Image courtesy of Oregon State University
The keynotes of the pine tree are emotional protection and healing, balance of strength and softness, vitality and continuity.
There are approximately 90 species of pine trees throughout the world. Their wood has been used for building, their sap for healing and the pine nuts for eating, making them a very versatile tree.
The bark of the pine creates armor-like plates that relate to their protective energy, both physical and emotional. The name Pine actually comes from a word that translates as “pain”, and its essence helps alleviate pain within on many levels. And the fragrance of the pine is emotionally soothing and can help lift your dark moods. Pine essences is also good if you suffer from guilt, and if you have a hard time being satisfied with your achievements.
The pine’s ability to balance the emotions awakens the divine spark that resides within the heart chakra.
Pine trees were said to be sacred to many Gods and Goddesses. It was said that the God Poseidon helped to make it’s essence cleansing and protective from all forms of negative magic, and protective against evil. A pine wand or pine cone kept on the altar wards off evil influences. As a symbol of Pan, it was associated with life force, vitality, death and resurrection. The Mother Goddess, Cybele, so loved the pine, that she transformed her son, Attis, into a pine tree at his death.
And from the land of the Celts, there is an old Brenton legend, that Merlin climbed the Pine of Barenton, just as the shamans climb the World Tree to contact the spiritual realm. It is said he had such a profound revelation that he never returned to the mortal world. According to legend, it is a sacred tree in which the soul of Merlin awaits his return.
“Pine has an archetypal energy and message about eliminating our feelings of guilt and balancing over-emotionalism. The pine spirit is kind and sensitive and loves contact with humans. It soothes emotions and always reminds us that we should make decisions best from as clear a perspective as possible. The pine heightens our psychic sensitivity, while balancing the emotions as well. It reminds us to express our creative energies with feelings of guild and without allowing others to overly influence or manipulate.” Nature-Speak Sings, Omens & Messages in Nature by Ted Andrews
“From its lofty position above the tops of most other trees, the pine reminded ancient peoples of the importance of taking the overview, encouraging objectivity and farsightedness. We are advised to cleanse ourselves of negativity, neither dwelling on mistakes nor apportioning blame. Pine is a symbol of the elevated mind and the birth of the spiritual warrior.” The Wisdom of Trees by Jane Gifford
If you have brought a pine tree into your home this holiday season, be sure to give it thanks for its blessings and brightening your home as part of your holiday celebrations. If you haven’t, you can still have the blessings of the Pine by using this simple ceremony from Whispers from the Woods, by Sandra Kynes
Gather needles and cones.
Tie a small bundle of needles together
with thread and burn them in your cauldron.
Pass the cones through the smoke
and then place them in a location
where you will see them frequently
and be reminded of your blessings.
We invite you to spend some time with a pine tree and relax or visit your favorite pine in meditation or shamanic journey. (It’s cold out and you wouldn’t find me sitting under a pine either :-)) Pines are very personable and communicative, so tune in and ask what messages it holds for you. Just a quick note, be careful about sharing secrets around pine trees. It’s said that they are not good secret keepers and you may hear it softly whispered to other trees through the breeze.
Wishing you a blessed holiday season and the joy your pine tree brings.
Until next time –
Mitakuye Oyasin (A Lakota prayer reminding us we are all related),
Debbie