In a fun filled approach this book is a beginner's reflection of the myths and stories from the trees and the cultures that integrate with them. Passing old and new stories to all generations from both ancient and modern times perhaps with an occasional "aha" moment. It is a look at old enemies and new ones; traditional industry and development and the new onslaught of insects or un-welcomed plants that rapidly change the environment.
Trees have provided for humans, fairies, gnomes and others from mysterious realms. They continue to act as doorways or portals though the places of passages are dwindling. But as humans we can help them to come back or create new ones. The stories and knowledge presented in this book and the following series will help to enliven the spirit to find or create new portals. We are stewards of each other and helping each other keeps the magic afloat. Though these writings you may be reminded of what was in the past and to what the future can bring. By walking thru the woods with new eyes and maybe old eyes that are a remembrance of a favorite tree story we can stand in amazement once again amongst saplings and ancient elders asking to be heard and willing to hear, integrating all the realms.
This introductory book will provide some of the magical properties that surround trees and how to understand them. Using stories, myths and science from ancient to modern time pieces of the puzzles around trees can be identified and understood. Here we see the complexity of the Greeks, Egyptians and Japanese nature cultures and their intricate structure of tree nymphs, gods and goddess that integrated with their surrounding environments.
The glimpse of tree spirituality from across the globe provides an introduction to the myths, cultures and trees in regional locations to entire cultural experiences. It is the author's hope that this offering provides an introduction of why trees are and have been revered in certain areas, what they do for the earth and even more importantly how other realms interact with trees and humans to becoming part of local knowledge.
Did you know that trees were seasonal markers? They were considered so significant that calendars, alphabets and healing properties were assigned to them. Marking both physical and invisible crossroads, trees have been used to show the path. They have been foundational structures, creating physical archways or distinctive paths for the traveler. In their way trees are the keepers of time, when allowed to age they share those stories from around the world with each other and those who can hear them speak. As we honor and appreciate them, they become sacred.
This series aims to help bring us back to our center, honoring the natural seasonal changes, lore, powers, attributes, and more. To describe the interaction of trees with one's spirit is a personal journey but their habitat they provide impacts everyone and all realms. As the 21st century progresses with invasive plants and insects and changing climates what does this mean to ancient stories? What new stories are coming about for the future generations? How are those stories shared or integrated into new knowledge. Let's embark on this journey together integrating tree energy and knowledge from a time when trees and forests were thought to be inhabited by spirits and divine beings and go forward.
DJ MacPherson is an experienced horticulturist and information technologist with more than 20 years of experience in both fields. She is forever learning and calls herself an educational junkie; she constantly explores, utilizes techniques and studies from both disciplines.
DJ loves to explore the history and myths of gardens, plants and sacred spaces. Why are they important to people, what activities makes them special places, and can they be preserved? Her journey today consists of owning a business called Silver Thread Gardens, where she partners with clients to restore and create sacred spaces. Through this she has woven technical and practical expertise and mythology into the clients' personal spaces. She enjoys partnering with others to bring forth the value of nature to their world.
Her philosophy is that "gardens weave themselves through the fabric of our lives." As gardens and plants evolve and change, so do their caretakers. They constantly teach us about themselves and ourselves.
The constant educator, Darcy is a big fan of trees and has participated on local tree boards while working to develop and understand the dynamics of the urban canopy and urban forest management. She is engaged in public policy, the promotion of tree stewardship, and the overall health of the planet.
