Did you know there could be a tree near you older than Tyrannosaurus Rex? That’s right, next time you’re outside, look out for the magnolia, a tree so old it existed before the evolution of bees!
Clocking in at 95 million years and counting, this beautiful and resilient ‘Great Mother’ of flowering trees can be seen in bloom right through the spring months in the UK.
Magnolias come in many varieties but are most famous for their deep pink, teardrop-shape buds that open out into large, papery flowers. The fascinating thing about them is they evolved uniquely to attract beetles and flies, as bees and other pollinators didn’t yet exist! Now common in many areas of the world, magnolias first existed in Asia, and are considered by many cultures as a symbol of resilience, dignity and feminine beauty.
For us in the cold northern hemisphere, magnolias are one of the first harbingers of spring. They appear around the time Mother’s Day is celebrated in Western cultures and can be a great vehicle to connect with themes concerning maternal figures / ancestors, or the nurturing but strong female archetype of Mother Earth. Magnolias are said to particularly support the heart chakra and can foster self-love and emotional healing.
In the spirit of connecting in with yourself and the season we’re in, here are a few writing prompts inspired by this tree:
- Is what ways am I resilient and how can I celebrate this?
- What makes me feel emotionally fulfilled?
- What comes to mind when I hear the phrase ‘The Great Mother’ – a person, a feeling, a legacy?
- How would I like to be remembered after I am gone?
Also, try this mantra:
Place your hand over your heart and repeat “I am grateful for the nurturing energies around me.”
You can engage with magnolia in lots of different ways. Magnolia flowers are edible and make delicious syrups and pickles. They are also great inspiration for art and fashion. However you feel inspired, I hope you find time this spring to appreciate these strong and beautiful trees.
Sources:
https(:)//www.gardenloversclub.com
https(:)//lpmastergardener.org
https(:)//wisdomofthespirit.com
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