"The original symbolism of the Tree of Life involved a mythical sense of a world axis, the “axis mundi” around which creation was created, the unified center where all dualities and oppositions come together. As center point, the tree remains eternally still; yet as the living, breathing Tree of Life, it presents a core image of constant change. It grows repeatedly from the same unseen roots, for it is rooted in the imagination of life and in the living Soul of the World.

It is also rooted in the old mind and old soul of humankind, where it must be watered by dreams and longings and be nourished by songs and dances that make things whole if only for a moment. Each return to the tree at the center becomes a return to the origins of life and thus a renewal of the world.

The relationship between trees and people is an ancient one. Thus, things could start up again if that ancient and mysterious relationship were to become renewed and revitalized. The Tree of Life appears in almost all cultural heritages; it takes shape as the luminous Christmas tree that glows in the long nights of the darkest time of the year and it is the naked cross on which the Christian savior hangs. It is also the sacred tree to which Native American braves tie themselves during the Sundance ritual. It is the hollow center of the Navaho Reed of Life and the White Tree of Peace of the Northern tribes.

It appears as the Tree of Ascent and Descent where the shamans seek the heights of spirit and the depths of soul. It is the Tree of Sacrifice and the Tree of Death, appearing at times as the “hanging tree.” In the form of a bodhi tree it protects the Buddha and becomes the Tree of Enlightenment. It is the long-forgotten tree rooted at the center of paradise where it stands as the Tree of Unity. In that mythic sense, it is the original tree, the mother of all trees, the essence and source and sense of being rooted in life and central to existence." - Michael Meade

I have a special affection for trees.

I'm not sure why that is but all I know is, it just 'is'. I delight in seeing the first trees leaf out in the spring and I feel happiness when the first flowers on trees appear. Maybe it's a symbol of renewal, positivity, hope.

I love the lush green leaves and am completely drawn to the sound of the wind in the trees. I love to look for birds and squirrels sitting or making their homes in the trees. They are the keepers of life.

In the fall, I look to see which trees have the first turning leaves and marvel in the deep golden and auburn colors. I feel sad when the first leaves begin to drop, knowing that it's just one good rain storm away from empty branches and the coming of winter.

In the winter I politely acknowledge the strength and commitment of the evergreens and I peer into the empty branches of the deciduous trees to see the left over bird and squirrel nests. I wonder if they will be re-used come spring, or discarded.

As we near the new spring season, I anxiously await the beginning of this cycle. When I take my walks, I look up to see if I notice any buds; another signal of new life beginning.

Karen