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Have you ever heard of thetree of Life ? It is very likely since it has always existed and is represented everywhere. Maybe you even own something with this emblem.
But do you really know what it means, what is its origin? He can have real power over you and help you find your way to happiness.
So read these few lines to better understand the history of this powerful symbol (and to sleep less stupid tonight).
What is the tree of life?
The tree of life is a universal representation, a spiritual symbol powerful used in many countries which evokes the creation of mankind. Religion, philosophy, science, mythology, it is present in various fields and we have heard about it for millennia.
It refers to the process of life with its roots embedded in the ground and its foliage reaching up to the sky. It is the cycle of life, from birth to death, then rebirth.
It changes with the seasons and can take different forms. Animals such as birds or reptiles can also be associated with the mythical tree of life. Depending on the different beliefs, several interpretations are possible.
Present in many religions
The tree of life is present everywhere but it does not mean exactly the same thing according to religions.
In the Christianity, we find it in the Garden of Eden with another tree, that of the knowledge of good and evil. The tree of life represents immortality. When Adam and Eve make the mistake of taking the forbidden fruit, they now become mortal.
In L’Islam, it also represents eternal life in the midst of Paradise.
In the Judaism, he is famous in esotericism. The kabbalistic tree of life (1) represents the laws of the universe. IT is formed of 10 sephiroth (spheres), worlds, veils, pillars and paths. It’s all a bit complex, I’ll grant you that.
In L’Hinduism, it is also called Ashvatta, it is an inverted tree, that is to say that the roots are in the sky and the branches sink under the earth. It is related to the fig tree (Ficus Religiosa).
In the Buddhism, it is better known under the name of the tree of the awakening (the Bodhi). It is also a fig tree (Ficus Bengalensis). This is where the story of Buddha began, he awakened under this tree and sat there for a long time to meditate.
Beliefs around the world
Since the dawn of time, people around the world have believed in this fascinating tree of life. In many traditions and cultures (2), it is the object of diverse and varied beliefs:
- chinese mythology : the sacred tree, the “Kien-Mou”, has several lives. It connects the 9 sources to the 9 heavens. Thus, rulers move between earth and sky.
- Greek mythology : Heracles (or Hercules), hero of ancient Greece, has for mission to recover golden apples in the garden of the Hesperides.
- native american mythology : More recently, the sacred tree has become a miraculous cure for a disease called scurvy. Thanks to him, Jacques Cartier’s crew members were rescued.
- egyptian mythology : it is also the acacia of “Saosis”. Isis and Osiris, king and queen of ancient Egypt, came out of this magical tree.
- celtic mythology : The “Celtic Tree Of Life” is an important esoteric symbol for this people. This one, having the habit of meeting in the forest, always kept a large tree in the center, representative of the connection between the earth and the sky.
- Nordic mythology : Called “Yggdrasil”, this majestic tree is an ash tree which is made up of 9 worlds and which is home to many animals.
Powerful symbols
The tree of life represents a multitude of symbols:
- nature : it brings together the 4 elements: water, fire, air and earth.
- wisdom : it represents calm and peace by keeping your feet on the ground and turning to the spiritual side of the soul. He lives a very long time like the old sages.
- creation : born by the “Creator” in all beliefs, he has existed since the dawn of time, the image of the origins of life.
- renaissance : the change of seasons, the leaves which fall, the branches which break, the fruits which appear, etc, it is the cycle of the life and the regeneration.
- personal development : just like the tree, the human being evolves and grows. He looks to the future (the sky) while keeping his past (the roots). The path is different for each individual.
- generosity : it gives without counting: flowers, fruits, wood, sap. He sends a message of kindness.
- protected : it protects us and we feel safe under its branches. We are sheltered from the wind, heat and rain (but not from the storm!). The animals feel good there.
- strength : it is the biggest and the strongest of the forest. Anchored deep in the ground, its trunk is imposing.
- beauty : with its long branches, its leaves that change color and its power, it symbolizes both male beauty and female elegance.
- family : the powerful bonds which unite the members of the same family are represented by the branches which intertwine and which grow. You can make the connection with the family tree.
