The Living Wisdom of Trees by Fred Hageneder

Author:Fred Hageneder
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781786783950
Publisher: Watkins Media
Published: 2020-02-10T16:00:00+00:00

The genus Larix is a member of the Pine family (Pinaceae) and comprises about ten species of tall, deciduous conifers with spreading branches that grow in the colder parts of the northern hemisphere.

The common or European larch (L. decidua, L. europaea) has short, needle-shaped leaves arranged in beautiful rosettes, up to 1½in (3.7cm) long. The female cones are about the same length. American larch (L. americana or L. laricina) cones are only half this size, and have shiny, hairless scales. The Siberian larch (L. sibirica) has bright green, needle-like leaves and downy scales. Larch requires a cold climate, but nevertheless its young shoots are sensitive to spring frost.

Practical Uses

Larch timber is fairly fire- and water-resistant. It became one of the main timber supplies for the fleets of the Roman Empire (along with pine, fir and cypress).

The larch is rich in resin which, unlike that of other conifers, remains liquid when heated, and is suitable for the production of pitch, as well as Venetian turpentine. Pitch was widely used to waterproof roofs, boats and ships.

Natural Healing

A decoction of larch bark makes a soothing application for eczema and psoriasis. Both Europeans and Native North Americans, such as the Algonquin, Quebec and Iroquois peoples, have used needle or bark infusions to treat urinary tract infections, as well as bronchitis, colds and coughs.

The Bach Flower Remedy enhances self-confidence and helps to overcome obstacles. The tree essence balances heart and mind, will and desire.

Culture, Myth and Symbol

In Alpine legend, the larch is the abode of the Saeligen, the “Blessed Ones”, graceful otherworldly beings who are kind to people and protect animals. In different parts of the Alps, the Saeligen maidens have been described as spirit beings dressed in white or silver, dancing under old larch trees and singing the sweetest music.

In Siberian tradition, God made two trees at the creation: a female, the fir; and a male, the larch. The larch is one of the few trees that grows in the tundra, where a group of seven or more is considered to be a sacred grove. The Ostyak people used to make an offering every time they passed a larch grove. According to the Tungus tribe, the soul of the shaman is reared in the (otherworldly) Tuuru tree, and the rim of his drum is cut from a living larch tree, which is left standing to honour the Tuuru. During every shamanic trance-journey, a ritual “tree”, made from a long pole of larch, is planted in the ceremonial tent and the shaman climbs up this World Tree to heaven.

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