Perhaps the purpose of leaves is to conceal the verticality of trees which we notice in December as if for the first time: row after row of dark forms yearning upwards. And since we will be horizontal ourselves for so long, let us now honour the gods of the vertical: stalks of wheat which to the ant must seem as high as these trees do to us, silos and telephone poles, stalagmites and skyscrapers. but most of all these winter oaks, these soft-fleshed poplars, this birch whose bark is like roughened skin against which I lean my chilled head, not ready to lie down.
Trees have an interesting role in the world of spirituality. Trees have been held sacred in many cultures both ancient and modern. Both beautiful and symbolic, trees are very powerful and can influence our spiritual lives.
TREES AND SPIRITUAL PRACTICE
Many mythologies around the globe have stories of a world or cosmic trees. The roots, trunk and branches of the tree represent the underworld, earth and heavens respectively.
Even biblical scriptures of the book of Genesis mention the tree of life and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Buddhism has connections to the Bodhi tree where Buddha was known to have reached enlightenment as he sat and meditated. Druids had rituals of worship among sacred groves of trees.
The Kabbalist the fifteenth of the month of Aquarius, the day known as B’Shevat, the birthday of the trees. It is the 24 hour window in time in which the trees receive their energy for the entire year – whether they will grow and bear fruits.
Trees have a long history of sharing the spiritual path with humanity.
TREES AND ENERGY
Trees provide oxygen, shade, shelter, their bark and fruits to sustain this planet and her inhabitants. The energy of trees does affect our mental well being and our emotional and physical bodies. People experience peace and serenity whilst sitting under trees or walking through forests. Children will experience joy and excitement when climbing a trees or the magic of spending time in a tree house.
Trees have an energy frequency or vibration and an aura.
With roots reaching deep into the earth they have excellent grounding energy. Their vibrations are slower, deeper and more concentrated. Their energy signature is one of safety, security and stability.
When you come into contact with a tree you will connect with that tree’s energy whether you are conscious of this or not. As you begin to resonate with the trees energy you will become more centred and grounded. This has led to a great movement in ‘tree hugging’.
WORKING WITH TREES FOR SPIRITUALITY
Spending time amongst trees centres your energy and provides healing and and a reconnection with the sacredness of all sentient beings. You can –
Hug a tree
Visualise your scattered or negative thoughts and feelings travelling down the tree’s roots to be recycled/transmuted by Mother Earth.
If you do Reiki or any other form of energy healing, offer this to a tree. Trees as living beings appreciate a dose of universal life energy to. It also benefits the giver by spreading good Karma. If you don’t practice energy healing then say a prayer blessing or send positive intentions for the health and well-being for both the tree and yourself.
If we gift a tree with a crystal by planting it next to the tree as a symbol of the Earth’s cycle of giving. In this way we pay our respects to nature and understand our part in it rather than just consumers of it.
PLANT A TREE IN MEMORY OR CELEBRATION
Dame Judi Dench has a passion and deep love of trees. Judi has a secret woodland in her home in Surrey. Judi has continually planted trees for dear friends and family who have passed.
A tree planted in someone’s memory is a living tribute
If you are unable to plant a tree consider donating time or funds to an organisation that cares for trees that benefits present and future generations. A tree planted in a forest will be a monument and active participant in nature’s plan for decades to come.
Tree Weaver 