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RED OAK (Quercus rubra)
Key: Practical support
The red oak is one of the largest deciduous trees in eastern North America. Mature trees grow to 90ft. (27m) with a girth of six to nine feet. The seedlings are the fastest growing of all the oaks – between 7-10ft.(3m) in five years. The leaves are characteristically oak-shaped but with sharp-pointed tips turning a red-orange brown in autumn. The catkins appear with the bright yellow new leaves and when fertilised the fruit forms acorns that take two years to ripen. The first recorded tree in England is in 1739, though here it rarely lives above 200 years.
The quality of red oak is energising and practical for the mind. It encourages exploration of practical or physical techniques with which to expand self-awareness, such as hatha yoga, Ch’i Kung and so on.
Red oak energy is healing and strengthening to the skeletal system. It can increase the amount of energy and stamina available and aids in the assimilation of minerals needed to support the skeletal system. The healing functions of the bones, such as red blood cell production, is also enhanced.
The base chakra becomes more closely aligned to the energies of nature. There can be a deeper attachment to the Earth and a deep knowing about one’s place and function. This is the nature of the instinctive, right-acting body personality that gives the “feeling” of what is right to be and do.
The solar plexus chakra is cleared of self-doubt and false self-concepts and is helped to speed the healing of all self-issues.
At the finest level red oak emphasises the awareness of the individual as a being that is loving and constantly loved. It can find practical outlets for the yearning towards Unity. It will help with the lesson of learning to let go of what is dearest, so that one can be given everything in return.
Signature: The strong earthy-red colouration of the autumn leaves that remain on the tree for many winter months.