Appearing in Autumn: The Linden Tree
The linden tree makes a sudden appearance in autumn. With each change of season it seems that there are new and different trees that stand out to me. It might be a colour of leaf or prominence of branch and bough in the woodland scape. A bright berry or leaf might catch my eye. I continue to learn the English trees, so different so often from the ones that I grew up with in North America.
This blog post explores the spiritual meaning of the linden tree, also known rather confusingly as a lime tree. But it does not produce the citrus fruit, that is another kind of tree altogether.
Recognizing the trees in the woods
I begin to recognize the trees. Here and there. Now and again. Not with complete accuracy. The oak tree looks so different from the ones I knew as a child. But I begin to recognize the English oak when I see it. But there are other trees I had not come across that I begin to also become familiar with: the rowan, the yew, the hawthorn, the copper beech, the linden tree.
Some trees are not so obvious at certain seasons. I had to go on a long search to find a copper beech in the early summer. Its leaves were a rich purple, not copper at all. But at this time of year finding the copper beech is no mystery. The shimmering leaves in the autumn light leave no doubt at all as to why it has been given this name. It is not hidden at all, but in full blaze of colour, a celebration of autumn in the skyline.
When the linden tree becomes visible
I am not sure where the linden tree was all spring and summer. There, in the woods, where it has been all along, of course. Only not coming sharply to my notice in the way that it is now in the autumn. Now, as I walk, the linden tree is entrancing. The fluttering heart-shaped leaves seem to be everywhere. There is a gentle grace to its presence. It is subtle and sweet and peaceful, yet it adds deep atmosphere to the woodlands.
The linden offers a gentle, sweeping invitation into the woods. It seems in keeping with this soft and quiet time between times–nestled between the festivals of the Autumn Equinox and Samhain.
As I have begun to recognize trees, I become curious about the linden that now seems to be everywhere.
Learning about the linden tree
Since this inviting, sweet seeming tree seemed to be bending down and gently inviting me to the woods, I became curious as to what it was. There are several resources for learning about trees.
One of the most handy to use when I am actually out in the woods is the app “Leafsnap.” Let me add, this is not a sponsored mention of this app, I am receiving nothing at all from a recommendation of this app. It is very easily accessed on a phone, when walking in the woods, and offers quick identification of trees and plants, through an uploaded photo of leaves, bark, fruit or flower of the plant or tree you wish to identify.
It runs a scan of the photo and tells you several choices, each with further information and details if you wish to read further than a quick identification. It is mostly accurate, although not always, but it is by far and away the best app I have found to quickly tell me what I am looking at. It is my constant companion in the woods.
Why lime is another name for the linden tree
Frustratingly, I thought, the common name for this tree, the lime, has nothing to do with a tree producing green citrus fruit. So why lime?
Thus, the name lime that has come down is an interesting echo of the past in itself. And it is no surprise that the linden tree is favoured for carving and craft due to its flexible nature. EcoTree explains, “Its wood, which is light and easy to work, is coveted by craftspeople for carving and joinery, giving rise to pieces of incomparable finesse.”
The spiritual gifts and messages of the linden tree
On an EarthWise journey, it is only natural (no pun intended) to seek out the meaning and message of a particular tree. Some people might say that these are the reasons of being drawn to a particular tree at any particular time.
So, I wondered, why was I being drawn to the linden tree time and again? Why now? It had been in the woods all along, it was not as if it made a sudden appearance. But in a way, it had made a sudden appearance. For all at once it seemed to be everywhere, and the tree constantly catching my attention, my eye.
For this I have turned to “The Wisdom of Trees Oracle” card deck by Jane Struthers. Again, please note, I am receiving nothing for this mention and discussion of this oracle deck. It is one I use in my own daily practices and rituals, and find it very informative as well about trees! The booklet that comes with the cards says that the tree provides this message: “Look at my heart-shaped leaves if you want to try to understand my affectionate message to you. Try to send out a sense of love and peace, wherever you are in the world, regardless of your circumstances.”
The website “Linden Tree Intuitive” offers this insight into the one of the spiritual meanings and messages that can be given by the linden tree: “Following your heart and pursuing your dreams. The Linden symbolizes transformation into the person you are destined to be, and helping you to see the potential within yourself.”
Where the linden tree leads
The gentle heart-shaped leaves that flutter in the autumn breeze gives all the message and literal and metaphorical heart of this tree and its messages. It is about giving and receiving love, and chasing and believing in soul-felt dreams.
The soft energy and whispering invite into the woods that I felt from this tree is exactly what it offers. This is some affirmation that the energy I am feeling from the woods, from this tree, are real and not just imagined. Learning about and following the message and gift of the linden tree is another step on this EarthWise journey. Its message and appearance is perhaps because now that is what is speaking to me, what I am ready to learn from the autumn woods.