Stations of the Trees
September & October
In the woods at Pathways
In the woods at Pathways
The tree of life is a sacred feature in many religions around the world. That this tree is so common suggests a deep human awareness of the sacred importance of trees. Standing tall and strong between earth and heaven, and with some living thousands of years, trees have seemed immortal. It’s no wonder that some people believed that trees were temples for the gods or dwelling places for divine spirits—sacred spaces for healing, peace, and enlightenment.
From the first to the last chapters of the Bible, trees are important. In Genesis we read that God created the garden with trees that are pleasant to the sight and good for food, with the tree of life in the center. This woodland garden represents what its Creator intended on Earth: beauty, biodiversity, and abundance, where trees give life. And the final chapter of Revelation features the tree of life continuously fruiting and with leaves for healing the world.
Native American scientist Robin Wall Kimmerer writes that in many Indigenous traditions a tree is a “forest person” and that trees, as “standing people,” are our kin and teachers. Because they have lived much longer than humans, they have much to teach us as our elders.
As you walk through the woods with fourteen tree stations, look and listen for what trees teach.
The stations are not sequential, so if you don’t have time for all of them,
simply focus on what captures your attention.
From the first to the last chapters of the Bible, trees are important. In Genesis we read that God created the garden with trees that are pleasant to the sight and good for food, with the tree of life in the center. This woodland garden represents what its Creator intended on Earth: beauty, biodiversity, and abundance, where trees give life. And the final chapter of Revelation features the tree of life continuously fruiting and with leaves for healing the world.
Native American scientist Robin Wall Kimmerer writes that in many Indigenous traditions a tree is a “forest person” and that trees, as “standing people,” are our kin and teachers. Because they have lived much longer than humans, they have much to teach us as our elders.
As you walk through the woods with fourteen tree stations, look and listen for what trees teach.
The stations are not sequential, so if you don’t have time for all of them,
simply focus on what captures your attention.
Stations of the Trees created by Steve Thomas, MDiv, a ISA certified arborist with a certificate in urban forestry.