Berkano (ᛒ) is the eighteenth rune of the Elder Futhark and the second rune of the third aett.

Berkano is associated with growth, new beginnings, and fertility. The rune is also linked to the letter B, representing Birch, which is a tree that embodies resilience and renewal in Norse culture. The birch tree is often the first to take root on cleared land, symbolizing the potential for new life to emerge from barren places. It is also one of the first trees to start growing leaves in the spring. The shape of Berkano, which can resemble the profile of a pregnant woman, emphasizes its nurturing aspects and the power of creation.

For me, Berkano represents the quiet beginnings that grow into something larger. This speaks to how our growth often happens in subtle, sometimes invisible ways before we truly see results. Think of a seed planted in the ground, germinating beneath the soil and sprouting before we see its fresh growth above the surface. This rune reminds us to nurture our dreams, relationships, and personal growth patiently, trusting that with care, they will flourish.

Berkano isn’t just about physical fertility or motherhood. It’s also deeply connected to the cycles of life – the endings and beginnings that define our personal journeys. The rune calls us to embrace the flow of change, recognizing that each new chapter is filled with potential. Whether it’s a new idea, a relationship, or a transformative period in life, Berkano asks us to look inward and cultivate what is ready to grow. It symbolizes the hidden potential within us, waiting for the right conditions to flourish.

Historical Context

Berkano takes its name from the birch tree, a symbol of new beginnings and resilience in Norse culture. There is an Old English Rune Poem, Beorc (Berkano) where the tree is described as bearing no fruit but still bringing forth life, highlighting the birch’s ability to regenerate. This reinforces Berkano’s connection to renewal.

In some modern contexts or different rune sets, such as the Younger Futhark or Anglo-Saxon interpretations, you might come across the spelling Berkana.

Basic Information

• Name: Berkano (Proto-Norse), also known as Beorc (Old English) or Birk (Old Norse)
• Pronunciation: “BER-kah-no” or “BER-kah-na”
• English Translation: Birch Tree
• Symbol:  ᛒ

Meanings of Berkano
Berkano is the rune of growth, renewal, and nurturing energy. It often shows up at the beginning of something new, whether that’s a project, a relationship, a healing journey, or a deeper phase of personal development. Rooted in feminine and earth-based symbolism, Berkano speaks to fertility, care, and the steady unfolding of potential. It encourages patience and presence as things grow and take form.

Berkano may point to:

• New beginnings and growth: The start of a fresh chapter in your life – emotionally, spiritually, or creatively.

• Fertility and birth: This can be literal (conception, childbirth) or metaphorical (the birth of a project, idea, or personal transformation).

• Nurturing and motherhood: A reminder to care for yourself or others, offering steady support and kindness as things develop.

• Healing and regeneration: Emotional or physical recovery, often through gentle, consistent effort.

• Emerging potential: Something within or around you is beginning to take shape – nurture it patiently.

• Personal growth: A signal to embrace change and tend to your own development with compassion and intention.

• Creative projects: Berkano can represent the beginning stages of a creative effort, urging you to protect and feed the process.

• Nurturing relationships: A call to show care, hold space, and invest in the people and connections that matter.

• Environmental awareness: A reminder of our relationship with the earth and the importance of honoring cycles of growth and renewal.

When Berkano appears in a reading for me, it often brings a quiet message: tend to what’s unfolding. It doesn’t demand force or urgency, it asks for presence, care, and trust in the process. Growth doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right support, it will come.

Challenging Aspects of Berkano

While not all practitioners read Berkano in a merkstave (reversed) form, it can still show up in a challenging position or carry blocked energy depending on the context of a reading. When that happens, its themes of growth, care, and nurturing may feel stalled or distorted.

In a difficult or obstructed context, Berkano may point to:

• Difficulty starting something new or fear of change

• Resistance to healing or emotional vulnerability

• Creative or energetic stagnation

• Neglect of self-care or ignoring personal needs

• Over-nurturing or losing yourself in caretaking roles

• Old wounds related to motherhood, family, or caretaking dynamics resurfacing

When Berkano shows up like this in my readings, it often asks: Where am I withholding growth—from myself or someone else? It’s not always about doing more; sometimes the message is to slow down, regroup, or give yourself the same care you’ve been giving out.

While Berkano isn’t directly linked to a specific deity, it shares qualities with both Norse goddesses such as Frigg and Freya, who are  associated with motherhood, fertility, and nurturing. The birch tree itself held sacred significance in many pagan traditions, often connected to purification and fresh starts. Berkano’s energy reflects these themes of nurturing and the potential for new life and growth.

In modern interpretations, Berkano is often associated with:

• Moon: Reflecting cycles, emotions, and the nurturing aspect of growth.
• Cancer: The sign known for its focus on home, family, and nurturing qualities.
• 4th House: Governing home, family, and emotional roots, aligning with Berkano’s themes of growth and care.

These associations are modern and help bridge astrology and runes for deeper insights.

To help remember Berkano’s meaning and reinforce your connection with the rune, here are some questions you can reflect or journal on.

• What new beginnings or growth are emerging in your life?
• How can you better nurture yourself or others?
• Are there hidden potentials within you ready to blossom?
• How can you embrace change and growth with openness?

Take some time to meditate on Berkano, visualizing its shape as a seed that sprouts into a strong birch tree. Journal about any insights that arise during your reflection, and think about what you need to nurture in your life for it to flourish.

In magical practices, Berkano can be used for work involving the following areas:

• Fertility Spells: Aiding in conception or increasing fertility.
• Healing and Regeneration: Focusing on physical, emotional, or spiritual recovery.
• New Venture Blessings: Invoking Berkano’s energy for success in new projects or businesses.
• Purification Rituals: Often included in cleansing and renewal ceremonies.

Third Ætt (Tyr's Ætt)
17. ᛏ (Tiwaz) - Tyr, justice
18. ᛒ (Berkano) - birch, fertility
19. ᛖ (Ehwaz) - horse, trust
20. ᛗ (Mannaz) - human, self
21. ᛚ (Laguz) - water, flow
22. ᛜ (Ingwaz) - Ing, fertility
23. ᛟ (Othala) - inheritance, homeland
24. ᛞ (Dagaz) - day, breakthrough