the birch tree is one of the fastest growing trees and berkano speaks of fast eager growth this is a rune of spring the green shoots rising flowers exploding in a riot of colour upon the woodland floor the crying of baby animals calling for food so they may grow strong the two triangles that make up the rune also speak of duality in this case the ready womb and the tomb the earth that gives life is also the cave to which we return upon death the full breasts and belly of pregnancy can also be seen in the shape of this rune