The Rowan tree in my yard is at its brightest these October days, the berries untouched until sometime in February when the yearly flock of Cedar Waxwings will swoop down and devour them in a few blurred minutes. By then I will be up to my neck in my next book--a historical set on the wild coast of Nova Scotia in the late 1700's.Alexander James Mackenzie would have been quite familiar with the Rowan as he roamed the Highlands of Scotland as a young man. When he landed on the eastern shores of what would become Canada, ready to begin his new life far from home, perhaps the sight of a Rowan tree was a sign that all life is connected, that distance means nothing to the heart.
The Rowan has long been accepted as a symbol of protection. http://www.treesforlife.org.uk/forest/mythfolk/rowan.html.
Are there symbols in nature that you carry within?
12 comments:
Interesting article!
I love Rowan trees! I always try to sneak them into landscape designs. They are SO beautiful in the autumn! I think I remember reading about the Rowan tree being used for cradles historically because the wood was linked to protection, like you mention. I'm excited to hear more about your new book!
It looks so beautiful and the story behind the Rowan tree is intriguing. I love learning about things like that. Your story sounds good too. My husband is from Nova Scotia.
Nature has always been my way of getting rid of confusion and stress.
I love Rowan trees. We have one by our wall and I saw someone stop to take a photo of it this evening. (Must go out and take a picture myself tomorrow.) A nature symbol I love... ? When you find a feather on your path, it means God has walked this way.
Beautiful tree! I love Redwood Pine Trees they are so tall and majestic.
The trees were planted by the birds about five years ago and seem to be real survivors considering they sit on the corner of a busy sidewalk, north exposure and my poor gardening skills. I wonder if their toughness is why they became symbols of protection? (Works into the theme of my book.) But then, have you noticed that no matter what the theme of a book is, the world suddenly seems to reflect that everywhere you look?
I am also excited to learn more about my new book! It seems to be unfolding in front of me a little bit more every day. I "feel" my hero, who he is, how he will gather his life around him but am afraid I have to do more research to get the 1780 setting details right. I'm beginning to think I'll write his story and fine-tune the details later. People are people, with the same hopes and fears no matter what the current mode of transportation, right? I'm edging up to this book--like standing in front of a huge pile of autumn leaves, about to jump in and make a mess and spread my arms and kick my feet just for the fun of it. (And then there will be the work later to make a nice neat pile again.)
I know what you mean about finding peace in nature. For a long time after I moved to the city, I felt like a part of me had been cut off. But then I set up a bird feeder, planted a Saskatoon bush in my backyard, found where I could take my dog off-leash and walk along the edge of the river. It's taken a long time, but now I know that I am nature as well, that peace is available within. Sounds corny, I guess, but I think I'm finally getting it!
That's a lovely thought about feathers. I always pick up a feather when I see it-it just always feels like something I need to do, so now I have several vases full of them. They make me feel good, so beautiful in their symmetry, the colours, how it must feel to fly! Writing is a bit like flying, don't you think? Looking at familiar landscapes from a different perspective, free to turn, to rise and fall whenever you want.
Yes, all trees are beautiful, don't you think? In their own way. That's one thing I really appreciate about Calgary-all the trees that are planted every year, cleaning the air and helping us to remember that we are all part of nature.
I loved your blog and had no idea that Rowan trees were considered symbols of protection. Even the name conjures up images of whimsy and magic. I will have to check into them. I've been wondering whether to plant a new tree in my back yard but I'm not sure if a Rowan will survive our harsh winters.
You story sounds fascinating. I can't wait to hear more.
That Rowan tree has such nice colour. I think like Maggie I may add one to my yard (I need few trees.) And if it survives in Calgary, it should be okay in Didsbury! Happy you showed us.
Post a Comment