From The Hidden Life of Trees by forestry engineer Peter Wohlleben to Plea for the Trees by botanist Francis Hallé, not to mention Being an Oak Tree by biologist Laurent Tillon, trees are the superstars of the moment!
The revival of the desire for nature
This popularity is part of a palpable renewed desire for nature since the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, many people braved lockdown restrictions to access a piece of nature, whether it was a coastal path or a small lawn at the foot of a tree in the city. According to historian Sylvain Villaret, the need for nature went beyond a simple desire to escape from confined spaces and was linked to fundamental reflections on the ecological and climate crisis.
The health crisis has been accompanied by a crisis of meaning, and nature has emerged more than ever as an exceptional ally to be preserved, particularly through its trees and forests.
The tree, an essential jewel
As jewels of our essential heritage, trees occupy a prominent place in nature. Sometimes viewed as resources, living organisms or beings steeped in history and symbolism, trees offer many facets to explore.
As highlighted by the French Development Agency, forests are home to exceptional biodiversity, help combat climate change and serve as a bulwark against natural disasters.
But should we preserve them simply because they are useful to us?
A powerful universal symbol
The strength of trees also lies in their great symbolic power. While each species deserves consideration for its metaphorical or even spiritual significance, it is important to remember that, on a universal scale, trees represent the living cosmos in perpetual regeneration.
Through its structure, the tree symbolises the relationship between the earth and the sky.
It connects three levels of the cosmos:
- the underground through its roots in the depths where they sink;
- the surface of the earth, through its trunk and its first branches;
- the heights, with its branches and crown, drawn towards the light of the sky.
Furthermore, the tree brings together all the elements: water flows through its sap, earth is integrated into its body through its roots, air nourishes its leaves, and fire springs from its friction.
The tree is such a powerful symbol that it sometimes represents the axis of the world, the axis mundi. It is also a path from the visible to the invisible. It is the central pillar that supports the temple or the house. In Judeo-Christian tradition, it represents the spine that supports the human body, the temple of the soul.
The Tree of Life, symbol of growth and personal development
A symbol found throughout the world, the Tree of Life represents the interconnectedness of all beings and all things in the universe, as well as the search for balance between dualities: life and death, love and despair, good and evil.
It is also a symbol of personal development: it illustrates the wisdom accumulated over the years, personal growth and self-knowledge.
Like trees, we go through different seasons, periods of growth and change during which flexibility and adaptability are valuable assets.
Does the symbolism of the Tree of Life speak to you?
Book your individual Tree of life session now to reconnect with a more peaceful and fulfilling life.