Uaine wrote:
Cate, I am envious but happy to know someone who has a Rowan. I have looked into the equivelent tree here in the States. It is the Mountain Ash which is in the same family,has the same type of flower and fruit. I will be looking to purchase one if it will grow in my region.

I tried to grow a sapling off it for LINN a year or so ago but failed miserably.... I'll try again this year & you can both have one if it succeeds
Then you can have a bit of Cate in your gardens hahahahahahaha!

Cate wrote:

Uaine wrote:
Cate, I am envious but happy to know someone who has a Rowan. I have looked into the equivelent tree here in the States. It is the Mountain Ash which is in the same family,has the same type of flower and fruit. I will be looking to purchase one if it will grow in my region.

I tried to grow a sapling off it for LINN a year or so ago but failed miserably.... I'll try again this year & you can both have one if it succeeds
Then you can have a bit of Cate in your gardens hahahahahahaha!

Perhaps if you explained to the tree why you wanted saplings and where they were going.

Cate wrote:



I tried to grow a sapling off it for LINN a year or so ago but failed miserably.... I'll try again this year & you can both have one if it succeeds
Then you can have a bit of Cate in your gardens hahahahahahaha!

That would be fabulous!! I have the perfect spot for you, away from the cold north wind, facing the southeast with the sun to warm your face first thing in the morning.

[quote]Uaine wrote:

Cate wrote:



I tried to grow a sapling off it for LINN a year or so ago but failed miserably.... I'll try again this year & you can both have one if it succeeds
Then you can have a bit of Cate in your gardens hahahahahahaha!


I have the perfect spot for you... quote]

mmmm as do I ... and it is alll Warm and Snuggly !

[wink] [evil] [dancing-banana]

Thanks Uaine,

I really liked this. It reminded me of a class I took at a weekend workshop in upstate NY called "Trees of the !3 Moons" by Susun Weed. Did you get all of this from Ted Andrews book? or some other sources as well?

I have always had a strong connection to Red Maple as well. It was the first tree I bonded with and use to call her my Artemis tree because they had trimmed of all of her lower limbs over the years, leaving behind like nipples.

My teacher had her altar in the forest, next to a pond with black water and had a black willow (very striking) next to it. I always wondered about the relationship of trees to the witch, and this makes sense now.

peace,
JB

My Tree has always been the Chestnut... of course, most of the American Chestnuts have Died Out, but we still have HorseChestnut... I have several of those on my property. I love the Spreading branches.
There Is a guy growing/selling Blight Resistant American Chestnut, for anyone interested.

JayneBond wrote:
Thanks Uaine,

I really liked this. It reminded me of a class I took at a weekend workshop in upstate NY called "Trees of the !3 Moons" by Susun Weed. Â*Did you get all of this from Ted Andrews book? or some other sources as well?

I have always had a strong connection to Red Maple as well. Â*It was the first tree I bonded with and use to call her my Artemis tree because they had trimmed of all of her lower limbs over the years, leaving behind like nipples. Â*

My teacher had her altar in the forest, next to a pond with black water and had a black willow (very striking) next to it. Â*I always wondered about the relationship of trees to the witch, and this makes sense now.

peace,
JB

Thanks, Jane, I am glad you enjoyed it. I did get most of my information from the book by Ted Andrews, "Enchantment of The Faerie Realm." After reading his book, a lot of things clicked for me, especially in regards to trees and the experiences I have had with them in the course of my lifetime. I know why I get physically ill when I am around one that is about to be cut down. I get so overwhelmed by a sense of extreme sadness and horrible anxiety, that I have to leave the vacinity. I know I am picking up on the feelings coming from the tree. They are mortal just like we are.Â*

Guided Meditation by Ted Andrews

MEETING THE TREE SPIRITS

1) This exercise is most effective when performed while sitting in the midst of trees, under a tree or in a position to be looking upon the tree itself. Begin your connection with the tree that has always been your favorite.( This reflects that it has spoken to you already) If you have no particular favorite, choose a tree that is in your yard or close to your living environment. Because it is in close proximity, you will have already established some kind of connection.

2) Read and explore as much information about the tree as possible. This can be information from a scientific basis or from a mythical/mystical one. The more you understand about the tree, the more you will understand some of the characteristics of its spirit. This will help you in developing resonance with it.

3) If possible, choose a day that is sunny, with little or no breeze. Sit within the tree's shade. The shadow of the tree is a border space that facilitates connecting with the tree spirit and any faeries and elves associated with it.( It is beneficial to think of the tree's shadow as an outward embrace of the tree's spirit.
Â* Â* You may wish to sit against the trunk of the tree so that you can feel it. You may want to sit across from it so you can watch the bark and other tree formations for the appearance of the spirit itself. Choose your position as it suits you at the time. You will find it varies from tree to tree.

