The Tree of Life for Personal Growth

Tree of Life explored by Jenny Cove.

It’s important to consider our lives holistically. Just like trees grow within an ecosystem, we are supported by a strong system of relationships that rely on an interconnection of components to function effectively.

Jenny will look at the Tree of Life from a psychology perspective and as standard, meet ups are held in an informal and welcoming environment. Filled with activity and interaction, come join us and create your own Tree of Life.

Get involved. All members welcome!

More details to follow shortly but here is some food for thought to get us thinking before the meet up:

Tree of Life and Depth PsychologyFrom a depth psychology perspective, the tree is seen as a powerful symbol of growth, as the tree is the only living thing that continues to grow throughout its lifetime. The tree is also a symbol for the true self and serves as a positive, healthy model for the unfolding development of both psyche and spirit. As we grow and develop, a larger and more mature personality emerges and begins to flower and fruit, providing its gifts and bounties to the wider world.

Tree of Life and BuddhismIt was beneath the great Bodhi tree, the great Tree of Enlightenment, that Buddha was said to redeem the whole universe under its protective branches. Under this World Tree, the Buddha transformed all negative temptations and energies and achieved perfect enlightenment.

Tree of Life and Kabbalah
In Kabbalah, the Jewish mystical tradition underlying Judaism and Christianity, two different Tree of Life symbols are used: one is upside-down and the other right-side-up. The original Tree of Life emanates out of the divine world of unity and is depicted as upside-down, with its roots flowing from the divine place of unity and infinite light.
The trunk and branches reach down towards us, penetrating the worlds of spirit, psyche, and physical existence. This is said to be the Tree of Emanation, which flows downward from the source. The other Tree of Life symbol flows upward, back towards the source, with roots in the ground and branches growing up to the sky. This is the Tree that the initiate climbs to return to the source and is the Tree of evolution or initiation.
It is the initiate’s responsibility to evolve and awaken, climbing the Tree and penetrating the worlds of psyche, spirit and divine unity, reconnecting with the divine source.

Tree of Life and ChristianityIn Christianity, the tree is seen as both the vehicle by which sin came into the world (via the serpent encouraging humanity to eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in the garden) and a symbol of redemption, as Jesus was crucified on a cross made from a tree. The image of Christ on the cross is the symbol of the World Savior on the Tree of Life. The life and teaching of Christ is a model of the path of initiation on the Tree of Life.