Trees as a symbol

Talking about trees as a symbol is like talking about birds, in that there are some archetypal associations that every tree shares–The Tree of Life, staying rooted while reaching up, family trees. From trees we learn metaphorical lessons, like the idea that if we stay flexible, we’re more likely to bend than break when life’s winds blow through. We live in breathing symbiosis with trees, and we’re becoming more aware, as a species, just how important our co-breathing is. Some among us do their part to bring us back from the brink of habitat destruction by planting trees. I met Marc Ian Barasch through his book Healing Dreams, and I’m grateful that he has launched a program to plant trees in a big way with his Green World Campaign.

Archetypally, trees are also associated with the Axis Mundi, or the axis of the Earth. In many cultures, a particular genus has this association; the Norse ash tree Yggdrasil being a prime example. The Tree of Life or World Tree in many cultures connects Earth with Heaven. Because forests regenerate when left to their own processes, trees are symbolic of eternal life.  I see this as connected to the tree’s symbolism of the family tree as well. We have our roots in our ancestors–more literally than we suspected, as the science of epigenetics is now discovering–and our descendants carry human life forward. While an individual life comes and goes, the whole of our connection to past and present life is the metaphorical tree, eternal and immense. I’ve heard very fruitful dream work around the metaphorical meaning of the family tree when the dream-maker provides this image. Are the branches alive, or cut off or broken? Is the tree healthy? Are the roots deep or shallow?

In addition to the general associations, certain species of trees carry their own meanings. Bristlecone Pines speak of longevity and endurance. Oaks are sturdy and strong, sacred in Celtic traditions, symbolic of masculine strength, thunder and sky gods in others. The Laurel is symbolic of triumph and victory, as a crown of laurel was a symbol of victory for ancient Greeks and Romans, awarded to athletes or military victors. Apple trees evoke both temptation (the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in the Garden of Eden) and fecundity (Johnny Appleseed). Aspens remind me of subconscious connections and the interconnected web of existence, since whole groves of aspens can be one organism.

Tree imagery appears in our language: “Can’t see the forest for the trees,” “Up a tree,” “Money doesn’t grow on trees,” “barking up the wrong tree.” If one of these idioms comes up in association with the dream tree, it’s worth pursuing its meaning further.

Even more specifically, a tree may have special meaning for the dreamer. I can’t consider cottonwoods and weeping willows without thinking of my childhood home. For me, the willow is also a symbol of enduring love, as the giant in the family yard provided the backdrop for my sister’s wedding. Like all dream symbols, when trees appear they bear multiple meanings, and it’s always worth exploring whether the archetypal associations resonate with the dreamer, as well as pursuing more personal associations with trees.

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I consulted J. C. Cooper’s An Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Traditional Symbols and J. E. Cirlot’s A Dictionary of Symbols for this post.