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LEO King of the Jungle |
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Sacred Trees (as symbols) First, let me show the ancient contexts in which Trees were revered, in alphabetical order.
Assyrian/Babylonian Tree of Life Assyrian and Babylonian ideas on the Tree of Life were pretty much the same thing. One thing that I find interesting is that the God of the Assyrians was called "Ashur". Could there be a connection between Ashur and the Ash tree? I don't know. You may not know what I'm talking about, but by the time you are done reading this page, you will. (Please remember this, as the "Ash" theme shall appear and reappear frequently).
Foreword Babylonia traditions regarding the tree of life are very similar to those of the Hebrew, which isn't surprising since Abraham (the great father of the Israelites) came from UR of ancient Babylon/Sumeria. The Hebrews, therefore, got their traditions from Babylon! Morphology of the Tree Clearly the "tree" is not a natural tree. It is clearly a stylized symbol, which only resembles a tree. The shaft in the middle/center seems to be a conduit which acts as a fountain... the fountain of life. Think about it... a shaft that spews liquid... what does that sound like? You got it: a phallus. The branches are in the shape of human beings. Numerology of the Tree The interesting thing to note is that each side of the tree has 14 branches. In ancient middle eastern numerology, the number 14 (1 + 4) is the same as 5, which signifies immortality (eternal life). Then, the tree culminates in a final 15th branch at the top. 15 (1+5) is the same as 6, which signifies creation and procreation. Hence the encrypted meaning of the tree of life is clear: immortality is achieved through procreation. It is so simple that most people can't see it. Chinese Tree of Life
According to Taoist Chinese Mythology, there was a sacred peach tree, the fruit of which, if eaten, would bestow immortality upon the partaker. This is evident from the classic Chinese novel, A Journey to the West, wherein a character named Sun, Wu-kong (in Sino-Korean: Son, O-gong) seeks out, finds, and partakes of the fruit of the tree. The tree was guarded by a low-level god, (I forget his name); and Sun, Wu-kong had to trick the guardian of the tree in order to gain access to the tree. An archaeological excavation unearthed several bronze trees in China. The fruit of the tree(s) were either coins or people. I find this fascinating, because one of my theories is that the "tree of life" is a pedigree of human life (in essence: a family "tree"). Egyptian Tree of Life; The Holy Sycamore There is a hieroglyph for the tree of life, but it seems that this is "tree of life" is equated with Osiris, the great progenitor and male creative power. His sister-wife, Isis, symbolized the female creative power. The "tree of life", then could be construed as a phallic symbol. I agree. The tree is literally (and figuratively) planted into "mother" earth, and "shoots" its roots into mother earth. Without this UNION, no fruit (offspring) can be produced. Combine this with the Chinese bronze tree, and you can see the esoteric meaning of the "TREE OF LIFE". Finnish Tree of Life; The Great Ash The sacred tree of the Finns was the ash tree. (Same as the Norse). Greek Tree of Life According to Greek Mythology, there was a sacred, golden apple tree. When I first wrote this page (2003) I was under the impression that the fruit of the sacred golden apple tree, if eaten, would bestow immortality upon the partaker. I now admit that I was mistaken. Perhaps my misunderstanding came from the legend of the 12 labors of Hercules, the 11th of which was to retrieve an apple from the tree in Hera's Garden of Hesperides. After Hercules completed his labors, he was granted immortality by the gods, by Zeus's decree. Nowhere can I find out what was so special about the golden apples, except that the taste thereof was sweeter than any Earthly fruit. Obviously this is symbolic. In any case, the fact that there was such a special tree, hidden and guarded by gods (from humans) is, I believe, quite significant.
Hindu Tree of Life Pipal [peepal; pipul]
Tree Ashwattha Tree
Mayan Tree of Life; The Yaxche
The interesting thing to me is the humanoid figure in the center of the maize plant (tree of life). Wow! Could he/she/it be the great progenitor of the human race? I don't know. Could it be Kukulcan at the top?
Navajo Tree of Life
We see a maize (corn) plant standing for the tree of life, which seems appropriate since maize (or corn) was the staple food for the Mayan people. Norse "World Tree"
Wow! This is so~ cool! This stone (or 'stele') was found in Norse territory: (Sweden, Gotlands Fornsal, Visby.) O.K., let me explain what you are seeing. The Tree-like glyph in the middle is the so-called "World Tree". To my knowledge (from extensive study) the Norse World Tree was never called a 'tree of life'; However, it was called 'Mimameidr' (Mimir's Tree). Mimir was the personification of Knowledge. Therefore, we can safely say that the sacred Norse World Tree is one of the few Trees of Knowledge. It (the tree) was also the "thing" that held all the nine realms (homes) together. It's esoteric meaning is expounded below. The flat line across the center of the stele is Midgard (which I believe to be short for 'Middle Garden'), which is the world in which we humans currently reside. The roots of the tree extend into the Asgard (which I believe to be short for 'Aesirs' Garden'), which is the realm of gods. Midgard and Asgard are connected by a rainbow-bridge (called 'bifrost'), which only the gods can traverse. Notice how Asgard is BELOW the roots of the the tree. (This is significant!) The viking-like ship with rowers at the bottom... hmmm... not sure. Could represent the Vikings themselves. The stele may have been erected to insure a successful journey. The two serpents directly above the tree, well, they are said (by some) to represent the "world serpent", Jormungand. But, I must disagree!!!! Jormungand is a single serpent. But, here in this stone, there are two serpents. This is VERY interesting, 'cause if you read my report about cosmic serpents (below), you will see a connection. The interesting thing is that one of the two serpents seems to encase dots (perhaps eggs?), and the other flagellates (perhaps sperm?). It is my contention that the two serpents, then represent strands of DNA, one male (symbolized by stylized spermatozoa), the other female (symbolized by stylized ova/eggs). Jormungand seems to be at the very top of the stele. Wow! I've seen such symbolism in other ancient cultures, but not the Norse, until now (2005). I'm so excited about this find!!!!!! Can you tell? If you are interested in this topic, please read my report about "The Cosmic Serpent" (below). At the top, we have what is reportedly a Viking Sun Whorl, which some say represents the Sun's Energy and is reportedly a symbol used to attract riches. If it is a stylized sun, it is the weirdest sun I have ever seen. I mean since when do rays bend? Maybe that's the whole point. He who can bend the sun's rays, would be omnipotent. ***** POST NOTE: In Norse mythology, humans were said to have been created from two trees; the first man's name was Ask and the first woman's name was Embla. I looked up the word 'ash' (the tree) in the Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, and found out that it comes from the Old High German word 'ask' and the Norse word 'askr'. The etymology of the woman's name is more elusive. Some have suggested that it comes from the Old Norse word for elm: which is almr; and yet, I don't think that the two words 'Almr' and 'Embla' are close enough to be considered cognates; Hence, I'm not happy with that all-to-easily-acceptable explanation. So, I did some research. This is what I found out: 1. The English word emblem has a very interesting etymology. According to the Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, its etymology is derived from: Middle English, from Latin emblema inlaid work, tesselated work, and from Greek emblema, literally, insertion, from emballein to throw in, put in, insert. [Emblem is possibly a cognate of umbella, which means umbrella in Latin]. 2. Also, from the Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, we learn that the English word emball is a pure English word (but all so-called "pure" English comes from Norse or Germanic tribes that migrated to present-day England) which means to encircle (i.e., en + ball). 3. If we think about it, Embla could very well be a cognate of emblem or emball or Emma. While the Ash-Ask connection is well supported by etymology, the Elm-Embla connection is not supported at all. There are several variations to the Ask-Embla story circulating out there. In none of the stories are were told the kind of trees (or logs) used to create the first two humans, except where the recounters of the stories have inserted their own opinions. In all versions of the story, we are told that the first humans were named "Ask" and "Embla" after they were created. If you ash me (ha, ha), I'd say that the word "Ask" is a metaphorical metonymy. The metaphorical part: ash tree = phallus; The metonymy part: phallus = man If, I'm right about the man, then it makes perfect sense that the woman be named metonymously for her role in emballing the male phallus. If I'm right: Ask & Embla would translate thusly: ASK = Being with a phallus &
EMBLA = Being with a container.