The animals in the tree of life also have meaning. All forms of life are linked together and each must live in harmony with the other.
How to draw your tree of life?
Have you ever wondered if you are happy? What if you needed to change something? If your life would have been better if you had done this or that? Don’t answer me no, I won’t believe you.
Everyone has necessarily asked the question at least once in their life and it is quite normal. Taking stock is necessary to move forward, which is why I suggest that you draw your tree of life(3).
Used in therapy (but not only), it allows you to take stock of your life, to take stock of your strengths and weaknesses, to give yourself the means to succeed and why not to change your destiny. The point is to represent your life, it is its perfect reflection.
Before you start, calm down, have some free time in front of you (no crying child or a husband doing crafts). We can divide this work into 5 steps.
Step 1: reflection
Ask yourself the right questions and write everything down on a sheet (I recommend the large format, you will have things to say).
What is your current life, what makes you in a good mood and, on the contrary, makes you sad? How did you get there? What would you like ? Are you comfortable with your job?
How do you relate to your family? Are you ready to make any concessions? Etc.
Separate your questions into several parts (professional, family, well-being and others).
Step 2: the list
Write a list of your strengths and weaknesses. Be as objective as possible. Very often, we have a slight tendency to devalue ourselves (just a little bit) or, on the contrary, to smooth things over (you are not at a job interview!).
You are alone facing your paper so let go.
Step 3: ambitions
Make a list of what you would like to accomplish in the future. Write your wishes and your expectations while keeping in mind that this is your list and that it is only for you. Try to find a balance between ambition and realism.
Then you can separate short term and long term goals.
Step 4: imagination
Imagine that your wishes have come true and that you have achieved your goals. What would your life be like then? How would you feel? Who will be the important people in your life at this time? Write down all of your answers.
Step 5: the drawing
Print or draw your own tree of life. On the roots, write your thoughts, emotions and strengths. On the trunk, your skills and knowledge. On the branches, your actions and aspirations.
Large branches represent the long term and small ones represent the short term. Finally, on the top, write your life after your wishes are fulfilled.
After this, you should see it more clearly. Feel free to modify it as you see fit.
When the tree of life comes into our daily lives
A true spiritual symbol, the tree of life has become a powerful emblem, a philosophical concept used in many fields.
In therapy
Therapists, coaches and other wellness teachers allude to this mystical tree. The metaphor is well chosen since the body joins the spirit. Drawing your tree of life is moreover a work often required in psychoanalysis.
In sophrology, the tree is frequently mentioned to make you feel all parts of your body.
In the Kabbalah religion, the sephiroth or the 10 spheres (I’ll spare you the names of each one) are sources of energy connected to each other and which corresponds to a part of the human body. The idea is that each thing generates another.
We find the same principle of energy circulation in yoga with the 7 chakras(4), in China with chi or even in Japan with Ki.
In jewelry and various objects
A real lucky charm on a piece of jewelry or other object, the tree of life is a rich symbol conveying a message of love, strength, wisdom or protection. Gifting a piece of jewelry with this emblem is full of emotions.
The person you give it to means a lot to you. Following a particular event such as a birth, it can be engraved with the first names of family members.
And if you notice correctly, it also appears on the 1 and 2 € coins.
In art
In the art world, he influences many artists. In painting with the work of the Austrian Gustav Klimt in 1909 or in several sculptures exhibited around the world.
You can also see its representation on the stained glass windows of the Saint-Nazaire basilica in Carcassonne or in Otranto, Italy.
Have you seen the movie “The Tree of Life“(5) released in 2011? But yes, you know, with Brad Pitt. It is the cinematic interpretation of this supreme symbol.
Conclusion
That’s it, you know everything about the tree of life. So you have understood that this is a myth that has endured for millennia.
All over the world, it is a spiritual and philosophical representation of rebirth and personal development but which differs according to beliefs.
Jewelry, art, therapy, the concept has developed. The tips for drawing your tree of life will allow you to approach your future more serenely.
There are also other ways to deepen the pursuit of well-being, but that is another story.