A Tribute to Pine Trees
- Linda Crider
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
When it comes to choosing a "favorite" tree, I'm kinda stumped. It's not just because I can't decide, but because it's a tough call. I'm partial to all things made of oak, and I'm especially drawn to Birch and Aspen groves. I also find Weeping Willows to have a whimsical and mystical appeal. But if pressed, I would have to zero in on PINE trees.
I know I'm not alone in this. There are over 130 known species of pines that are found all over the world. They are considered the most easily recognizable trees, and nature lovers have long revered them for their calming presence as well as the refreshing scent that is both invigorating and grounding.
On a metaphysical or spiritual level, the pine is a symbol of longevity. After delving more deeply into the significance of this tree I learned about "Methuselah." This ancient and quite remarkable Great Basin Bristlecone pine is now considered to be the oldest non-clonal living tree. She was discovered and analyzed in the mid 1950's by a dendro-chronologist from the University of Arizona, Edmund Schulman, who used something called an "increment borer" to determine her age as just under 5,000 years old.
Methuselah's exact location is kept under wraps by the US Forest Service to protect this botanical elder from vandalism and over zealous tourists. But from what I could determine, she thrives in the white mountains of California.
It's estimated that this tree began germinating before the Egyptian pyramids were built. Her now legendary age marks her as quite a survivor! Other similar Pines such as Nevada's Prometheus tree is said to have lived almost as long.
If a tree can be credited with such a longevity, think of what having Pine as a personal ally might do for your resilience, endurance and overall health!
I've mentioned medical botanist Diana Beresford-Kroger in one of my previous posts, and her name comes up here as well. According to Diana, a natural and inexpensive way for women to boost their immunity and avoid cancer is to make it a monthly practice to spend 20 - 30 minutes walking in a circle around a pine tree wearing minimal clothing. She explains that this allows the healing medicine of the tree to be absorbed through the skin and into the system. (Men are recommended to do the same around a Sequoia tree...watch this space).
On an emotional level, UK physician Dr. Edward Bach included the plant essence of the
Scots Pine in his 38 Flower Remedy healing system. Using his own intuitive method, he discovered that the vibrational frequency of Pine would assist those suffering from an exaggerated sense of guilt that could manifest as a pattern of self reproach. The essence of Pine can restore emotional balance to avoid carrying such a heavy burden that could zap one's energy.
Capturing the characteristic scent of Pine as an essential oil can be tricky as I have found that some attempts remind me of certain forms of cleaning products. In my experience, it seems that nothing can surpass the real thing. I have a low growing, shrubby Pine in my front yard, and I can't resist squeezing its small piney tips to release the sticky but uplifting resin. I also have an obsession for collecting stray pine cones that I notice (or they notice me) on hikes and local walks and displaying them both inside and outside the house.
While I was in the middle of writing this post, I came across a noteworthy poetic appeal to the Pine quite by "accident"(which of course was no accident at all!). According to American anthropologist Gladys A. Reichard, the following prayer was chanted as the final act of a Navajo "Shootingway" ceremony meant to assist in healing illnesses caused by snakes, arrows, and lightening. The following words were repeated four times in front of a carefully chosen young Pinyon:
Dark young pine at the center of the earth originating,
I have made your sacrifice.
Whiteshell, turquoise, abalone beautiful.
Jet beautiful, fool's gold beautiful, blue pollen beautiful,
reed pollen, pollen beautiful, your sacrifice I have made.
This day your child I have become, I say.
Watch over me.
Hold your hand before me in protection.
Stand guard for me, speak in defense of me.
As I speak for you, speak for me.
As you speak for me, so will I speak for you.
May it be beautiful before me.
May it be beautiful behind me,
May it be beautiful below me,
May it be beautiful above me,
May it be beautiful all around me.
I am restored in beauty.
I am restored in beauty.
I am restored in beauty.
I am restored in beauty.
You can see why I wanted to share this humble request made in ceremonial space by indigenous medicine people as they reach out to a singular Pine tree. It perfectly illustrates a way of connecting to a tree or plant by offering gifts of the earth while asking its spirit for protection and healing assistance!!
As always, thanks for letting me share my thoughts and journey with you. I welcome your input, so if you want to submit a comment, scroll down to the bottom of this post. If you are interested in booking a personal session, you can do this here:
You can also contact me via email at: my.plant.allies@gmail.com
For now, here's wishing you wellness, wisdom and bloomin' vibes!
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