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SPINDLE (Euonymus europaeus)
Key: Self-integration
A small tree growing to 20ft, spindle has a neat, fine form, which although quite common in hedgerows, makes it pretty inconspicuous. Young stems are identifiable by having alternate vertical stripes of green and grey-brown bark. In summer there are a profusion of four-petalled, star-like flowers of greenish white that become unmistakable four-lobed red fruits containing orange seeds in autumn. Given the right autumn weather spindle leaves can turn to a dark red. The yellow, smooth, tight-grained wood was formerly used for spindles, pegs and cages. All parts are highly emetic and purgative.
There is peace and balance: a communication with deep levels of intuitive mind regarding one’s place and direction. Individual nature attunes to the Higher Self allowing self-expression in accord with one’s true nature without negative, egotistical feelings of superiority. This helps to remove the tendency to judge others, to be competitive, the need to succeed or be first at every opportunity – a stabilising of lung meridian functions.
Heart and solar plexus chakras work together enabling a discernment of a true purpose, a way of life, in which one feels at home and motivated to achieve. The brow chakra is energised for finer levels of perception and communication.
The astral body, the integrated personality vehicle, is helped to cleanse the energy patterns of negativity and separation from the personality. A great energising on soul levels.
There is an ability to look at and understand the deepest, darkest, most hidden parts of the self. To understand and accept the Shadow self. The Shadow is that which we have decided is not us, the traits and qualities that have been rejected through every stage of our lives, which are as defining and as much a part of our constructed self-image as those qualities we readily identify with.
To bring light and wisdom into the most hidden levels of existence. Transformation and awareness of what appears negative. Apparent negativity is able to be absorbed and transmuted. Those energies within the self that have been suppressed through fear are relaxed so that stagnant, negative energy can be transformed into life-supporting, dynamic energy.
Signature: The red fruits open to reveal the orange seeds within (colour of healing wisdom); a revealing of the core/seed/potential by means of understanding and action (red-pink fruit).
A plant unknown to many, which once recognised, can be seen everywhere. Keeping itself to itself, spindle trees has nonetheless a strong spirit and unique energy.
Comment: The wahoo, or Indian arrow-wood, common in the eastern United States, is a variety of spindle most used in medicine. In small doses the bark is used to stimulate appetite and digestion. In larger doses, like the European species, it is highly irritating to the gut and is a strong purgative. This is used where there has been some liver disorders where it stimulates production of bile and is a tonic. The Latin name, deriving from the name of the mother of the Furies, Euonyme, gives a good indication of the force of this tree’s effect on the body!