Runes, the ancient symbols used by the Germanic peoples, carry deep meanings and powerful messages. Each rune has its own story and represents different aspects of life. Berkano, for example, is a symbol of growth, fertility, and new beginnings.
In this blog post, I’ll explore the meaning of the Berkano rune, how it appears in rune readings, how to use it as a talisman, and some rituals involving Berkano to harness its nurturing energy. I’ll also look at which runes pair best with Berkano for even greater benefits.
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Berkano Rune Meaning
The eighteenth rune of the Elder Futhark, Berkano (ᛒ), resembles the profile of a pregnant woman. Phonetically it corresponds to the “B” sound.
Berkano is associated with growth, fertility, and new beginnings. This rune represents the nurturing and protective qualities of motherhood, as well as the fresh starts that come with new growth. Berkano symbolizes the cycles of birth and rebirth, encouraging us to embrace change and new opportunities.
It reminds us of the importance of nurturing ourselves and others, fostering growth, and creating a supportive environment for new ventures.
Berkano in Rune Readings
Upright Berkano
When Berkano appears upright in a rune reading, it signifies growth, fertility, and new beginnings. This rune suggests that you are entering a period of new opportunities and that it is a time for nurturing growth and development. Berkano encourages you to embrace change and to foster new ideas, relationships, or projects. It signals a time of fertility, both literal and metaphorical, where the seeds you plant will grow and flourish. This rune urges you to create a nurturing environment and to be patient as new ventures take root.
Reversed Berkano
When Berkano appears reversed, it serves as a warning to address areas where growth may be stunted or where nurturing is lacking. This position may indicate blockages in development, issues with fertility, or a need for greater self-care. Reversed Berkano prompts you to reflect on areas where you may need to provide more support and nurturing, whether to yourself or to others. It advises you to remove any obstacles that are hindering growth and to focus on creating a healthy, supportive environment for new beginnings.
Using Berkano as a Talisman
Berkano can be used as a talisman to enhance growth, fertility, and new beginnings. This energy is particularly helpful anywhere that you want to encourage growth, such as in your houseplants or placed in your creative space.
You can use any material you like to make your talisman but it’s best to choose something that is suited to the intended purpose. For jewelry, solid precious metals are best. If you’d like to tuck it into a purse or pocket, a stone would do nicely.
You can also incorporate materials that resonate with nurturing and growth, such as green aventurine, moss agate, or jade.
Design the talisman with the Berkano rune, either engraved or drawn, and consecrate it through a ritual to charge it with your intention. The talisman serves as a constant reminder of your ability to nurture and foster new beginnings.
Rituals Involving Berkano
Growth and Fertility Ritual
To invoke Berkano’s energy for enhancing growth and fertility, perform this simple ritual. Helpful when you’re feeling stuck or stagnant, this ritual can give you a jump start.
What you’ll need:
- Drawing or token of the Berkano rune
- Green or Pink Candle
- Offerings that represent growth (plant, moss agate, etc.)
Begin by lighting a green or pink candle and placing the Berkano rune in front of it. Offerings such as a small plant or a piece of moss agate can be placed around the rune.
Focus on your intention for growth and fertility and chant: “Berkano, nurture my dreams, let growth and fertility bloom.”
Visualize in perfect clarity how you would like to grow and progress moving forward. See yourself stepping into that reality, breaking through the stagnant energy that is holding you back.
Let the candle burn itself out safely.
Throughout your day, remember how you stepped through that barrier into growth. Make sure you are focused on taking the steps you need to get there.
New Beginnings Ritual
For embracing new beginnings and fresh starts, incorporate Berkano into this ritual. If you’re in a place of emptiness and aren’t sure what to embark on next, this ritual can help guide you to a new opportunity.
What you’ll need:
- Drawing or token of the Berkano rune
- White or Gold Candle
Meditate on the Berkano rune, focusing on the areas of your life where you seek new opportunities and growth. Light a white or gold candle to symbolize purity and new beginnings, and place the Berkano rune nearby.
Imagine your heart and your mind opening, allowing you to recognize new opportunities as they are presented to you. Feel the energy of Berkano surrounding you and guiding you to embrace these changes so that you can embark on a new beginning.
Let the candle burn itself out safely.
Nurturing and Self-Care Ritual
To use Berkano’s energy for fostering nurturing and self-care, perform this ritual. Performing this ritual as a regular part of your self-care routine can be very helpful.
What you’ll need:
- Drawing or token of the Berkano rune
- Blue or Light Purple Candle
Light a blue or light purple candle to represent calm and healing, and place the Berkano rune in front of it. Reflect on the areas where you need to provide yourself with more support and care, and visualize the energy of the rune guiding you.
Lie down on the floor near the candle (make sure the candle is not too close). Place your Berkano talisman over your heart.
Feel yourself surrounded by a nurturing, healing energy. Visualize your heart opening, blossoming under this nurturing care. Let go of any guilt you may feel about taking time for yourself or feelings of selfishness. Know that you are worthy of this time, and that caring for yourself allows you to better care for others.
Stay in this silent meditation as long as you need.
Let the candle burn itself out safely.
For an added dose of self care, draw yourself a bath and put the Berkano talisman in the tub with you (if it’s a waterproof material – if not then on the lip of the tub is ok).
Pairing Berkano with Other Runes
Each rune carries its own unique meanings, and when combined thoughtfully, these energies can complement and reinforce one another. By using runes in conjunction, you can create more powerful and nuanced outcomes, tapping into a deeper well of wisdom and guidance from the ancient symbols.
Below are some of my favorite rune pairings with Berkano:
Berkano and Jera - Growth and Cycles
Pairing Berkano with Jera can enhance your ability to foster growth through the natural cycles of life. Jera, the rune of harvest and cycles, combines with Berkano’s energy to create a powerful force for nurturing new beginnings and personal development. This combination fosters both the nurturing of new growth and the fulfillment of long-term efforts.
Berkano and Sowilo - Nurturing and Success
Berkano and Sowilo together can support achieving success through nurturing and positive energy. Sowilo, the rune of success and enlightenment, enhances Berkano’s energy by promoting the importance of nurturing growth to achieve victorious outcomes. This pairing fosters both personal success and the nurturing of new ventures.
Other Runes to Pair with Berkano
- Algiz: The rune of protection and higher self, Algiz enhances Berkano’s energy by providing additional protection and spiritual guidance. This combination supports achieving growth through spiritual awareness and protection.
- Laguz: The rune of intuition and flow, Laguz complements Berkano by fostering intuitive insights and the natural flow of nurturing energy. This pairing encourages the development of intuitive skills and nurturing growth.
- Fehu: The rune of wealth and prosperity, Fehu, when paired with Berkano, enhances your ability to find growth through abundance and resourcefulness. This combination promotes both material and personal fulfillment through nurturing and dedicated effort.
Berkano is a powerful rune that symbolizes growth, fertility, and new beginnings. It reminds us of the importance of nurturing ourselves and others, fostering new growth, and embracing change. Berkano offers guidance and support in achieving growth and creating a nurturing environment.
How do you use Berkano? Share your ideas in the comments.
If you enjoyed learning about Berkano, check out the blog for more rune-related content. Stay tuned for upcoming posts exploring other runes and their uses.