Hi welcome to the first Finn’s Forest of the year.
I haven’t been walking in the forest much even though the sun has been shining. I still miss my walking partner, our dog Sara. My husband gets home too late or dark for our walk. I don’t mind running into wild animals, but I’d rather not do it alone… Another reason to stay inside is the pollen from the cedars. It’s covered everything like a blanket of snow. So I’ve been making use of my mini trampoline.
Usually, the rains wash away this pollen this time of year. We’ve had a usually dry January. But it made me wonder about what the trees were doing. After some research, I found out they release pollen after a cold front and it’s dry and windy out. It is how they reproduce with the help of the wind. This requires a high amount of pollen to get the job done. This seems to work for them, I find little cedars everywhere. They’re considered weeds here since we need to keep our forest cleaned up for the fire season. The Ashe Juniper tree in Texas is in the cedar family and does the same thing.
Now I know why they do release their pollen in January, but digging deeper I found some interesting information:
- Cherokee tradition believes that the cedar holds powerful spirits that protect them. A spiritual leader may carry cedar wood in their medicine bag. It can also be placed above entrances for protection.
- Native Americans used the cedar for medicine for things like joint pain, fever, cough, and other issues. Considered one of the four sacred medicines.
- Ancient Sumerians believed it was where the divine ones lived.
- Its general spiritual meaning believes the tree connects us to our earthly roots. It is a symbol of nobility, strength, and incorruptibility. It’s been called the Tree of Life protected by the gods and believed to have healing properties.
- Can be used for smudging to clear a space and is believed to carry prayers and wishes from the earth into the sky.
- Tea can be made from the leaves for respiratory issues. You can also use the leaves in steam for congestion, cedar oil for skin conditions, or in a bath with the essential oil or leaves. Always consult your health provider, there can be side effects and allergies. Not recommended if pregnant, breastfeeding, or have kidney issues.
- The tree can detour termites and carpenter ants, along with discouraging mold.
- The smell can relax you and the trees purify the air.
- On the more negative side, I found one superstition that if you plant a cedar, which I haven’t, when it grows tall enough to shade a grave, it’s your time to leave the earth.
Our forest is filled with cedars. We have a huge one right outside our bedroom window protecting us. I won’t complain when they release their pollen anymore but it would be fun to add some of this to a story. What if a character is allergic and drank some tea? Maybe a character needs healing. Cedars can add that extra dimension to a story even if it’s just in the setting.
Embrace your inner child, take a walk in nature, and then read a book. D. L. Finn
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