Wisdom of the Trees By Wendy, Sibylline Priestess

PURPOSE: To experience the wisdom of the trees.
NOTA BENE: Willow trees are symbols of the boundaries between the worlds.

INSPIRATION: Wisdom of the Buddha
“Here in the cool shade of a santal tree I dwell in solitude and silence, in trance I meditate, from all distractions far removed.”

MEDITATION
Sit or lie comfortably with your eyes closed.
Begin by taking 3 long deep, yogic breaths.
Inhale to a count of four – inhaling to your lungs fullest capacity
Hold for a count of four.
Exhale completely to a count of 4 - pulling your navel back towards your spine.
Hold for a count of four.
Repeat 2 more times.

After the 3rd yogic breath, breathe in a comfortable manner.
With each inhalation, breathe in peace and serenity.
With each exhalation, breathe out all the stresses and pressures of the day.
Breathe in tranquility and calmness.
Breathe out tightness and tension.
Clear your mind of all wandering, extraneous thoughts.
Concentrate only on your breathing.
When your mind is clear, begin the meditation.

Before you is a path – start walking down it.
The path takes you to the edge of river.
The river is calm, with a steady gentle flow.
It is crystal clear, allowing you to see the bottom of the river.
At the river’s edge is a grand willow tree.
Its branches reach out touching the water on one side and the ground and path on the other.
The willow is wise and old – it has seen much and has many stories to tell.
But you are not here to talk to the willow on this trip.
Your destination is the opposite shore of the river.
A mist covers the opposite shore.
All you can see is the outline of the shore – the mist prevents you from seeing more.

You take a step into the river – the water is cool and inviting.
You continue to walk across the river to the opposite shore.
The bottom of the river is covered with rocks, but they aren’t slippery and your footing is sure.
The river gets deeper as you continue to cross it.
It comes to your ankles, then your knees and thighs.
It passes your hips and lower abdomen.
Next it reaches your navel and solar plexus.
It comes to your heart and breasts and finally to your neck at the halfway point across.
It gets no higher than your neck.
You are able to walk across without threat of slipping or being submerged.
Once the water reaches your neck, it starts to lower with the next step.
Each step toward the opposite shore now brings the water lower on your body.
Past your breast and ribs, down past you solar plexus and navel.
Down below your hips and thighs, to your knees and your ankles.
Finally you step out of the water onto the opposite shore.
You have crossed between the worlds into the realm of spirits and magic.

In front of you is a path.
You start walking on it.
The path curves gently and leads you into a dense forest.
You look around and see creatures not found in our world – fauns, fairies, centaurs, and others.
You send a mental message to them that you are here to learn – never to harm.
These beings look at you with only mild curiosity.

The path leads you to a clearing in the forest.
The clearing is brightly lit, covered with soft grass and flowers.
In the center of the clearing is a tall, stately tree.
This tree is by far the biggest and tallest you have seen in the forest.
It is obviously the oldest tree here.
It is an imposing presence, but brings you a sense of comfort and safety.
You know that here, no one will hurt you.

From behind the tree comes an old man.
He has a long grey beard and long grey hair.
He is dressed in long, rich green and brown robes.
He walks with a staff – not for support, but more an extension of his arm.
He is a Daghda – god of the forest.
He approaches you and bids you to sit at the base of the tree.
He asks why you are here.
You respond that you are here to learn from the ancient ones of the forest.
He asks if you have a specific question in mind or if you are just interested in learning whatever he feels like teaching.
You respond with what’s in your heart.
He looks you over with a careful and thorough eye.
Then the Daghda begins to talk to you.
You listen carefully and closely, for he is filled with the wisdom of the ages.
Listen and hear the timeless voice of wisdom.

When he is finished, the Daghda bids you farewell.
You thank him for his words of wisdom.
You leave an offering for the Daghda and the tree.
If the Daghda is pleased with your offering, he may invite you to return once again.
Then you turn and walk down the path, back to the river.
As you journey, the creatures of the forest may approach you.
If they do, they walk with you back to the river, singing and dancing, accompanying you on your journey.
When you reach the river, bid the creatures farewell, with peace in your heart.
You then cross the river back to the willow tree.

You can see now that the willow tree marks the boundary of the different realms – the edge between this world and the realm of magic and spirits.
When you reach the willow tree, you gently put your hand on its bark.

You can feel the wisdom and life force of the tree tingling in your fingertips.
The tree tells you that you have stayed too long in this place.
The tree tells you to continue back to your world, but may invite you to visit again later.
Continue walking down the path back to where you started.
With each step you become more aware of your physical body.
You feel the weight of the ground beneath your feet.
You feel the blood flowing through your veins,
You feel your abdomen and lungs expand and contract with each breath.
When you reach the end of the path, you are fully aware of your physical presence.
You return completely to your body.
You move your fingers and toes, your ankles and wrists, legs and arms.
And when you are ready you open your eyes.

Record your experience in your journal.

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