Tree of Life and its meaning

Within all religions of our realm, there is always to be found a reference to a world tree. Hindus, Mayas, Nordics, Celts, Chinese and many more have preserved this myth, but what does it all mean?

The following chapter will be my attempt to explain the occult knowledge of the tree of life. It is a compilation of years of practice and research in order to be able to see through the veil of this realm and come closer to the understanding of the true nature of our being.

I encourage you to observe the above images with a mindful attention to detail. These depictions come from all corners of the world and as well from completely different and unrelated periods of time. The one thing that connects them all is the undisputed belief in a Tree of Life which exists in all of us. One needs to have the alchemical eyes to see what is right in front of them, because the hidden meaning or message was intentionally hidden, to avoid prosecution and corruption of this gnostic knowledge. It is what connects us with our ancestors, who hoped that one day we will be able to see the truth and break free from the shackles that bind us within this illusion.

“No tree, it is said, can grow to heaven unless its roots reach down to hell.”

Daoist, Hindu, Buddhist, Nordic, Christian and many more all depict the tree of life with several stages or realms within. This has to be understood not in a literal sense, but in an alchemical perception. The tree represents on the physical plane, our spinal cord, without which our physical reality wouldn't be possible. It is the core that makes us move, feel and experience life. On a spiritual plane, it is the source and connection that we all possess with divine energy. Think of it as an antenna which connects your physical vessel with God. For this to work however, your antenna must be functional and pointing in the direction of the divine source. In order to make this connection a possibility, one must 1st unlock all the different stages (chakras, realms, chi etc.) along the spinal cord. This must be done physically, meaning we have to strengthen our muscles around the spine in order to erect the spine in an upwards fashion, but as well make it flexible as to allow the natural flow of chi or aether. While working on this plane, one must not forget to do the work on the spiritual side. This is best understood via the depiction in Hinduism with all different chakras. Each chakra represents a different vibration, which is best understood as emotions or feelings we experience. Anger, Lust, Ambition, Fear and so on.. We have to begin to observe our reactions to these forces and begin to analyze ourselves in order to free us from these external forces. A great example for this is the quote by the stoic Epictetus “Any person capable of angering you becomes your master; he can anger you only when you permit yourself to be disturbed by him.”. