Sitka Spruce: inspiration for those who dare
[Plant Archetypes] Embodying the Inner Alchemy of Power and Gentleness
In his engaging book “The Incredible Journey of Plants”, author Stefano Mancuso shares with us an array of plant stories, including true stories of remarkable solitary trees. I highly recommend you listen to the audio version of this inspiring book and pay attention to this one chapter.
“Campbell Island is not a happy place to live for plants and animals. With that kind of climate, it is reasonable to expect that even trees have no chance to survive. Indeed, the vegetation on Campbell Island is typical of the tundra: mosses and lichens, grasses, a few shrubs, and no trees—with one small but important exception: a magnificent exemplar of Picea sitchensis, majestic and solitary dominator of the island’s flora. This tree is so far away from every other plant of its species as to be declared officially by The Guinness Book of World Records “the loneliest tree in the world.” Mancuso, Stefano. The Incredible Journey of Plants (pp. 104-105)
Where these trees grow in the native vegetation
Search and you will find remarkable pictures of the Sitka Spruce Picea sitchensis, the largest of the Spruce trees, that are relatives of the White Spruce and the Black Spruce, very present in the boreal forest.
In wanting to connect with it, I retrieved previous memories of seeing remarkable Sitka Spruce trees standing on the edge of the Oregon Coast overlooking the ocean, their massive presence inspiring respect, as they endured the elemental forces.
More recently, on a trip to visit the Olympic National Park in WA, we took a guided tour into the Ho Forest led by a passionate young forest service woman, and she told us about the uniqueness of this tree. She shared with us that Sitka Spruce grows only as far as 15 miles inland. And some of its preferred locations are right on the edge of the wild and windy Pacific Ocean.
Qualities of the Sitka Spruce pollen essence
This has inspired me to reflect on the research done by Steve Johnson on the qualities of this essence prepared by the Alaskan Essences: Sitka Spruce Pollen.
This one has been a very frequent presence in the formulas for my clients, and I see it as an important emerging level of awareness for those committed to self development.
While there is more to be said about pollen (which is the way pre-angiosperms, that have existed before flowering plants, ensured their survival), in this post I would like to highlight the issue of power, of empowerment.
Masculine and Feminine aspects of power paired together
Quoting the Alaskan Essences Living book:
“This powerful pollen essence, which could be termed a ‘grandfather’ essence, … is helpful for those who are reluctant to open up and let their power be present. … it facilitates the blending of power and gentleness in an individual, whether they are male or female.
As a tree, Sitka Spruce has a strong male presence, and this essence, which is made from pollen grains generated by the male reproductive structure of the tree, carries a very potent quality of yang energy. At the same time, Sitka Spruce emanates a very comforting and consoling vibration–the energetic projection of a great being who is extremely wise and powerful, and very comfortable with that wisdom and power.
… It also encourages us to balance our personal ego so that we can surrender more fully to the truth of our destiny. ..Sitka Spruce Pollen helps us embody ancient archetypes of mastery in which the masculine and feminine aspects of power are perfectly joined together.”
Daring to Stand on the cutting edge
Now that I know a little more about this tree, and as learning about each plant is an endless and fascinating journey, I will add that it also evokes to me this ability to stand on the edge, to be a resilient survivor and to dare to stand for paradigms that others cannot yet grasp.
It makes me think of so many people I know, people that I work with or those whom I mentor, as well as others whom I have not yet met, who dare to take a stand on levels of awareness and consciousness that others would not.
Those who, by their Soul stature and nature, cannot help but be and stand at this cutting edge of awareness. And of how lonely this stance may often be, and yet, how much they need to remember who they are and continue to stand tall.
I welcome your reflections on the inspiration brought from this Archetype. Please do post your comment on the thread below, as we weave community in this space.
This speaks to me as the tribal elder. Quiet and strong. Daring to speak forward and share its knowledge with future generations.