Berkano Rune – Elder Futhark
Berkano is the eighteenth rune of the Elder Futhark and the second in the final aett, often associated with feminine energies, growth, and renewal. Its phonetic value is “B”, and it carries rich layers of symbolism tied to birth, motherhood, fertility, and the cycles of nature. The shape of the rune resembles a pregnant figure or the budding of a tree, reinforcing its deep connection with beginnings and natural development.
Meaning and Symbolism
The core meaning of Berkano centres around nurturing, healing, and the hidden power of growth. It is often interpreted as the rune of the birch tree – a symbol of spring, purification, and new life. The birch was traditionally used in Norse lands for rituals of rebirth and renewal, marking the start of new ventures or personal transformation.
Berkano represents both literal and metaphorical birth – from the physical act of childbirth to the emergence of new ideas, relationships, and spiritual awakenings. It reflects the protective and creative aspects of the feminine, but also the quiet strength of patience and gradual progress.
This rune can also signify family, community, and the sheltering role of home and hearth. It’s about creating safe, supportive spaces in which growth can unfold. In healing contexts, Berkano is linked with recovery, especially from emotional wounds, and it encourages the kind of care that leads to wholeness.
Interpretation in Readings
When Berkano appears in a reading, it often points to a time of beginning or rebirth. This could be the start of a project, the conception of a new path in life, or the healing of a past difficulty. It encourages a gentle, yet steady approach – reminding one to tend to the roots before expecting results.
Reversed or in a challenging position, Berkano may warn of delays in growth, neglect in care, or disruptions in home life. It could highlight issues with letting go of the past or a fear of vulnerability. It invites reflection on how one nurtures themselves and others.
Cultural and Mythological Context
In the context of Norse culture, Berkano aligns with goddesses such as Frigg and Freyja, who embody fertility, domestic wisdom, and powerful protection. The rune reflects the sacred role of women in sustaining both the physical and spiritual fabric of the community. It also echoes the cycles of nature observed in northern Europe, where the return of spring was seen as a deeply spiritual event – the world itself coming back to life.
Berkano teaches that true strength lies in gentle persistence, and that from the smallest seeds, the greatest forests can grow. It is a reminder of life’s quiet, ongoing transformation – one that is always unfolding, even when unseen.