Bark Code
Tree bark is a quiet, noble facade that is the skin of a whole world underneath.
Bark is the tree's art of war. The Art of War is used to protect peace, whether personal, tribal, flora or fauna. The bark can tell us much about the tree inside if we make it important. Or if we limit our awareness to simply the exterior it can likely emphasize what we already think.
Like bark, our skin, hair, eyes indicate something about our genes and culture but little about our desire, insight, talents and connection.
What tree do you identify with? What tree traits do you feel you could integrate into your perceptions?
Can you use the Bark Code as a form of appreciation for the complexity and harmony each life carries?
THE WEEPING WILLOW -
The weeping willow is a sweeping, weeping dramatic fountain of yellow branches and slender leaves. Like the Grand Canyon is to the Mojave and Sonoran deserts so are the ridges on the trunk of an old, graceful willow. This bark has been used for millennia to ease headache, back pain and inflammation.
A willow is willing. It is one of the first trees to sprout leaves in the spring that help it grow 4 feet a year as a young tree.
Osiris, the Egyptian god of the underworld and said to be the power behind the flow and floods of the Nile, was found/born in a clump of willows.
As a material Willow is a light weight hardwood with a trait of shock resistance but at the same time not too strong. In symbology willows represent the capacity to handle deep and difficult emotions. Their roots aggressively search out water which makes sense because they thrive close to rivers.
While the branches are weak and the tree susceptible to insect plagues the roots are tough, tenacious and resourceful to secure minerals for life.
In full summer they provide a cool canopy that seams to rain shade where you can sit, dream and bathe within their umbrage.
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