Evergreen in the darkest months, a tree is a powerful symbol of life sustained through the dead of winter. It is no wonder that trees figure in many ceremonies, rites, and rituals seen around the end of the year. It is that time of year, so let’s have a tree of our own.
The Tree
Deal
Our tree will be made up of seven cards.
- Shuffle the abstract and concrete cards together.
- Deal one card for the trunk.
- Deal a row of three above it for the canopy.
- Deal a row of two on the three continuing the canopy.
- Deal a single card at the top as the eagle’s aerie.
Optionally, also do one or more of the following, depending on how festive you feel:
- Place a face down card beside the tree as a wrapped gift.
- Sprinkle glitter to symbolize ornaments.
- Add LED fairy lights to the tree.
Interpretation
The Trunk of the tree is represented by the obvious first card, along with the card directly above it, the center of the row of three cards. These identify the core issue, the primary thread, or the key subject.
The Canopy is collectively all six cards in the triangle, with the bottom center card sharing roles with the trunk. The canopy sheds the weather, it is the color seen at a distance, and often conceals wildlife from view.
The Aerie is the top card. It is where you might find an eagle or crow nesting. The best views are had from here, but the tree will bend under almost any weight. We’ll deal the aerie card tipped slightly off kilter to remind us of that.
The three cards at the center are the pivot and support for the entire story. The aerie at the top is the high point, but not somewhere you want to linger. The cards of the canopy are distraction, camouflage, and the challenges.
Example
The lantern at the top can be seen for miles. Of course, lighting and maintaining that lantern is no easy task as it needs to be refilled and maintained most nights. Only the pure of heart need volunteer, as any other will never remain fearless after more than a few climbings. But the light is important. It is a beacon of the learning to be found beneath our tree, drawing in seekers of truth from miles away.
It also shows the way to those members of our eclectic community that arrive by air. From the air, it is said to be visible for many miles, as one of the few bright spots in a dark and dense forest canopy. The ample village green near the river proves a safe landing for our aerial visitors.
Our tree is otherwise one of seemingly infinitely many like it that make up our forest. Beneath their wide-spread boughs we live our daily lives, study, and meditate.
Won’t you consider joining us?
The Creativity Oracle 