Tree Flower - Western Red Cedar

Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata)

The western red cedar is not a true cedar but is related to cypress and juniper families. Young trees form familiar compact cones of dense bright green foliage made from flattened rope-like leaves. This species can be identified by its pineapple-like scent and by its single upright leader stem.

In damp, cool climates western red cedar can grow rapidly, reaching about 80ft (24m) in thirty years with a full height of 160ft (50m). Western red cedar is native to the mountains of the west coast of America and was an important timber tree to the Indian peoples who found that its soft deep red wood could very easily be cleft into planks whose long fibres were water-repellent and so resistant to decay. Small flowers appear at the end of branches in early March with female flowers becoming small, papery brown cones that shed seeds in great numbers. It grows well in shade and so is planted as a protective tree for other species.

First introduced into Britain in the middle of the 19th century via Exeter, it soon became a popular planting in large gardens and parks. The other American thuja (Thuja occidentalis), known as the northern white cedar, is a much smaller tree (to 15m) and although possibly the first American tree grown in the Old World, introduced sometime in the 16th century, it rarely grows well in Britain. However, its twigs are the source of the herb used for coughs and for toning lower abdominal muscles. Externally it has been used for killing warts and it is effective for fungal infections of the skin.

The Essence:

Keywords: “Constancy”; underlying peace; play of emotions; belief in oneself; screening harmful influences; subtle tides of consciousness; steadiness.

The primary influence of this tree is the perception of the underlying silence, stillness or peace behind every possible experience; that there is a constant flow of energy and a connection beneath all the changeability of life. This is particularly focused on the experience of the ever-flowing and changing of the emotions. Whatever emotions are being experienced it becomes possible to see them as just another aspect of personal life as is a taste, sight or sound – that is, we do not become overwhelmed by a fleeting but possibly very strong emotional reaction.

With this alteration of perspective it becomes possible to see every experience – no matter what its quality – as a means to achieve one’s place in the flow of life. The emotions are the wavetops of our awareness-ocean, whilst the deep flowing currents are the steady patterns of force that carry a consistent, sustaining energy. This tree essence will really help those who are continually carried away by strong emotional reactions – not by changing the emotional states but through revealing the underlying peace upon which the emotions ride, seeing emotions, like thoughts, as a natural way life expresses and enjoys itself.

Beliefs and attitudes that are to do with one’s self-image and the ability to express love can affect the energy of the Heart meridian. This tree energy calms and soothes agitation from these sources that may otherwise impair the functions of this meridian.

The same process occurs at the level of the brow chakra where western red cedar can help to heal damage that has distorted the mental processes and the subtle perceptions. The strengthening of mental integrity brings back a belief in one’s own mind and protects it from otherwise harmful mental influences – be they forceful thoughts of others, concepts, indoctrination or warping philosophies, or simply background psychic ‘noise’. It is like a screen or visor that helps to filter out harmful frequencies, strengthening the mental immunity. With an increased feeling of one’s own solidity, personal creativity can flow more freely.

At the crown chakra this process becomes the protection of one’s basic energy patterns. The individual is able to act in accord with their own spiritual nature rather than being swayed by others. There is also an increased energy to allow change when it is necessary and to bring in dynamic activity to transform and grow.

This essence will help those whose relationships with others is unbalanced – either because they rely too much on the approval of others and who are continually drained emotionally by others, or, on the other hand, those people who do not register or ignore the feelings of others.

There is an openness to other levels of knowledge and experience that increases energy to the whole system and frees the individual up to new ways of perceiving and acting. This has an overall effect on the subtle anatomy of the body, helping it to relax into itself and accept new energies at the same time as being able to let go of inappropriate patterns and blocks from the past. This is invaluable in removing many of the underlying causes of disease so that actual illness is avoided.

A calm descends upon the mind when it turns to meditative and contemplative states. Western red cedar calms the physical activities of the body so that the awareness becomes more attuned to subtle tides of consciousness.

Signature:

The evenness of the leaf scales and their branching growth: the even experience of life in all circumstances.