The Roots

As a kid growing up, each member of my family had a tree in the back yard planted in their honour.

My dad’s tree was a Ginkgo. Beautiful and unlike any other in our garden. Slender, yet strong, smooth branches, slowly changing from velvet green leaves in spring to golden yellow in autumn, and then bare and naked in winter. 

I loved this tree as a kid.

As an adult I grew to understand its wisdom, as I grew to understand my own.

I always have leaves from my dad's tree around me. Even now… a few in the car, many on my altar, as bookmarks, on my desk at work. They are never far away.

When my parents moved house, the 30 year old ginkgo made the move as well. Just a baby in ginkgo time, a mature tree can live to be thousands of years old. It adapted to its new home well, under the love and care of my father.

So this wise tree guide is still in my life, growing slowly with gentle wisdom.

In many religions the Ginkgo is an ancient symbol of physical and spiritual nourishment, transformation, liberation, union and fertility. In old folk stories it is said to be the home of spirits. In Japanese culture the leaves carry a meaning of courage, persistence and strength.

To me ginkgo represents strength, wisdom, my ancestry and blood lines, the seasons and above all connection to self, community and the earth.

And the velvety green leaves… are so soothing to the touch and to the soul!