Yew trees are revered throughout the British Isles for their profound wisdom and connection to divination. It is no coincidence that many ancient sites for worship have a yew tree on or near them. Furthermore, these trees have sustained themselves for hundreds or even thousands of years, making them symbols of longevity and the guardians of our planet.
The oldest yew tree in Europe can be found in the St Cynog’s churchyard at Defynnog near Sennybridge, Powys, and has been confirmed to be 5000 years old. However, many other ancient yew trees exist in the British Isles, such as the Compton Dundon Yew Tree near Glastonbury, possibly over 1700 years old. Sitting silently by these trees can provide access to their profound wisdom and guidance.
Unfortunately, the presence of yew trees in many churchyards results from a questionable process of converting pagans to Christianity. As a result, churches were often built in place of pagan worship near a yew tree. However, some churches today understand the importance of these trees and take good care of them, allowing for meditation and other forms of tree worship.
Trees are vital for our planet, serving many critical functions. They are the primary source of oxygen, hold the soil together with their roots, and provide shade for additional plant growth. From a spiritual perspective, trees channel spiritual energy to the Earth, and their presence helps with planetary transformation. They are often called the Standing People or Dryads in various esoteric traditions, highlighting their sacredness and connection to the spiritual world.
Connecting with trees regularly can help form a better relationship with these beautiful beings. The website Ancient and Veteran Yew Trees is an excellent resource for locating ancient and veteran yew trees. By visiting and spending time with these ancient trees, we can tap into their wisdom and connect with the sacredness of the natural world.
For more tips on communicating with trees, please read my article about my initiation to the Standing People.
