Last Updated on July 1, 2023 by Avia

Tree as a Symbol of Life

The tree is a magnificent symbol of life. Various parts of trees are metaphors for spiritual growth.

This isn’t an original idea. In fact, the Celts and other ancient sages were very in tune with trees and their spiritual power. They felt an intrinsic connection with their surroundings and delved deeply into Nature for answers to the secrets of life.

The Celts understood trees as elegant illustrations of the deeper secrets to life.

Observing trees as a symbol of life takes soulful vision and the ancient Celts saw into deeper worlds of wonder, perfection, and arcane wisdom to tap into that symbolic essence of vitality.

In fact, one of the most celebrated motifs in Celtic knotwork is the Life Tree. It is an artistic design of the Oak, which is considered a “chieftain” in the Celtic classification of trees (Ogham) because of its regal stature. Strong, noble and expansive in growth, the Oak is the patriarch of the forest.

This Life Tree design is noteworthy because the interweaving pattern of branches is identical to the root system. Put another way, the branches mirror the root system.

There is a profound gift in this observation because trees are living symbols of the Hermetic maxim: “As Above, So Below.”

This statement is essential in experiencing the broader connectivity of thought, manifestation and the cycles of life.

Trees reinforce this statement because they visually convey the importance of drawing correlations between the seen and the unseen aspects of life.

Here are a few examples of how the unseen root system is a mirror of the seen branch system and how this is a key correlation with the sacred functions of life:

 Points about the Tree as a Symbol of Life

• The condition of the spiritual life (unseen) affects the physical condition
• Subtle (unseen) energy has an impact on physical (seen) matter
• A nourished root system (unseen beliefs) feeds our daily life (visible consequences)
• Our thoughts (above/unseen) are directly connected to manifestation (below/seen)

It’s a heady concept, to be sure, but when we begin to see the world with perceptive vision, we identify profound epiphanies like this everywhere.

In the end, we are left with one undeniable truth: Everything is connected. This means small adjustments to our inner (unseen) life like prayer, meditation, devotion triggers similar changes in our external (outer) life. 

So, as you move about your day, take time to honor the power in the seen and unseen and the play between these two aspects of life. Use the mimicry of tree branches and roots to illustrate these profound connections between thoughts and things. Walk the path of the ancient Druids and submerge into the sacred wisdom available in Nature. Know what they knew: Living by in sync with Nature makes a big impact on the world within and around us.

As always, thanks for reading.

Brightly,

Avia

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