Communicating with Trees

Since there are so many different and unique types of trees, it is important when approaching one to simply start by standing back from it and noticing what it is like and what it is doing. In this way you will have a better idea as to what kind of conversation you could have with the tree and what you may be able to learn from it. For example, if you were to meet a person who is a math professor, you probably wouldn’t start a conversation with them about Shakespearean literature. In the same way, a tree that lives alone at the top of a hill won’t be as insightful about getting along with others as a tree living in the thick forest or grove. A tree living inside the main courtyard of a monastery may have much to say about the people living there, just as an oak living in the wilderness may have a lot to teach about deer and squirrels and birds.

The outwardly manifesting characteristics of the tree will tell a lot about the internal insights and lessons that the tree may have for you, so it is worth the effort to open up to what the physical qualities of the tree are telling you before going into a deeper conversation. Many clues about the personality of the tree can be found by simply noticing the answers to the following questions:

• What social environment does the tree live in? …What influence does the tree’s relationship with other trees have on its personality?
  
• What physical environment does the tree live in? …What has the environment of the tree contributed to its knowledge of the world and the lessons it might share with you?
  
• How has the tree grown? Notice the size and girth of the tree, and the pattern of its growth. What does the tree tell you about its age? Are there any special clues about its life that you can see, like curving of the trunk, growth more toward one direction, attacks by insects, lightning strikes, wind or water patterns? Does it seem like the tree has led a hard or easy life? Is it thriving in its environment or do you think it would be happier living elsewhere? What does the physical growth of the tree tell you about the trials and tribulations of the tree’s life, and how might that affect its personality?
  
• What season is the tree in? Be sure to notice if the tree is without leaves, or is flowering or dropping fruit. Does the tree appear to be busy or resting?
  
• Can you tell what the tree contributes to its community?
  
• What does the species of the tree tell you about it? Certainly an oak or redwood tree will have something different to say than a sassafras or a hawthorn.

From Ecoshamanism, by James Endredy