new life. In the Norse tradition, secret knowledge and the care of women in labor have always been a sacred manifestation of this energy.
Therefore, the perfect reflection of Berkana in Hávamál (The Sayings of the High One) is the First and Second Spells of Odin (stanzas 146-147). Odin explicitly says that this charm helps in moments of sadness, grief, and health problems. In a mythological context, Berkana resonates with protection, healing, and assisting women during childbirth, which is a key aspect of Berkana’s magic — to preserve, nurture, and protect life.
Hávamál, Stanza 146-147:
“Ljóð ek þau kann,
er kann-at þjóðans kona
ok mannskis mögr.
Hjalp heitir eitt,
en þat þér hjalpa mun
við sökum ok sorgum
ok sútum görvöllum.
Þat kann ek annat,
er þurfu ýta synir,
þeir er vilja læknar lifa.”
I know those spells
which no chieftain’s wife knows,
nor any son of man.
‘Help’ the first is called,
for it will help you
against lawsuits and sorrows
and all manner of griefs.
I know that a second,
which the sons of men need,
those who wish to live as healers.
General Meaning of the Berkana Rune
The name of the rune means “birch twig.” The shape of the rune is interpreted as female breasts or a pregnant woman in profile.
The birch embodies the movement of the flow of life — from birth until death. However, its meaning is not limited to this. This tree is closely connected with magic and the trance practices of seidr. For instance, do you know what a witch’s broom used to be made of? It was made of birch.
Furthermore, the birch is considered a truly northern tree. It appeared first when the earth began to thaw after the last ice age. Therefore, the birch symbolizes rebirth and the new creation of the world. Among the goddesses, two main Scandinavian goddesses are associated with this tree — Frigg (the wife of Odin) and Freyja (the goddess of love and magic).
Consequently, Berkana represents care, fertility, and feminine energy. This rune is associated with birth, renewal, and protective influences. It symbolizes new opportunities and personal development. In addition, it can indicate healing or a positive transformation.
Reading the Berkana Rune
Upright Position
Growth, birth, nurturing energy, health, beauty, acceleration of the recovery process, convalescence.
Reversed Position
Conversely, a reversed Berkana warns of stagnation, emotional blocks, a lack of care, health problems, and delays in development.
Berkana Rune in Love and Relationships
In love, the rune usually indicates a certain happy event: the conclusion of a marriage, the birth of a child, or the purchase of a shared house. But also, Berkana can speak about the beginning of a new romance that will bring a lot of happiness.
Berkana Rune in Career and Finance
In career and financial readings, the rune speaks of the “birth” of new business ideas that will bring wonderful fruits in the future.
