The Noble Pagan Forums - Trees/tree spirits

*Angelicdarma* · #1 03-20-2010

I have been drawn to trees before, but as of late increasingly so. When I was younger, I was a monkey; I would climb as many trees as I could. Especially, the willow tree that grew in our yard. But I can't shake it, I have been feeling their energy, their soothing "sounds/music" if you will, and some have been literally jumping out at me. Tree spirits is the thing that came to mind, and this article pretty much nails it on the head.

I am going to do some of the suggestions to start working with them. (I have captured some of them, in my photos on my "walk a bouts".) I have been needing to recharge, figure out my next steps in making our move out west and/or whether or not to quit my job. I think they have a lot to teach me again and why they are coming out or making themselves known to me. It is not one type of tree, but many...

What are Tree Spirits?

Working With the Faeries and Spirits Associated with Trees

Jun 27, 2009 Louise Heyden

Tree spirits are ancient and wise, offering healing magic, wisdom and insight. This introduction explains the types of tree spirits and how to work with tree spirits.

A tree spirit is a type of nature spirit, and effectively the “living soul” of a tree. It has much in the way of wisdom and healing to offer those who are willing to listen and absorb.

What Do Tree Spirits Look Like?

Tree spirits are not faeries as such, but nature spirits within a tree. One famous image is that of the Ents in The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, but true tree spirits are more ethereal in their appearance. As with faeries, they are visible to those with psychic awareness, and appear in varying forms depending on the type of tree they reside within. The tree spirit of a willow might appear as a tall, willowy woman, while a gnarled old tree might take the form of a wizened dwarf.
Tree spirits are ghostly and otherworldly, often glimpsed out of the corner of the eye in a darkened wood or a flash of sunlight through the forest canopy.

What Do Tree Spirits Do?

Primarily, tree spirits act as the guardians and life force of the trees. Responsible for nurturing and growing them, the tree spirits are keen to share their wisdom regarding the care of the planet, particularly that of forests, woods and the wildlife that dwells within. They are also excellent healers, and leaning against the trunk of a tree can bring about great restorative powers.
Older trees have much to share in terms of history, offering a sense of place, time and ancestry.

Tree spirits are not entirely bound to their tree; they can venture a short distance away. Legends tell of folk becoming unsettled in forests at night, because of the tree spirits stirring and walking about the woods.

Tree Mothers

The “Tree Mothers” or “Mother Trees” are female tree spirits much older and wiser than their younger counterparts, and have become known as matriarchal trees with a plethora of important spiritual wisdom to offer those eager to learn.
Tree mothers can be extremely intense to work with, ranging from the emotion of motherly comfort to the challenge of spiritual development and growth. The specific knowledge gleaned from such a tree depends on the species and the age through which the tree has lived, which can often span many centuries.
Tree mothers tend to be found in very old or mature trees, often in an ancient wood, and sometimes even in groups. The aura and spirit of the tree will feel much older and wiser than other trees.

Dryads and Tree Faeries

Although tree spirits are not faeries in themselves, there are faeries associated with them, such as dryads, tree wights or wood nymphs. Such faeries are not part of the trees themselves, but have attached themselves either to a lone tree or a group of trees. The triad of oak, ash and thorn is particularly appealing to faeries, and the most likely place to start looking for them. Oak in itself is a faerie tree, and dwarves are said to dwell within its deep, far-reaching roots.
Many other elements of the Fae are associated with trees, from the Green Man to the eternal seasonal battle between the Oak King and the Holly King.
Faerie trees include:

Apple - immortality, Avalon
Ash - prophecy, World Tree
Beech - ancestry, second sight
Cedar - purification, wisdom
Hawthorn - shapeshifting, protection
Hazel - magic, divination
Holly - divinity, rebirth
Oak - doorway to Faerie, endurance
Rowan - healing, attracting benevolent faeries
Willow - faerie visions, enchantment

Working with Tree Spirits

Firstly, it is vital to ensure a deep respect for trees in general. This includes always asking permission before taking something from a tree, and warning a tree of any impending pruning due to take place, to avoid causing distress to the spirit.
The best way to begin working with tree spirits is to sit beneath one, leaning against the trunk, touching the bark, drinking in the tree. Meditating beneath it may bring visions, messages or dreams. Those gifted with psychic awareness may be able to connect with the spirit and receive channeled words, or even see the spirit with the third eye.
Tree spirits often have a lot of knowledge to impart and it is wise to work with them in short, regular bursts so as not to become drained. They enjoy teaching and will encourage their students to develop their awareness and experience between visits.
By building relationships with different trees, much wisdom can be gained, along with healing, protection and insight into the generations that have passed before.
Sources:

Eason, Cassandra. "The Modern-Day Druidess". Piatkus, 2003
Knight, Sirona. "Faery Magick". New Page Books, 2003

Website article was found: What are Tree Spirits?: Working With the Faeries and Spirits Associated with Trees

*Angelicdarma* · #2 03-20-2010

some of my favorite pics...

*Old Blue* · #3 05-31-2010

If you live near Seattle, I have located all 9 trees at Green Lake. There is a book at the library called the Trees of Green Lake, that will help you find them. It took me most of a day to locate them. [hint, the apple tree is in the golf park] I'm sure they are all in the Arboreum - I'm searching it.

*Angelicdarma* · #4 05-31-2010

I don't leave close to Seattle at least for the time being!!! =D But that is another reason to go back to NW Washington. That is good to know.

I have found a few trees just walking the dog in the neighborhood, that I am getting to know a bit. One in the Japanese Gardens here that I always have to visit and sit under.

Still learning from the trees, I just need to find more time to go outside and play. When paying extra attention to their different energies too, it's pretty cool sensation sometimes. AS if they were/are reaching down to touch you. =D

One tree near the river I sat under, grounded me a little too much to where I had to take a nap. =P

Will have to check out the book and trees.

*Meesseekech Kechqua* · #5 08-27-2010

Where I lived as a child there was an ancient White Oak, a huge Forest giant perhaps over 200 years or even older. When I was only 11 or so an old black sharecropper who was born in the late 19th century told me that this Tree was just as large during his childhood. We called this giant Old Shady as it lent us plenty of shade during the bright days of Summer. During Winter, Old Shady gave off warmth. Growing older I could feel it's friendly Spirit. Under Old Shady's huge spreading branches all of us would always feel at ease.

In 1982 the tract of land where Old Shady lived was sold and soon cleared over for development. I found my old friend toppled and ready to be trimmed down even more. I removed part of one of Old Shady's branches and later made a long pipestem out of part of what I cut. Every time we smoke from our ceremonial pipe, my band and I are reminded of our old friend.

I've never saw a Tree Spirit take physical form but a Tree, but have felt and heard them often as all Trees have Spirits.