I have been sitting for the last few hours watching in wonder the activity surrounding a pine tree in my backyard. It does not surprise me that it is known as the peacemaker of the Standing People. It is a safe haven for many of the birds who visit my backyard offering branches to perch on or limbs to secure a nest on. Squirrels scamper up and down the trunk or across the many branches as they play and forage for food. This quiet sentinel reaches out to the feathered friends and the furry friends and offers a place of peace and harmony for all of us to co-exist around. I can’t help but wonder if one of the reasons that we humans and the creatures are drawn to the calm and relaxing scent that the needles of the tree produce.
Pine Tree in Rocky Mountain National Park Print by Psalm19 at zazzle
Early man found the pine tree a source of food with the pine nuts that could be gathered in the fall and stored to help feed the tribe or clan over the cold winter months. Archaeologists found a cache of stored pine nuts in North America that was at least 6,000 years old. It is through this food source that pine teaches us to conserve energy. Instead of jumping around in nervous and fast motions, we learn that a slow and constant pace helps us to complete our tasks and goals while not depleting all of our energy along the way.
Pine trees and pine cones have been held in sacred esteem by many cultures throughout history. The branches were used to sprinkle water by priests or shamans during rituals. We can also find the pine cone used in many religious images going pretty far back into history. There were deities either carrying the pine cones or having it as a part of a staff that they used. Take a look the next time you see the Pope, there is a pine cone on the end of his staff.
Pine is believed to be the bridge between mind and body, physical and spirit and earth and heaven. If you decide to not be in a hurry you can grow slowly with the wisdom of this elder in the tree realm who will help you understand a higher state of being.
G’Day Beverly Two Feathers.
If I may share a dream I had just before I awoke? A tall elegant man with black shiney hair appeared and stood close to me, to my left and slightly behind. He exuded a deep calm and impeccable air. He was attired in a refined black suit. The front of the jacket tho, had panels of bark, patterned in deep patches. That of a very old Ponderosa Pine tree. To my right was a contemporary styled black leather sofa. Its cushions also were covered in the same bark. It was clear he was there for me. I then woke up knowing this was an important visit. I am seeking possible meaning. I was led to your site. Would you offer any insights? Thank you so very much, eLaine
Hello Elaine, I have some thoughts about your dream. There are several important symbols in your dream and not just the pine bark. Remember the pine is the bridge between the physical and the spiritual. I believe you are on a specific journey to a higher state of understanding and wisdom. You noticed the man in your dreams hair. Hair is the symbol of strength. At first I thought that might mean that you are a strong person but then I realized that the hair was black, his suit was black and the sofa was black. That tells me that you are not feeling strong. You are hiding your insecurities for some reason. This is further evidenced by the man being on your left. The left represents the male aspect of our souls and shows that you have some fears and doubts as to whether you can support yourself either in the physical sense or the emotional sense. To me the dream is telling you that you should work on this…you are capable of overcoming your fears and doubts, you are strong enough to grow and the pine tree is there to help you. It won’t be a fast growth, it will be slow but you are on the journey. It is a dream of hope and a good dream. Have faith in yourself and your spiritual guides together you will achieve much good.
Dear Beverly Two Feathers,
I am deeply grateful for your response and more so for your astute understanding of my dream. It is true. Altho strong within the physical world, I ‘pine’ to believe in my Self and ‘ponder’ why I don’t. My journey along the shamanic path has blessed me profoundly. Yet I hold back, as a tree in winter, I reside in perpetual dormancy. The helping Spirits are waiting. So whatever the doubt or fear is, I must face it. I know its time to begin my special journey that I came to Mother Earth to do.
Many Blessings to you. Thank you again for your kindness in helping me along my path.
eLaine (eL Ana is my spiritual name).