GIANT REDWOOD (GIANT SEQUOIA, WELLINGTONIA) (Sequoiadedron giganteum)
Key: Weight of responsibility.
This tree, native only to the inland slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in central California, is the largest tree in the world. The circumference of the base of the trunk can reach 200ft. Younger trees have characteristic downswept branches that are usually shed in mature trees of well over 3,000 years old. It has a deep green, rounded crown of scaly, sharp-pointed leaves growing to 250 ft. Flowers are small cone-like developments on branch endings.
Discovered in 1853, the first seeds were sent to Britain in 1853, the year the Duke of Wellington died. Disease resistant and wind-firm, it quickly became a feature of estates and gardens.
Giant redwood essence helps to balance, tone and relax the muscles of the abdomen and pelvic regions. It can also help the circulation in the hands and feet.
The Bladder meridian is brought to a better balance helpful to identify direction in life; the Lung meridian is helped to increase tolerance; the Gall Bladder to increase the sense of love and forgiveness. It thus helps those who can be too hard on themselves and on others.
Activity is focused at the sacral and throat chakras. Relaxation that allows energy to flow and clear decisions to be made. An increase of flexibility in methods of communication and a greater moderation and appreciation of personal desires, both in oneself and others.
There is a greater chance of balancing human and spiritual values, and of balancing relationship of self to the outside world. Whether this concerns over-involvement with others or an inability to share giant redwood will achieve a workable balance that reduces the stress of such situations.
The mental body is cleared of blocks to creativity and to understanding. Fixed, outmoded belief systems, which tend to create frozen or fixed muscle tension, are eased and so the muscles are helped to relax.
Signature: The ability of older trees to lose unnecessary weight by shedding lower branches.