THE MIGHTY OAK       TREE

Coexistence Tree As trees were known to be seen as representative of the world itself and its interrelationship with nature by early man it is not surprising that the Coexistence tree is concerned with the interdependency of all things on Earth as the branches grow up strongly and outwards from one single trunk which represents unity. The roots of the tree represent the need to embrace life and draw life from the earth to survive. The sap of the tree was seen to flow through the tree like blood through the veins and therefore to place things in the tree would enable a healing process to take place for either an animal, human, place or season. (Refer to drinking of the sap of trees to promote healing or dispel evil/poison in many faiths). In many pictures of the tree, cats and birds can be seen sitting side-by-side in harmony, no squabbling and certainly no death. Each is content and the overall systems is in balance. The legend of the Dry Tree, also known as the 'Withered Tree', is thought to have originated from the Prophet Ezekiel: 'And all the trees of the field shall know that I the Lord have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish : I the Lord have spoken and have done it.' (xvii. 24)

Tree of Abraham According to one tradition it is believed that Abraham lived and met with angels under a tree also known as the 'Oak of Mamre'. Another belief says that the Tree of Abraham grew from a sacred staff carried by one of the angels on his visitation. The oak tree is said to have been created at the beginning of time and that it still exists on the Mount of Mamre (Mambre)

Many primitive people of noble, highly developed civilizations treated trees, flowers and plants with great respect. Often trees were associated with having supernatural powers, being gods, ancestors and associated with different forms of worship, while flowers and plants were viewed too as also having medicinal applications and miraculous healing qualities. The Druids, particularly, believed that trees possessed great mysterious powers especially the rowan and The Oak. It is currently believed by some that the power and strength represented symbolically by the tree trunk could be the reason why standing stones were erected to reflect the respect bestowed upon nature. Since ancient times man has been influenced by trees throughout Europe, while we can see such images reflected in Mexican sculpture and carving, and also in Ancient Indian artifact where sacred trees have played a central role in the belief systems. The Ancient Greeks too are known to have highly respected the power and nobility of trees as paintings and pottery indicate images of reverence and gratification. Perhaps today the idea of touching wood, to ward off evil and encourage good luck, is a living remnant of our ancestor's spiritual practice, as in ancient times touching wood indicated respect of the tree and the mysterious powers of the spirit gods that inhabited the trees and woodlands. Currently, it is thought that to grow chives around the bottom of an apple tree will improve the general health of the tree. Perhaps learning more about the interdependency of flowers, herbs, plants and trees may lead us to a further understanding of how to improve our lives. Browse through earth power and the healing earth on this site to know how this may be possible. Since ancient times some have believed that the first man was created from the branches and flesh of the Oak tree (and also of the Ash). The Ancient Greeks thought that at the beginning of time cloud-ash was produced spawning small melia which came together and resulted in humanity being created. The Oak was thought to produce the first man and the trees themselves were called the first mothers. They actually called the Oak 'The Mother Tree'. The Acorn has also been associated with couples and love divination. Dropping two Acorns into the same bowl of water will provide the inquirers with news. Should the Acorns float together then the couple will marry, the reverse being true if the Acorns drift apart. An ancient Pagan belief that is thought to be connected with the Druids tells that to carry an Acorn at all times will ensure that you are prevented from growing old. This was said to be most successful for women. When Cain murdered Abel the bible says that Cain had to carry his brother's body for seven hundred years and then bury him. To mark the burial place Cain stuck his staff in the ground. Seven Oaks immediately sprang forth in a row, now known as 'The Seven Oaks of Palestine'.

Speaking Trees : Trees of the Sun and of the Moon These two trees are believed to grow on the Indian border and are revered in a Persian legend. The tree was reputed to be guarded by frightening birds that would spit fire by day but that disappeared at night. It is also said to have two parts to the trunk; one being male representing the day, the other female representing the night. The two parts only spoke according to the time of day each symbolism. Alexander the Great, revered as conqueror of the world, is said to have come upon the trees when raveling to India at a place called 'Damghan'. The solitary 'Plane' tree was stood in the middle of a dry arid area and is thought to have sought counsel with the trees who could foretell the future. Alexander was advised that he would die young at the height of his notoriety, that he would not return to Macedonia, and that others would be credited with the success. This forecast appears to have been true as Alexander died in 323 BC at Babylon.