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MONTEREY PINE (Pinus radiata)
Key: Connectedness
During the Ice Age, pines grew in the southern parts of North America. When the ice melted, a few small pockets remained only on the Monterey peninsula in California where it is a low-growing, win-blown tree. Monterey pine was introduced to Britain in 1833. Here it grows rapidly. With dense triple needles of grass green and the ability to thrive in salt and windy exposed locations at low altitudes, it quickly became established as a windbreak.
In Britain the tree can grow twice as fast as normal, sometimes throughout the whole year, and has reached a height of over 180 ft. In spring male flowers are found in long spikes at the base of new shoots, heavy with yellow pollen. Female flowers are red-brown and found at the tops of new shoots. The ripened cones can remain on the tree for up to 30 years.
Monterey pine helps the removal of deep stresses from the system – particularly those relating to speaking out against perceived injustices and the failure to speak out when necessary. It becomes easier to be happy in one’s own company and self-sufficient.
There is an increasing sense of purpose and ease with the self and the surroundings. A calm and clarity reaches the emotions.
There is a sense of physical well-being – getting in touch with the body. There is an increased confidence in the physical body.
Subtle perceptive abilities are enhanced with the possibility of past-life information and an increased understanding of ideas, concepts and other energy planes.
The release of deep-seated stresses help to promote self-expression and artistic creativity, so this essence can be useful when there are artistic blocks. The new flow of energy brings a sense of deep peace and connectedness to everything. There is a balance between active and passive modes of behaviour, between aggression and submission and between male and female polarities.
With increased self-expression there is a release of pressure from the solar plexus and gut areas. This extra confidence relaxes preconceptions and rigidity of beliefs and so allows clearer evaluation of the importance and relevance of any information and thought patterns emerging from the deep mind.
Signature: The ability to survive and thrive in many different conditions. The clouds of yellow pollen: relaxation, generosity, fecundity.
Fast growth and retention of cones: security, control, confidence.
Comment: Pines are quite difficult to distinguish from each other—particularly when young. Look out for the bright green needles of Monterey pine in groups of three, and the very dense foliage.
Pine is known to activate the brow chakra and subtle energy channels. Gurudas suggests the following: take the essence and meditate with eyes closed on something known to have an auric field, allowing your imagination to stimulate the brow chakra. Visualise a clear and beautiful blue eye in the centre of the forehead opening up to look around.
Essence or resin can be rubbed on the centre of the forehead to help balance its activation. This can be augmented with frankincense and myrrh which have similar effects.