POST NOTE1:
My research has led me to determine the possible etymology of "Embla".
I didn't take from anyone. I didn't plagiarize. You heard (read) it
here first. By Leon, dated 2006.
Very Cool Related Books: But, I'm not finished yet...
Q: What could the Tree of Life represent? A1: My original thought: Tree = Book I used to be convinced that 'tree' is a metonymy for a book. I could make a case for this assertion. 1. Ezekiel used "sticks" as metonymies for books in the 37th chapter of his book. 2. Metaphor, Metonymy, and Double Entandres were very, very common in the ancient Hebrew language. 3. It makes perfect sense that it should be a book,... a book which contains the secret recipe to the elixir for eternal life. 4. "Evidence from the ancient Celtic civilization of northern Europe suggests signs of an association between trees and writing. The 25 characters of the Celtic alphabet (ogham), used for stone and wood inscriptions, were named for a group of 20 sacred trees and plants (also called ogham)." {Judith Crews, Ph.D} Since the ancients were keen on double entendres, it is possible that both my views (old & new) are correct. A2: Then I thought: Tree = human I was convinced that "tree" was a metaphor for human. AND, I COULD MAKE A STRONG CASE FOR SUCH AN HYPOTHESIS: 1. In Judaeo-Christian mythology, we have two trees: tree of life (which I believe was Adam, or ASH) and tree of knowledge (which I believe was Eve). Eve gained knowledge first of how to procreate (evidently from Lucifer). Then, when Adam knew Eve, they begat a child. It is the union of the tree of life and the tree of knowledge that allowed Adam and Eve to "multiply and replenish the earth". 2. In Assyrian/Babylonian art/sculpture/petroglyphs, we can sometimes see the tree of life being portrayed with anthropomorphic qualities (See pic above). 3. In Cabbalistic mysticism (esoterics), the Tree of Life is equated with the human body (See pics below). 4. In Chinese sculpture we can see humans in place of fruit on the tree of life. 5. In Hindu esoteric symbolism of the tree of life: tree = the human body. (I can't verify my source). 6. In Egyptian mythology, Osiris is equated with the tree of life. (Well-documented). 7. In Finnish and Norse mythology, the first two humans were created from trees: Their names were Ask and Embla (Ash & Emblem). 8. There is a source says that in ancient GREEK mythology, Zeus created Bronze-age humans from Ash trees (or Ash spears). 9. In some Mayan art/sculpture/petroglyphs, the tree of life is portrayed with anthropomorphic qualities (see pic above). In the Popol Vuh (the sacred book of the Mayans), it is written that the gods tried four times to create beings that would honor and serve them. First, they used mud. Second, they used trees. Third, they turned the trees into monkeys/apes. Fourth, they created humans from maize. (Note: the Navajo creation myth is very similar). [Note: In Hebrew, the Cabala is known as ZOHAR] So, here is ZOHAR's Tree of Life
The Tree of [Carnal] Knowledge[ PROLOGUE: The ABRAHAMIC tradition, and only through MOSES (who came much later), was the ONLY tradition (religion) which had TWO SEPARATE TREES. All other religions, have only one sacred tree. Such, prima facie, may appear to cause a problem for one, such as myself, who wishes to "tie" all religions together in ONE origin of human religion. Yet, I have found a way to account for the apparent discrepancy. SEE SECTION III. ] Like the Tree of Life, the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil (in Judaeo-Christian literature) appears to be a symbol/metaphor. It is clear that Adam and Eve had no children (most likely because they were ignorant of the KNOWLEDGE of how to procreate). It is also clear that Adam and Eve did not beget any children until AFTER partaking of the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge (for short). It is one of my views that the Tree of Knowledge represents what is commonly known as "carnal knowledge", i.e., sex education. Support for this theory comes from the Jewish Encyclopaedia (online):
