With its roots firmly planted on the earth and its branches soaring towards the skies, the tree embodies both man – as a being between two worlds – as well as Creation linking the below to the above.
Many ancient cultures held trees as sacred. Even more deeply, they would consider them as the axis of the world, around which the Cosmos would intertwine. The Mayas for instance believed that a sacred tree – Ceiba – held the world together.
There is a specific symbol of the inverted tree – present in Alchemical writings as well as in one of the oldest books of Manking – The Rig Veda. This tree that has its roots descending from the airs and its branches plunging towards the earth symbolises the divine nature of Man. This image invites Man to understand that he has to torn the veil of illusion of matter in other to attain his inner heaven.
Now you take the floor – what do you associate with the Tree?
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You can learn a good story from the tree indeed…and the cat.
Thank you, Quite remarkable!
I’ve been reading through all these interesting comments because I have been dreaming about forests and am trying to understand what my dreams are telling me. I find Savita Vega’s comments especially helpful – for me. (Thank you)
What occurred to me as I read all these interesting insights is that the tree truly is the World axis – literally and metaphorically. I have had certain types of trees figure in my life – in different times and different places but same kind of tree (sometimes the beech, which I LOVE, and often the pine). I now suspect that when that happens it is an indication to me that I have intercepted the axis of my life.
I am connected to them at the heart. They are an anchor for me to the world, as my heart is to myself. Now that I realize this, maybe I will pay better attention!
Will have to think some more about the forests in my dreams…but I am on the trail. Thanks!
dear Paulo sometimes storytellers are like old trees. . .
“” KEEPER OF TREES” – story by Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes
Once in times older than fog and younger than the sun, there where old guardian trees. These venerable trees had lived so long they’d seen everything that passed by on the road before them. . .and often more than once.
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Thus, these trees, so situated, had become shrewd observers of human nature. They know the language of creatures too. They knew the odd, wondrous, and treacherous ways of men as well.
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Human found being near such trees often calmed their minds, quited the spinning-jinn within, often enough , answers to long held questions seemed to flow from the magnitude of the old trees, right into the human heart.
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Therefore, these who’d came to the groves in mourning, or having lost their ways, or simply being perplexed, often enough went away feeling deeply comforted, better directed, or with more clarity of mind.
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Long ago, before legends even existed, guardian trees were not just trees, but healing spirits who gave of their leaves and bark and roots so that human beings could be made well again. . .And for tat reason too, the people loved them. And the leafy giants loved the people right back.
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But as the guardian trees grew older yet, their limbs and reaches also grew longer and much heavier causing the trees to cry out sometimes. The weight of their limbs put unbearable pressure upon their delicate junctures. The villagers were alarmed to hear the trees crying. . .
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They feared the trees arms might break and bring down the entire tree, and so, they carefully whittled crutches made of ground wood, helping the giant trees to remain strong despite whatever storms might rear up.
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And, the trees grew even older. . . and older yet. More challenges came from the bitter winds and wild weather, till the oldest trees carried far more scars than bark. . . Some scars from deep woundings, some from horrible severances, and some scars from loving so hard the trees skin had come apart time and time again, each time allowing more trees, more love, to be carried within.
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No matter how old a tree became, no matter how fatefully struck or crowned. . . the great trees where first consulted for their wisdom, their ability to see far. And those that knew the trees best, remained ever near them, protecting the guardian trees now, those giants who had spent long and long, reaching out their heavy limbs to shelter and protect others.
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The Faithful Gardner, A Wise Tale About That Which Can Never Die. by Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes
I love Estes work and yet am to read the Faithful Gardener.. but I enjoyed the ancient trees in the film of Lord of the Rings trilogy… their pondering, considering, thoughtful manner ;o)
I often climb trees [at 32 LOL]…
and though don’t hug trees, love to be encircled by them.
Trees are a energy channel, a path way.
Its dependand how you can use this, on the manner and form used to attain a conection, like with anthing theres a right way and a wrong way. I would chalange all of us to protest intrest in the extended powers that lie within, to try some thing very old and sacred(tree sitting) this requires sitting in a certain tree and meditating for several days and nights, and can not eat nor drink, for your mind must be clear to attain the access to the power and truth within.
Forgive me if I’m being repetitive. I’m sure there are many insightful responses here, I just don’t have time to read them at the moment. For me, the tree represents a human. Maybe a woman, maybe a man – but not so clearky defined as such. The predicament of the tree is that it’s life, love, and nourishment are from the earth – and the tree holds a deep sense of gratitude, love, and respect for the earth for this reason. But it’s limbs still reach toward the warmth of the sky, for the thrill of the unknown, for what MIGHT be out there – whatever it is which the tree cannot possess. This desire, of course, grows srtonger over time (like any dream deferred) and the tree becomes resentful of it’s heaven on earth. But the tree is also sad – for there is profound guilt in not appreciating what SHOULD make one happy, even if it simply doesn’t.
But that’s only the vision that came to mind when I read the first paragraph that described the roots firmly planted in the ground and the leaves reaching toward the heavens.
In my experience, though, I’ve always thought of trees as friends, neighbors, parts of the community. Children climb and play on them, adults read against them, practically everyone talks to them now and them (right?).
i SAY IT’S HOPE…
When you say tree I, instinctly, think of old tree’s. Therefor I associate with wisedom, comfort and shelter. I wish one could have a dialog with those tree’s. Listen to their stories, have some questions answered and so on… Would’nt that be great? And when I see a old tree I often have to touch it and, in silence, speak to it. I don’t really know why, but I don’t think I’m alone to feel that way. Doesn’t old tree’s also feel like guardians and givers of life? Old and strong they shelter motherearth and, at the same time, gives us oxygen to breath… I love tree’s, they make me feel safe.
In Romanian popular culture people(ex:shepherds) use to confess to a tree in lack of a priest.That reveals the power of a tree in these universe.The symbol of life and the connection with it.
Honestly ive never thought about it…To me a tree was a tree Just one of natures utensils allowing us to survive.After reading the comments I find it beautiful that each person can draw some thing different.. So im thinking what does the tree symbolise to me….my answer…unity we can not live with out it we need its oxygen and it cant live with out us….like mankind no matter how deep its roots grow it can be destroyed with one mans actions or it can be re planted with anothers…I also think it represents god,our ancestors and mothers…It provides us with life,shelter,knowledge,food,a place to rest and feel a part of the universe.
i love the trees,all! i love to hear a sweet wind moving leaves..taking a nap under.their perfume,their wood,their colors…toutes ces formes,quelle imagination!
Tree..nature quiet green happiness relief hope sky clouds sacred hope feelings
stability & groundedness
“There were birds in the trees but I’ll never heard them singing till there was You.” Beatles
Thank you for talking in such a profound way to my heart. I love you Paulo.
:D
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