Peacekeeper Wisdom From White Pine
Last September, I posted a tribute to pine trees in general, and this time of the year when falling temperatures bring that long anticipated chill into the air, I'm especially drawn to them. I appreciate all pines and the cones they gift to us. However, recently I've been guided to take a closer look at one of the more majestic species, the WHITE PINE (Pinus strobus) or Eastern White Pine.
According to the US National Park Service, the White Pine reaches taller than the other species often reaching 150 feet and is considered to be the largest conifer in the northeastern United States. It's also quite hardy and, like most pines, has practical and medicinal properties that have sustained native peoples for centuries.
I'm very fond of the distinctive, long needles that grow in bundles of five. These delicate needles are a pretty, bluish-green in color, but to me they are at their loveliest when dusted with the first snow of the winter season.
Aside from its attractive visual appeal, the White Pine has a notable history of offering medicine that goes beyond physical healing. A little research will tell you that this tree has been labeled the Great Tree of Peace .
Centuries ago, a group of northeastern Native American nations formed a treaty now called the Iroquois Confederacy that would diminish the recurring conflicts that persisted among them. One version of the story has it that members of several tribes met for this purpose under a White Pine, while another says that they planted one to mark their sacred and enduring agreement.
Either way, this tree continues to serve as what story teller Laurel Wauters also refers to as a Peacemaker, one that encourages us to put aside our differences and make clearheaded decisions. Herbalist and plant spirit healer Lisa Estabrook writes that the White Pine allows us to feel "safe, grounded and still". She also writes that the spirit of this tree brings us Wisdom. Adopting an agreement of peace and diplomacy as these native tribes once did might go a long way in resolving a lot of today's global discord!
If you want to delve deeper into the physical and spiritual medicine of this iconic tree, l suggest this extensive online article by contemporary druid Dana O'Driscoll. What impresses me is how she explores the peace honoring nature of the White Pine on different levels-- internal, external and ecological. Aside from discussing its many traditional uses for physical healing, she notes how this tree has helped replenish land that has been affected by human disregard and lack of reverence, and she describes her own experience when seeking its message of hope:
Often on damaged lands, even if no other spirits or trees are open to communication, the White Pine will be the intermediary. When I first went to speak to the spirits of the land on my old homestead in Michigan, the spirits were angry at having the land so mistreated. The only tree that would speak to me was a towering White Pine in the middle of the land–this tree taught me much about how to build a relationship with the land, do repair work, and cultivate peace between us.
Organizations like A Living Tribute have answered the call of these damaged forests by replanting them one seedling at a time. This photo is from a collection of pictures sent to me illustrating the work they are doing in forest restoration. I'm not sure which area this is from, but it looks to me like a White Pine seedling that has begun to take root.
It may be some years before this little guy reaches adulthood, but here's a time lapsed video that expedites the process in eight seconds. If only it would happen this quickly!
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:
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For now, here's wishing you wellness, wisdom and bloomin' vibes!
Excellent reminder of our pine friends. I have always found comfort with pine trees. Thank you!