III. Tree of Life & Tree of Knowledge EUREKA! I have found it! I have finally figured it out! I have found a way to make ALL the pieces of the puzzle fit together! I have found what all the ancient religions have occulted: the true meaning of the tree of life (and the tree of knowledge)! TREE OF LIFE = male human body TREE OF KNOWLEDGE = female human body IMPORTANT NOTE: Where a given religion has only one sacred tree, it represents the human body (both male and female). I'm not writing this just because the Kabala says it is so. In fact, when I first read the Cabala's interpretation of the tree of life, I thought, "Naaaaaaaaaaa! ...can't be." Well, my adventures in world lore/mythology has led right back to the Kabala. I must admit that the Qabala is the only place where it is explicitly told the meaning of the "sacred" tree (which is in all religions). My favorite example is the Norse World Tree. So, I will use that as my primary example. The "World" is a metaphor for the microcosm which we would call the human body. The "Tree" likewise is a metaphor for the human body. That's why it is called, "The World Tree". Also, a poem in the "Edda" tells us that "Yggdrasil" is not the name of the tree. Don't believe all the "hype". Let me quote from a line in the poem: "...Then the ash raised from Yggdrasil..." [Source] IF "the ash" was raised from Yggdrasil, how can it be Yggdrasil? "The Ash" is the "World Tree" of the Norse (possibly from the Celts). IF "the ash" is the world tree, then what is Yggdrasil? It is commonly believed that the word Yggdrasil is an epithet for Odin. Then, if that is the case, the ash (the first mortal man) was "raised" from Odin (and his brothers). [Note: the word "from" is a very interesting use here, and the ramifications are enlightening!] Please allow me to emphasize that the World Tree is a metaphorical symbol; a microcosm that we call: the human body. And I shall prove it! The World Tree (the human body) has three roots (origins), each dipping into a different water source. The first and deepest root dips into the Hvergilmir (Bubbling Cauldron) where all life originated [suggesting that humans originated from the same place that all life originated]. The second root dips into the Mimir's Brunn (Knowledge's Well) [suggesting that humans were born of knowledge, or were imbued with knowledge above lower forms of terrestrial life]. The third root dips into Asgard (Aesirs' Garden; home of the gods) [probably because of the Gods' role in "creating" humans, possibly by inserting their genetic material into the terrestrial genome]. At the base of the World Tree (i.e., the human body) there is a critter called Nidhogg (the dreaded biter). Nidhogg is also referred to as a corpse eater. I therefore believe Nidhogg to be a metonymy for all viruses and bacteria which try to destroy the World Tree (the human body). It is written that when Mimir (Knowledge) ceases to tend the World Tree (by watering it), the World will come to an end, and Nidhogg will destroy the World Tree by devouring it. There is an eagle in the top branches of the World Tree, with a hawk standing on its head. It is suggested by The Viking Answer Lady that eagles were associated with dominance [my word]. They were birds of war and symbolized sovereignty [her word]. Clearly, the eagle, therefore, represents the human brain, which is the sovereign of the human body (world tree). The hawk's meaning is not clear. Odin was said to have two ravens, one named Memory and the other named Thought. I, therefore, suggest that the hawk (which is black, by the way in the picture; see pic) may very well have the same symbolism as Odin's ravens; i.e., that The World Tree (humans) maintain self-sovereignty by mastering memory and thought. There is a squirrel named Ratatosk which shimmies up and down the tree relaying insults between the eagle and Nidhogg. This is very interesting. I suggest that Ratatosk represents either (1) the nervous impulses which relay messages to and fro the brain; or (2) the body's immune system [or both]. There are other animals on the World Tree as well, such as the four stags that eat from the leaves and bark of the World Tree. These could represent benign (and possibly malignant) parasites, both exterior and interior (and let me tell you that there are many).
Another very interesting thing is called: Ragnarok (the end of the world). There is a prophesy that the world will end by fire, created by the fire giants (sons of Muspell). I say interesting because it was common in Ancient Norse (and Celtic) territories to cremate the bodies of the deceased and bury the charred bones and ashes. See:
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This just in: I decided to look up the meaning of the common woman's name Emma,
which is still widely used today in English-speaking countries. Evidently,
Emma comes from the German language
and means: all-containing. [
