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TREE LICHEN (Usnea subfloridana)
Key: Wisdom
Lichens of various shapes and sizes grow on trees where pollution levels are low and other environmental conditions are suitable. The temperate rainforests of north-west America, for example, and the high altitude woods of Dartmoor are home to an abundance of lichen species. Though not a tree itself, the lichen that lives on the branches of trees partake of the ambient energy of their surroundings. Slow growing, living for many years and dwelling in that borderland of definition, neither in contact with the earth yet relying on the rootedness of trees, they consist of two symbiotic plants with distinct healing qualities. Usnea is strongly antifungal and antimicrobial – properties which are thought to protect and strengthen the trees upon which they grow. The usnea species are all many branched, long and often beard-like grey-green plants.
The energy of tree lichen is particularly powerful and its wisdom is profound. The primary enrgy is purifying and protecting, and indeed it has been said that usnea’s prime purpose is to support and protect the life of the trees.
It brings the ability to let go of anything no longer needed in order to grow more fully. There comes a greater knowledge and understanding, (particularly on a “feeling” level), of the cyclical nature of time and events.
An integration of the mental, causal and spiritual bodies brings knowledge of the soul outside time. There is an improved ability to access past knowledge and ancient wisdom. Indeed this freedom from the construct of time and space allows one to communicate with beings beyond the solar system. It brings the ability of going everywhere without going anywhere.
All the chakras can be brought into balance including the minor chakras in the centre of the palms that stimulate the heart and kidneys, and small chakras in the centre of the ears that help to open and cleanse physical pathways such as the nose, sinuses, lungs and so on. A general process of purification and cleansing is encouraged.
Tree lichen is an ethereal essence that is rooted in physical existence and the knowledge of the past. It brings a sense of independence and detachment without isolation.
Signature: Growing in shade, particularly on the north side of trees, tree lichen has affinity to the Pole Star which itself is the doorway to understanding and experiencing the whole universe. Tree lichen has access to Earth energy indirectly through the tree but lives fully open to cosmic energies. The branching quality of the usnea species resembles both the structure of the nerve pathways in the brain and the fine passageways of the lungs.
Comment: Tree lichen is an immensely profound doorway to many tree kingdoms and other ecological realities. At a physical level its effectiveness at combating serious bacterial infection, such as tuberculosis, has been shown to be remarkable. Many fungal and bacterial infections respond well to the herb. Yet lichen of all sorts needs a clean environment and temperate climates to thrive and it can easily be damaged. If you wish to work with lichen spirit be aware that it takes centuries to grow large and that it is a vital aspect of the Earth’s immune system. Collect only small fragments that have already fallen or been blown from the tree.