====== Birch ======
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---- dataentry herbs----
latin_names: Betula pendula, B. pubescens, B. lenta, B. alba
folk_names: Beithe, Bereza, Berke, Beth, Bouleau, Lady of the Woods
gender_tags: Feminine
planet_tags: Venus
element_tags: Water
deity_tags: 
effect_tags: Protection, Exorcism, Purification
----
</div>
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===== Magical Uses =====
Birch twigs have been used to exorcise spirits by gently striking possessed people or animals, since the birch is a purificatory or cleansing herb.

The tree is also used for protection, and Russians used to hang a red ribbon around the stem of a birch to rid themselves of the evil eye. The birch also protects against lightning.

The traditional broom of the Witches was made of birch twigs, and cradles were once manufactured from birch wood to protect their helpless charges.
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