pine tree – Wild Fen

Hello Wild Soul,

As the Wheel of the Year reaches Samhain, I wanted to introduce you to two very special trees that have been guiding me lately and whose symbolism may speak to us as we move into the dark half of the year here in the Northern hemisphere.

In a recent post on Instagram, I talked about how experiencing a sense of awe has been shown to have a positive impact on our physical and emotional wellbeing along with our relationships.

The Autumn, feels like the perfect time to connect with a sense of awe whether it is gazing up at a starry sky, catching a misty sunrise or watching the woodland transform in front of our eyes. I experienced a sense of awe on a walk beneath some mighty Pine trees last week and I wanted to share a little more about this wonderful evergreen with you.

Scots Pine

Scots Pine is the most widespread variety of Pine in the world and is the only Pine native to the UK, although other species grow happily here including the Corsican or Black Pine that is predominantly grown for timber.

Scots Pine was one of the pioneer trees that first returned to Britain after the last Ice age, moving northwards where it formed the vast Caledonian forest in Scotland. Some remnants of this forest still remain today and protects an array of iconic wildlife including red squirrels, cross bills, and pine martens.

Their vast height and fresh resinous scent encourages us to look upwards, take a deep breath and open our mind and lungs. Being in their presence can help us to move from our busy minds and into the present moment. To experience reality with a fresh outlook and calmer sense of being.

Evergreens have been celebrated through the dark months since antiquity and Pine groves were especially important to the druids, who would decorate them around the time of the Winter Solstice.

To me, they are important to visit often through the cold months where I most appreciate their green, their freshness and the awe they inspire in me. Tell me, have you visited a Pine forest lately?

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Blackthorn

Blackthorn are small but mighty trees often found growing as part of hedgerows and boundaries. They are steeped in folklore and hold strong associations to the dark months on the year and the waning moon cycle. Their sharp thorns and dense thicket like growth are both protective to the wildlife who live and shelter within them yet attacking to those whom it prevents from entering.

According to Celtic myth, the Cailleach (goddess of the Winter) beat her blackthorn staff on the ground around the time of Samhain ushering in Winter across the land.

Interestingly, Blackthorn is also the first tree to come into blossom at the end of Winter, providing a crucial early nectar source for insects and bringing a sense of hope that Spring will return to the land once again.

I often think of Blackthorn as a wise Elder that guides us with implementing the boundaries needed to protect our tender inner worlds, just as they protect wildlife. Their energy can guide us through the dark months and offer glimmers of hope that the wheel will turn once more towards Spring.