The Birch Moon prepares us for the journey through the year ahead. Purification and protection rituals are common practices as the year again begins its waxing phase.

Prepare yourself for things to come by making a birch broom. For the shaft choose any branch or dowel two to four feet in length. Attach birch twigs to one end using twine. Light thirteen candles, one for each of the thirteen Celtic Tree Months.

Rhythmically tap the broom over your body to purify your spirit and to garner a protective force around you. Think of losing the uneasy and unsettled elements of the past year while gaining those needed to make this year better. Do this to a chant.