Tree of Life: Rooted to the Earth, reaching for the stars

THE mystical and magical symbol ‘tree of life’ is well known throughout many different cultures and beliefs.

Different races and religions may call it by a different name, however the tree’s symbolism is near the same.

Trees may look the same, especially when they first begin, but they grow, thrive, change, are battered by storms and weather, become broken and as they age, become very unique.

The meaning of the Tree of Life as a symbol is well known and like the tree itself, it has many branches and is deeply rooted.

The symbol of the Tree of Life is comprised of all the aspects of the tree itself and what those elements mean.

While the roots dig deep and are well grounded and connected to the Earth, the trunk establishes a strong foundation, the branches reach out for sustenance, the leaves collect strength and the fruit gives of itself.

The Tree of Life’s meaning thus comes from its symbolic aspects.

Firstly, the tree of life provides the breath of life. This breath, also represented by the element ‘air’, is to inspire.

The leaves on the tree are thought to represent healing on many different levels.

The branches represent reaching out to receive nourishment and the leaves represent nourishment captured and the cherishing of it in the making of life-giving food. The roots dig deep into the Earth recognising it as a motherly figure, reminding us to never forget our roots.

Also read: A day in the life: Wire tree-of-life crafting vendor

The Tree of Life crosses all cultures because the ancients could see trees close up all of the time.

The symbolism of the sprouting seed, growing into a trunk and branching off, sending out smaller branches and little twigs, to see what they may accomplish.

The tree became a common symbol, then, of life, ancestry, mythology, lessons of the spirit, history, lineage, and hope for the future.

Check out the original article and more here.

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