An old-growth tree is one of the most precious living things to behold on this green earth. I used to work for the U.S. Forest Service in Northern California in the early 1980's and paused in wonder upon arriving to an old-growth forest. These trees were in constant danger of being cut down by loggers or destroyed by raging forest fires. Old-growth trees speak to us. They resonate a profound sense of root-groundedness and also an alignment with heavenly influence. Coming away, we feel a deep sense of balance.
We live in the Present Moment with the tree, in full realization that she has witnessed human celebration, tragedy and floods, earthquakes and other natural catastrophes. These trees are witnesses to earthly events, as well as to celestial magic, angelic protection and the fairy, wind and gnome beings who industriously work on behalf of these trees to promote long, long life and prosperity beyond comprehension.
The Angel Oak lives near Charlestown, South Carolina, where I went to meet my friend Joan Adams in April of 2010 for the last Tate Family Reunion. Once we got to the tree, she commanded our mindful-presence for an hour-long meditation.
The Angel Oak is 65-feet high and 25.5-feet around. She gives 17,000-square feet of shade. Her largest limb is 11.5-feet long with a circumference of 89 feet. Now THIS is a tree with presence, an awakened soul. She is 1500-years-old, reportedly the oldest living entity east of the Rocky Mountains. The oldest California Redwood is 2200-years-young.
We are aware that we dwarf in comparison to her almighty wing-spread – for she is an angel with wings. She also reminds me of an elephant with multiple trunks spreading out everywhere! She is Ganesh personified –from the Hindu God, Ganesha!
Ganesha is the Lord of Success in Hindu Religion. He is also the destroyer of evils and obstacles. All of Ganesha's trunks represent OM, the sound and vibration of Cosmic Reality. In fact, the wind rustling through the branches of the Angel Oak sounds like the energy of OM.
The Angel Oak also reminds me of the Bodhi Tree, where Buddha received enlightenment. I can imagine sitting at the base of that beautiful tree and waiting for the feeling of total oneness with “all” to overtake me. I can imagine it because it is happening to me now. The tree reminds me of an awakening. As soon as I see her, I just know that life as humans knows it is totally insignificant.
Noticing the tree, then being drawn into her vortex, is a gift beyond comprehension. In her magnificence, the falling away of all lower energies such as greed, hate and delusion is immediately experienced. All the higher energies of love, joy and heightened awareness – the ultimate liberation – is all pervading and gently guides us today.
We are awakened today. We are successful today. May all of these energies guide us on our way? May we be free of the past? May we be blessed by the future? May all of us be free of suffering?
I am thinking about my favorite tree today. Do all of us have favorite trees that speak to us every day or in memory? Let us know what you experience! OM