Trees Are More Than Just The Lungs Of The World
In order to truly understand the mythical nature of trees, we have to look at the Earth with the awe and wonder of a magical perspective. Humans could not survive without trees. They are the lungs of the world, they provide shelter and warmth, and so much more.
Today, trees are taken for granted. We think of them as a source of lumber, or an inconvenience to be moved when they get in the way or profit or practicality.
However, among the most ancient forms of religion is devotion to sacred trees. In fact, they have deep representation in our unconscious mind and some may even go so far as to say trees are archetypal or symbolic. So, let’s set a scene that will allow you to realise the mythical nature of trees, rather than their practical use.
Trees Are Multi-Directional
Let’s first think of trees as multi-directional. They grow both upwards and downwards, often perfectly balanced in both directions. Moreover, trees operate at different frequencies. For example, bamboo trees have a high energy frequency and grow very rapidly, whereas an oak tree will have a lower energy frequency and grow more slowly.
If for a moment we think of trees growing downwards, and Mother Earth as the divine feminine, fully fertile, then it’s a short leap to realise that trees represent masculine energy. Specifically, ancient religions from all over the world use tree imagery in ritual and mythology to represent masculine generative energy. In fact, from Japan and across Asia, and all the way through Europe, trees have been used during processionals. Often onlookers reach forward to touch the tree to bring fertility and material prosperity into their household for the coming year. Interestingly, the Maypole dance ceremony is another tree ceremony that list exists in Europe in the present day.
Trees And Masculine And Feminine Energy
Actually, not all trees are masculine. Fruit-bearing trees, such as apple, pear, date palms or fig trees are thought of as female. Additionally, smaller and more rounder or curvier trees, such as elder trees or rowan are also perceived as feminine.
Conversely, nut-bearing trees are all considered to be masculine. In fact, here’s a gem of interesting information you may not know: the Latin classification of walnuts describes them as ‘Jupiter’s Balls’. Now, there’s an interesting fact for your next dinner party!
For thousands of years, some of the oldest religious celebrations took place in sacred groves. Many people thought that certain deities presided over these groves and that they were powerful places to deliver speeches and teaching. For example, Zeus watched over the oak grove at Dodona. People interpreted the oracle by listening to the wind as it moved through the trees or ‘whispered’ messages to the listener.
The Garden of Eden And More Stories of Snakes And The Mythical Nature of Trees
The celebration of the mythical nature of trees is the result of a long, long history of sacred association. One extremely sacred image is that of the snake coiled around a tree trunk. Believed to represent the unification of the sexes, some scholars have suggested that the story of the snake in the Garden of Eden represents the ending of a religious era. That is to say, the end of a religion associated with and worshipping the natural world. For me, this makes sense.
However, the stories of trees did not end there in the Bible. Later there was Lady Asherah of The Sea, an indigenous Hebrew goddess and a pre-eminent mother goddess of the Western Semitic people. She watched over sacred tree groves where women danced.
Interestingly, trees were carved into sacred poles, placed in elevated sites and within the Jerusalem Temple. Seemingly, she was quite controversial since the Kings of Judea continuously destroyed icons linked to her worship.
Tree Worship Is An Ancient Global Phenomenon
The simple truth is that tree-centred worship has been prevalent around the world for thousands of years. The concept of the Tree of Life is common in Islamic, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian traditions.
You may notice that in Europe, stories have made forests a refuge for outlaws, witches, pagan practitioners, and anyone who fought against government or religion. Perhaps it’s time we all go back to the trees!
In Norse cosmology, the World Tree is the centre on which the whole world all its realms stand. Specifically, in Sweden there is an entire sacred grove in Uppsala, where every tree inside is considered sacred. Furthermore, ancient Druids always held their sacred rituals in oak groves.
A grove is a circular or sacred perimeter of trees that is considered to provide a protected space for ritual and earth magic. Historically, the clearing of trees was thought to be a religious act, making way for administration and civilisation. I wonder whether this is how the destruction of the Amazon rain forests is also justified today.
Tree Worship Never Dies
Even though tree worship has been suppressed for years, it still remains in nearly every religion as an icon. Think of the Kabbalah, the Yule Log, the Christmas Tree, the Maypole Elm and the Easter egg trees. In one way or another, nature always wins.
Once again, perhaps it’s time to go back to the trees.
The Wonders Of The Weeping Willow
Weeping Willows are a specific type of willow tree, native to China. Today, we find them all around the world. You may even own “Weeping Willow china plates”, painted blue in Chinese style.
Willows are identified with some of the most powerful goddesses in mythology, including Artemis, Hecate, Circe, Persephone and Hera. In fact, willow trees have a slightly ominous reputation and are associated with witchcraft.
The willow family comprises of many different species and, like the alder tree, they tend to love being close to water. Their affinity for water associates them with the moon, the divine feminine, rebirth, death and fertility. Consequently, willow trees were often planted in graveyards to encourage the dead to rest in peace.
Since willow trees have such lithe boughs they are also closely associated with snakes. Consequently, in ancient Greece, infertile women often slept with willow branches under their beds to harness the snake’s power of fertility.
As is often the case in nature, the poison heals the problem. In this case, willows are also thought to ward off unwanted snakes and prevent snake bites. What’s more, to this day the name “Willow” is popular in Wiccan families and this has been an important tree in the practice of witchcraft and, before that, Paganism.
Verbena And Hex-Breaking
While we’re on the subject of Wicca, I want to mentioned a plant called Verbena or Vervain. This plant is associated with the positive and powerful side of Witchcraft. In fact, we believe that Vervain literally loves humans!
Apparently, the mere touch of your fingers on Vervain is meant to bring good luck, love, good health, prosperity and protection. Supposedly, it can even turn enemies into friends and reverse hexes and malevolent charms.
Verbena is now commonly used as a herbal remedy in skincare and bathing products. It is strongly associated with the Egyptian Goddess Isis. The myth states that Vervain sprung from the tears of Isis. What’s more, if you’re unfamiliar with the story of Isis, you may not know that she had to rely on human mercy. The result was a growing and lasting love for humans.
European colonists brought Vervain to the West, where in now grows wild. It can grow to a height of 5ft in midsummer so I’m sneaking it into a tree article!
Hugging A Tree May Not Be As Mad As It Sounds
In 2019, this study identified that “A growing body of epidemiological evidence indicates that greater exposure to, or ‘contact with’, natural environments (such as parks, woodlands and beaches) is associated with better health and well-being, at least among populations in high income, largely urbanised, societies1.”
Some people believe that hugging a tree increases levels of the hormone oxytocin. Actually, this hormone is released when we hug a family member, partner and stroke a pet. Perhaps it’s the act of hugging, or perhaps it is the actual tree connection.
In Japan, there’s a practice called “Shinrin-yoku” or forest bathing. Effectively, by taking a stroll through the forest, you become stronger and healthier. Apparently, essential wood oils in the air that are emitted by the trees, called phytoncides, increase our immunity to disease. I’m game!
Finally, hugging a tree naturally grounds us. We get so many health benefits from grounding ourselves regularly. If you’d like to find out more, you can read my article here about grounding here.
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