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PERSIAN IRONWOOD (Parrotia persica)
Key: Alienation.
Persian ironwood is a small native tree of the Caucasus mountains and northern Iran. It forms dense thickets of interlacing stems and branches, often fusing together. It can grow to 60 feet but usually only 25 feet in Britain. Persian ironwood is the only member of its genus, though it has features similar to the witch-hazel family. It flowers early in the year, usually January, producing dense clusters of red stamens upon the branches. It is planted as an ornamental for its plane-like bark, autumn foliage of golden-crimson red and the early show of flowers. When in leaf it can resemble a somewhat large-leaved beech, though it has a much greater density of branches. The wood is so hard as to be unworkable.
Persian ironwood is essentially grounding, earthing and energising in its functions. The essence increases the sense of security and emotional stability, especially when dealing with strong drives and emotions.
There is a greater recognition and understanding of one’s intuitive faculties and, as a result, an increased sense of peace and joy as the mental functions become more integrated.
At an emotional level, the energising influence enables a greater expression of harmony, love and non-aggression. After all, negative emotions and reactions arise from fears that have their basis in self-doubt and insecurity. When one knows that one is invincible there can be no enemy and no fear.
On very fine levels of energy this tree helps to link to the super-consciousness of the planetary energies as a whole. This is not quite the same as attunement to the earth as a planet, but more as if it were a link to the higher self, or the potential future self of Mother Earth. With this link there comes a strong sense of being connected, a new sense of self, and an influx of joy and happiness. It is as if we saw a glimpse of a future beyond our dreams, knew that we were a part of it and knew that we were totally, completely safe there.
On physical levels Persian ironwood may have a significant role in bringing subtle energies for change into the molecular structures of the cell. Certainly it is deeply energising and as such it will tend to activate self-healing processes. As the energies of Persian ironwood ground, as it were, the energies of the future into the present, were genetic changes likely to be of use to the individual, this essence might help initiate the process.
Signature: the convoluted, pipe-like branches, their intergrowth and the flowers sprouting straight from the branches.
Comment: Where there is chronic energy drain, such as in ME and with those who are too “open” to subtle vibrations causing emotional or physical imbalance, this tree works well. It has also been used to great effect to help those recovering from involvement in natural disasters, such as earthquakes. It helps re-establish confidence in the solidity of the planet.