4) Close your eyes and take several deep breaths. You may wish to perform a progressive relaxation. The more relaxed you are, the easier it will be to perceive the spirit of the tree itself and others of the faerie realm.

5) In your minds eye, visualize an image of the tree before you. Its shadow extends toward you, but not quite touching you. See it standing strong and full. The grass beneath you is soft and lush, the air is sweet and clean. The sunlight that penetrates through the tree casts a soft haze around you.
Â* Â* Â*As you look around, you see you are in a familiar place. It is the small glen that you entered to meet the flower faeries. In the distance is the same high mountain and the path leading up to it. On the opposite of this small glen, the path continues, leading down to the valley below. This is your sanctuary, a place where the real and imagined meet. It is an intersection of the mortal world and the faerie realm.
Â* Â* The tree stands strong in the midst of this glen, a singular antennae, linking the heavens and the Earth. As you look upon it you are thrilled by its simple beauty and strength. With that thought, a soft breeze passes through, rustling the leaves in response. And for a moment you are sure the leaves rustled your name.
Â* Â* You gaze upon the tree and see shadows and movements, tiny flickerings,along the branches and at its base. At first you think it must be birds or squirrels but you are unable to see them.
Â* Â* As you take in the entire sight of the tree, the lines in the bark begin to change and shift. You can see soft gentle eyes peering out from the bark. You are no longer watching the tree, you are being watched by it.
Â* Â* There is a shadowy movement, and a form steps out from the tree itself to stand in its own shadow. It shimmers and shifts with incredible beauty. Around it flickers several tiny lights, and youu know they must be faeries. Peering around from behind it, you see a tiny elvin face, shy but curious. Then the spirit speaks your name. The leaves of the tree rustle again and you laugh with delight.
Â* Â* As you look upon this being, pay attention to what you experience. Are there specific colors? Fragrances? Do you feel a touch or tingle on any part of your body? Is this tree spirit male or female? Remember that those of the faerie realm will often use a form they thnk you expect.
Â* Â* It begins to talk softly to you. It speaks of its purpose and what knowledge it holds. It tells you its role in nature and what role it could serve in your own life. It tells you of the mystery of the tree, and why this one is so important to you.
Â* Â* See this as a converstion between you and the tree. Don't force it. Let the communication flow naturally. Let this being tell you about itself. Let it tell you why it wants to work with you. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
Don't worry that you might be imagining it all and that it is all a product of the mind. You would not be able to imagine it at all if there wasn't something real about it.
Â* Â* The leaves rustle with a singing sounds as this wondrous being speaks. It sends shivers of delight through you. You see specific birds and other wildlife gathering about, and you are told these will be signs of greeting in the future.
Â* Â* It holds its palms upwards, and the shadow of the tree extends further outward, until you are encompassed by it. For the first time you can actually feel a shadow. Its caress is soft and gentle and loving, and you are filled with a sense of great promise. And then the shadow withdraws.
Â* Â* As it recedes, the eyes of the tree spirit holds yours with tenderness, until the spirit is drawn back into the heart of the tree. You can see its form within the natural configurations of the tree itself, and you know you will forever recognize it from this day forth. The leaves rustle once more, whispering your name, and then they are still.
Â* Â* You feel thrilled and relaxed. And as you do, the scene before you shifts and changes, until you feel yourself sitting where you first began this meditation, comfortable and peaceful. Â* Â* Â*
Â* Â* You remember all that you were told, and you now know why you have always been drawn to this tree.

6) At this point breath deeply and regularly. Listen and feel. Extend your senses out. Do you feel any touches or tingles on any part of the body? Do you hear the whispers of leaves? Do you hear the presence of specific birds or wildlife? Are there any fragrances that stand out?
Â*Slowly open your eyes, and gaze softly at the tree upon which you were focused for this meditation. Keep a half focus of the eyes. Do you see any shadows or forms? Can you see the form of the tree spirit within the real tree, just as you did in the meditation?

7) Observe and note anything that you perceive. You may wish to record your observations to honor this meeting and future meetings with this tree spirit. Give thanks for the sharing in some way. The old concept of giving a tree a hug is very effective. Touching or hugging the tree will ground your energies, and it will honor the communication and connection with its spirit and those of the faerie realm.

I am the proud mother of two beautiful Â*baby weeping willow trees, just planted. Interesting thing is there seems to be a run on willow trees here in ky. The nursery owner said that people have been buying them this year like crazy. He was down to his last three, (one now) and usually has willows left over at years end. Tim and I have been obsessed with getting one for about a year now. What's up? It seems the willow is making it's way into peoples yards for some reason or another.