The Tree of Life represents all we love and hold special. We are drawn to trees, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Spring than with bringing its symbolism into my home or personal jewelry wardrobe. I thought you might like to as well.
Overall, The Tree of Life symbolizes beauty, beginnings, nurturing, protection, connections and positive energy. The Tree of Life is one of the most ancient and revered symbols of humankind. Respecting, communicating with, and worshiping a sacred tree has been a part of almost all cultures throughout history.
In this article, we’ll look at various histories of the Tree of Life and learn about its origin and symbolism while we also go on a marvelous shopping spree so that you may incorporate The Tree of Life into your life in a tangible way. For me, the most important aspect of any material item I decorate with or wear is that it holds meaning and reflects who I am.
The Tree of Life Meaning
Many cultures share the idea of a tree being at the center of the universe.
Each culture has its own set of religious beliefs, spiritual beliefs, mythologies and legends revolving around a Tree of Life, also known as The World Tree, The Sacred Tree, The One Tree, and The Cosmic Tree. The belief systems of all the different places in time and cultures hold one universal tree of life meaning, and it is that this magical tree is at the center of the universe uniting the heavens, the earth and below.
A literal colossal-sized tree is the birth place of the universe. The branches reach up to the heavens of Deity, God, or Gods and Goddesses, depending on the Faith or religion. The trunk or stem of the tree is here on Earth with humankind, and the roots reach down into the Earth where our loved ones lay in peace or congregate in an Underworld.
Let’s look at how you can incorporate the Tree of Life into your jewelry wardrobe, and then, we will get back to more history and culture.
Meet Artist Tina Raewyn
Tina Raewyn is the artist behind TRaewyn Jewelry.
From her studio in Australia, Tina Raewyn creates delightful, whimsical jewelry pieces using clay and gemstones. Each piece is one-of-a-kind and is made with a stone gift from the earth. She offers many pieces to choose from. Her website, TRaewyn Jewelry, is filled with pages and pages of her work. A visit to her site is whimsical walk through endearing images of spirit and love and healing.
Several of Tina Raewyn’s pieces feature a Tree of Life. Here are two.
The Tree Spirit Necklace features a beautiful, yellow, natural quartz that symbolizes optimism, joy and the coming warmer months of full sun. Coupled with a Tree of Life, the necklace signifies to the wearer and observer a time of nourishing warmth. I’d say that is perfect for Spring!
Tina’s Tree of Life Necklace features a jasper gemstone, a golden tree, and a golden spiral, and again, yes, is a special, unique, all handcrafted piece – a truly beautiful piece of art for you.
The Tree of Life in World Cultures
Norse and Siberian and Native American Mythology
in 1847, and it portrays his rendition of
Yggdrasil (Norse Tree of Life) in the Prose Edda,
a Norse manuscript.
The Tree of Life has a long history in world cultures dating back to the Norse Vikings and other Indo-European people, the earliest Siberian people, and Native Americans in the Americas. These three top-tier groups in ancient history were each isolated by land and, therefore, people did not communicate. It’s very interesting that they all had a Sacred World Tree.
The Norse Tree of Life – In Norse Mythology, one of the Indo-European Northern people, the Tree of Life is Yggdrasil, an eternal ash tree that is the center of the Norse Universe, a universe consisting of 9 realms. Yggdrasil connected all 9 realms.
The Siberian Tree of Life – In Siberian mythology and cosmology, the Tree of Life was similar to The Norse tree. The Siberians believed that their sacred tree was the center of their universe, a universe with 3 to 7 worlds aligned vertically with one another. The Siberian Peoples’ world was at the center of the tree, and the others were above or below and all united by the tree.
The One Tree in Native American Culture
In Native American culture, children are taught of the One Tree created by the Creator for all of humanity, a place where everyone can gather and be well. Its branches reach up to the Father Sky and the roots reach down to past ancestors.
The living gather on Earth under the tree. As long as the tree is well-cared for and continues to bear fruit, the people will continue to thrive and live well. The one tree symbolizes the fruit of life.
In the Cherokee language, the word for trees is standing people. “Standing people” as a name to describe trees is truly a beautiful notion. The trees are seen as equals to us. Native Americans cherished all trees, and each species of trees had its own symbolism.
The giant cedar tree became known as the Tree of Life, or Life Giver. The cedars provided so much for the indigenous people both in materials and spiritually that it became a symbol of cleansing, healing, protection, and prosperity.
Time for More Shopping! 🙂 (-and then we’ll delve more into the Tree of Life in other Indo-European cultures.)
Let’s look at How You Can Begin to Incorporate The Tree of Life Decor Into Your Own Home
Tree of Life Hand-blown Hanging Witch Ball Ornaments
We’ll start with these amazing hand-blown and painted witch balls, as they are a personal favorite of mine. I like their story and meaning.
In 18th century England, people would hang these beautiful hand-blown glass spheres from their cottages as a way to ward off evil spirits. Today, we give them the common name of witch ball. The term “witch” simply means “country-dweller.” These people lived in the countryside and used these lovely orbs to keep away harm.
Kitras Art Glass makes hand-blown, beautiful witch balls and other ornaments for inside and outside. You may purchase several Tree of Life witch-balls through their “Tree of Enchantment Line” line in a range of sizes and colors directly from their website. All are hand-blown, quality, one-of-a-kind pieces. They are fun to collect and look gorgeous hanging both inside and outside.
Now we return to the nitty-gritty of the Tree of Life… (and then a little more shopping 🙂 )
The Tree of Life in Other Indo-European Cultures
The Tree of Life in early Kabbalah and Judea-Christian beliefs
The Earliest Jewish Tree of Life – In Jewish Mysticism, or Kabbalah, the Tree of Life is depicted as a symbol design that maps the creation of life. I’ve included a picture of it here. The blue circles represent the tree. It is drawn within The Flower of Life, a sacred geometry symbol symbolizing the source of all creation.
The Judea-Christian Tree of Life – In Judea-Christian teachings, the Tree of Life is often mistaken as the Tree of Good and Evil placed in the center of The Garden of Eden. The Tree of Good and Evil is the tree of knowledge. The Tree of Life lives outside the Garden of Eden.
Another Piece to Bring into your Home
Meet Stephanie Axberg of Rainbow Whimsy
Stephanie Axberg’s prints will immediately bring joy into your home this Spring. Using mixed media, she creates pieces full of color, beauty, and joy. She specializes in beautifully bright, intricate mandalas and whimsical scenes. Stephanie’s mandalas remind me of tree rings, and her, “As Above, So Below” print is a personal favorite. It is available at her Etsy shop, Rainbow Whimsy.
A Closer Look at Druid Celtic Tree of Life
The pre-Christian people of Ireland were the Druids, a nature-based society that had a sect of priests who were also the educators and philosophers to the Celtic people. Their Tree of Life was called Crann Bethadh and was thought to have magical powers. It was seen as a nourishing force that provided food and shelter not only for the people, but for the animals as well – all life.
The Druidic Celts revered trees much like the Norse Pagans and Native Americans of the Americas. Each species of tree became associated with different meanings and symbolism.
In particular, the oak tree was important to the Druids. Giant oak trees are massive and tall and live for a very long time compared to other trees. This was reassuring for the Druids, and they came to worship the Oak tree for longevity in their own lives. These great oaks were also symbols of strength and endurance.
Next up and Last for Our Shopping Spree Today
The oh-so loved, Handcrafted Tree of Life Gemstone Jewelry
Meet Artist and Jewelry Designer Felicia Marie of FBA Handmade Jewelry
Felicia Marie is a jewelry designer who brings a multitude of gemstones to life. All of her jewelry is handcrafted and professionally assembled. She has an eye for acquiring gemstone cabochons and beads.
Felicia specializes in pieces wrapped in silver. One of her signature designs is her wire-wrapped Tree of Life over agates and gorgeous, mineral cabochons.
You may find here work at FBA Handmade Jewelry. Also know, that Felicia is happy to work with you. All pieces are sized for you for free!
Felicia’s pieces tend to sell-out quickly, and each one is one-of-a-kind. As I’ve already stated, Felicia is very easy to work with. If you see a sold piece that you like, contact her.
That’s it! (almost)..
I hope you have enjoyed your introductory tour of the Tree of Life and the shopping spree that went along with it. Before I leave you, I am happy to share a poem I received from a wonderful reader of this article. He was inspired to share his poem with me, and I am truly grateful. Here it is:
A Poem by Joseph Mastroianni – copyright 4/16/2003
- “Roots firmly planted deep down in earth’s embrace
- Stately knotted mottled trunk bent to the wind
- Enfolding branches reach skyward for the warming sun Leaves sway rhythmically to the silent song of life
- Presence filled with dignity witness to antiquity Teach me what you know of life Of death Of god”
~thank you kindly Joseph
Nature's Cache 
