BERKANAN (or Berkana), The Rune of Fertility and Growth
Runic Number: 18
Meaning: New Life. Growth. Fertility. Physical beauty or stature. A new broom.
Translation: Birch Twig
Gemstone: Moonstone
Color: Dark Green
Polarity: Female
Element: Earth
Gods: Nerthus, Holda
Astrology correspondence: Virgo
Tree: Birch
Plant: Lady’s Mantle
Characteristics: Physical and mental growth. Investment, increased business, profit. Flourishing new beginnings. Bumper crops. Lost causes may be renewed. The Berkanan rune symbolizes regeneration, renewal, healing, purification, and recovery. It is the rune of home and family, representing the pleasure of sexual relations, fertility, and birth. In this approach, birth can be symbolic or literal, but always a positive start of any new activity or idea.
Interpretation: This is an exciting period for new beginnings. Fresh adventures. Energy and activity. God seeds have been sow, but the harvest is yet to come. Don’t expect instant reward for your efforts. Learn from experience. Let the past into the past. This is also a good period for spiritual renewal. Eliminate all misconceptions. Accept new ideas.
Reverse meaning: Reduction in stature and lack of growth. Decline in crops, business or profits. Bad time for new actions.
Converse meaning: You may suffer a theft. Profit being hidden. Dishonesty around. A risky investment may well be safe and profitable.