Grex Synthesis Conference

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Grex Synthesis Item 99: Plant symbolism question (almost relevant)
Entered by orinoco on Sat Oct 19 16:40:11 UTC 1996:

Does anyone here know of a plant that it traditionally a symbol for change
or transformation, preferably one that lives in Michigan?

6 responses total.

#1 of 6 by orinoco on Sat Oct 19 16:41:34 1996:

Sorry about this one...there's probably a better conference for it than
synthesis, but I couldn't think of one.  If someone could point <and maybe
link> me in the right direction that would be nice also...

#2 of 6 by hokshila on Sun Oct 20 07:06:28 1996:

In the Native American Tradition, the white willow stands for flexability.
This is one aspect of change. It can be bent and twisted and go back to its
original form. One usually asks for help from Willow when changes are being
experience, in order that we can better move with the changes. I don't know
if the oak is a traditional "tree of transformation", but this is one that
I certainley look to for help. First the acorn falls on the ground.And in the
spring, if squirrel has been a good helper, the acorn begins to grow into a
tree. Every fall the leaves change colour and Oak sleeps again. Maybe this
will help!

#3 of 6 by kami on Mon Oct 21 02:09:33 1996:

Oak for transformation?  I would associate it with stability.  Willow sounds
reasonable.  Also aspen.  Birch is for beginnings.  Blackthorn for strength
and courage to weather changes. 
And this is certainly a relevant conference for this topic.  Best of luck.

#4 of 6 by faile on Tue Oct 22 03:25:39 1996:

I might sayt that teh acorn is very symbolic of transformation, but I suppose
it is impossible to seperate teh acorn from the Oak.  (It becomes a "chicken
or egg" debate atthat point.)  But I suppose that is becuase it shows what
the small can become.  (Of course, one notes that this is delving seriously
in the relm of personal symbolisim.)  I know that I have a little acorn
pendant I wear to remindmyself of what can be made of teh small.  But after
taht first spring, I'll admit that the Oak isa fairly static and stable.

#5 of 6 by hokshila on Tue Oct 22 06:20:19 1996:

The young oak bears no fruit, yet continues to grow. As time passes, the oak
is tall enough for shade, banches long enough for nests, old enough to bear
fruit. Eventually, the oak grows old and dies, becoming good soil for the next
generation. Minor aspects, I agree....

#6 of 6 by orinoco on Wed Oct 23 00:46:04 1996:

And one could argue that any tree goes through the same transformations...

Thanks for the information, everyone.

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