The previous blogs you can find in Archives.

Well here it is, my spooky but I hope an interesting blog. I have always been interested in ghosts – I think I have every ghost book available that doesn’t replicate information. I have never been frightened, only fascinated as aged five or so I used to play with a poltergeist! We named him (it) George and we’d laugh as the beds rattled – I thought it was like being on a rodeo horse! We’d clap when the doors banged shut and play hide and seek with the objects that went missing. “George has hidden them again – lets go and look etc”

I ‘knew’ when ghosts were around and I was always sensitive to places and people and as I grew older I’d be asked to visit places to try and talk to the spirits and find out what the problem was. If there was one, I’d help them find a solution that helped them move on. If they were happy to stay, I didn’t interfere, I respect them and they appreciate that.

I met some odd characters along the way and many with a sad story to tell, but some made me laugh. 

And so, as you can see in this very brief outline of my life, ghosts and spirits have played a major role in my life and continue to do so. Our home is visited every day and orbs are seen in every photograph taken.

 I know there are countless articles and websites and blogs committed to this, however I thought I’d put my own two penny worth in and see where it leads. So come with me on my journey and I hope you find something that will interest you, make you think, spark up a discussion or just make you smile ♥

P.J Roscoe

Trees

When you think of a tree what is it that is conjured inside your head? Is it a large gnarled oak with a rough trunk twice the size of any man, with green branches reaching forever outwards? Perhaps lean, silver trunks with silvery leaves that seem to chatter to the wind as it races past? Do you think of fruit bearing trees scattered throughout an orchard or willowy wisps of tendrils that blow gently in the breeze and tickle the earth beneath it?

A single tree or vast forests, trees have been a huge part of our lives since the dawn of man. First we lived in them, then we used it for fuel and to build our homes and tools. Without trees, we would die – simple fact. They are our lungs that also balance the atmosphere, the weather, the climate. Trees are energy, connecting to earth and reaching to sky, they receive everything in-between, every experience and memory.

Throughout our history, people have believed that trees are gateways to other worlds, doors to a different consciousness, holders of memory and wisdom  and we have honoured them with gifts. Those who follow the oldest belief system, the origin of Christianity – Paganism, use wood for their wands, their runes, their goblets, their alter to help them connect with the elders and gain tree wisdom.

Who has hugged a tree, or sit beneath one and not felt it’s energy? There is nothing more wonderful than to connect with a tree. I have many that I watch throughout the year and touch as I walk past to feel that ‘connection’, I am also drawn to ‘dead’ trees as the one above, but it is the mighty ‘Oak’ that I am drawn to and have grown my own oak tree from collected acorns.

‘It is wise to listen to the trees, for they tell us much that we might otherwise forget.’ 2^nd century Roman author, Tacitus.

If single trees were considered powerful, can you imagine how a whole wood or forest felt like? Druids were able to tap into this power and knowledge as they congregated in sacred groves and sense the echoes of the past, present and future, held within the trees. Every Celtic tribe had a sacred grove, a meeting place marked by either a single tree or a stone marker. ‘It is the centre of their whole religion. It is regarded as the cradle of the race and dwelling place of their supreme god.’ Tacitus.

Slowly, over time, it became known that each tree held different energies and had particular functions. The yew, the trees that seemed to last forever, were considered wise as they were closest to the gods, hence many are found in Christian church yards to help ease those who have passed. At least six yews in Great Britain still exist from thousands of years ago. The birch is considered a pure tree and is useful in guarding against evil. Willow bark is a healing tree and an oak is strong.

It is impossible to talk about trees and not to mention ‘The Green Man’. He is the god of the wood, of nature and earth. He dwells within the trees and comes in many disguises. We see the green man in all folklore and stories passed down through the centuries. Robin Hood, a man with morals who lives within the green, helping those who cannot help themselves. The Ents, in Tolkien’s, Lord of the Rings, he is the ‘Wild Hunt’ in faerie folklore, he is the ‘hooded huntsman’ who wanders the woods protecting nature.

Trees and their wisdom.

Birch – A good beginning leads to a good conclusion

Rowan – Safe in the knowledge of protection

Alder – Defence keeps clear the territory

Willow – From harmony comes inspiration

Ash – Strength grows from deep roots

Hawthorn – Challenge opens the way before us

Oak – No one knows their fate

Holly – Energy fuels every action

Hazel – Seek wisdom in the depths

Apple – Vision lights the way ahead

Blackberry – Gather in what is dearest to you

Ivy – Strength comes from accepting support

Fern – Truth is the preserver of life

Blackthorn – Magic is everywhere

Elder – From sacrifice comes restoration

Scots Pine – Seek an overview

Gorse – Fertility wakes a fire in the mind

White Poplar – Animation is the pulse of life

Yew – Perseverance leads to achievement

Aspen – Gathered strength is strongest

Spindle – Destiny moves us to do great things

Honeysuckle – Wisdom hides in secret places

Beech – What lies beyond the threshold?

Taken from ‘The Green Man Tree Oracle’, by John Mathews

I would suggest closing your eyes and taking some deep breaths and when ready move your finger over the list on the screen and stop when ready. Whatever you’re closest to, even if it is more than one, know it is for you. If trees resonate with you, I would suggest purchasing this book and oracle cards – the wisdom and information is impressive.

So, although this blog is not spooky, though a wood after dark can be quite scary!! I urge you to connect with trees. Find one that grabs your attention. Sit beneath it or on it and breathe deeply. You many begin to feel a connection and ask it questions and listen to the answers that form in your head. Look after that tree and others. Clear rubbish, don’t carve into it or break off healthy branches. Talk to the tree sprites and leave them edible offerings or things that won’t infect the earth. I see people leaving ribbons and ties and bunches of flowers still left in the plastic wrapping – leave flowers, take away the plastic. Use your own strands of hair to leave as offerings, not ribbons or ties. Leave things personal to you that has your energy and see the difference. I occasionally offer strands of my hair which I plait (No more than a few strands by the way – not handfuls!!) as thanks for something achieved.

I look forward to hearing your tree experiences.

Blessings

Paula