Our modern and hectic daily life
is usually far removed
from the cycles and forces
of the natural world
and it can often seem empty
of any real purpose.
The ash is a key to healing the loneliness
of the human spirit
out of touch
with its origins
it can provide a sense of being grounded
and of belonging.
The ash reminded the Celts of the interlinking
of the Three Cycles of Being.
Likewise we are encouraged to consider
the role of the past in creating the present,
so that we can better appreciate
the many ways
in which positive thought and action today
can help to create a brighter tomorrow.
Through a constant process
of balancing and marrying opposites,
we, like the ash,
can achieve harmony
within ourselves.
from The Wisdom of Trees by Jane Gifford
Susan Leopold Illustration 