Together, many trees create an ecosystem that moderates extremes of heat and cold, stores a great deal of water, and generates a great deal of humidity. In this protected environment, trees can live to be very old. To get to this point, the community must remain intact no matter what. If every tree were looking out only for itself, then quite a few of them would never reach old age.
~Peter Wohlleben
Dear Reader,
I have been thinking about trees this week. I always think about trees, but they are up for me more than usual this week. One apparent reason is the amazing color show that has just begun as we enter the fall season. Another reason is that I have welcomed back our homeschool families for a fall-to-spring Growing Together series. We focus on trees in the first two sessions, primarily the slowly maturing tree lines within our transitional habitat or feathered edge. Planted as saplings into protective tubes two years ago, these young trees are ready for wire protective cages, where they can spread their limbs, still protected from deer browsing. In addition to removing the tubes, we will be clearing the rows and sheet mulching. Each row of 6-8 trees will become a guild with support plantings around each trunk. It’s a rewarding project because the change is dramatic and also feels like a graduation for the trees. This week, we worked on the Hornbeam and Hazel rows, two trees that someday will provide buds for essential acute care Gemmo extracts.
Our attention has also shifted to the trees on our homestead acre. With the bit more bandwidth that comes with a third growing season winding down, we are considering the corridors between our hardwood perimeter, our orchard, and our enclosed garden beds. How can we enrich and maintain these areas to support all three ecosystems? We will begin with cutting back, mulching perennial overgrowth, and seeding mixed clovers in early spring.
It's clear to me that we only see part of the story in both of these projects—what’s happening on the surface. While we may be wise to the synergistic work of these trees and plants, we know so little about the deep-rooted, interconnected life below the surface of our soil. Outside of our view is a well-established community that thrives on connectivity. I believe this is actually the theme that is asking for my attention. What lessons can I glean?
Trees are the great connectors, and every single action serves the health and well-being of the soil and its community -the forest. You don’t have to look too hard to find a beautiful book that offers a glimpse into what is known about this subject. Two favorites are To Speak for the Trees and The Hidden Life of Trees. And while losing ourselves in the magnificent magic of tree life is wonderful, it would be a shame if it simply ended there. I believe the trees are the wise elders on our planet, here to remind us of what we have lost: our ability to share resources, support our neighbors, and be of service. They are here as living examples to assist us in finding our way back.
In my dozen years of experimenting with Gemmotherapy, a tree medicine, and sharing my findings, I have examined it through various lenses. One that is coming up for me today is its ability to shift consciousness. What might the Gemmo extracts we take in microdoses for the subtle body be able to offer individuals and the collective in such a time of intense and often frightening polarization? I am more than curious.
If this interests you, please follow the Sun Transit conversations with Human Design Guide Christine Terrell and Developmental Coach Lois McNaughton. Within each chat, I mention one nervous system Gemmo extract that would be particularly supportive during each 5.5 transit. There are still three months to begin an awareness practice and record your daily experience on this calendar. Sunday’s new moon aligns with a new transit ( the gate of determination of self), which seems a perfect time to begin a meaningful daily ritual.
Another way to begin exploring Gemmos is to subscribe to the new Gemmo School, which offers on-demand mini-courses on acute care and the nervous system, a forum, and quarterly live meet-ups. A copy of The Art and Science of Gemmotherapy would be an excellent reference as you begin your journey.
It’s not an either-or situation; you can do both and be part of the change you want to see.
Until next week,
Be sure to catch the latest talk with Astrologer Anastasiia Koryttseva on Libra season that begins Monday, 22 September.
Have you purchased your copy of The Art and Science of Gemmotherapy? You can find it in our Gemmo Store and on Amazon if you are in Europe.
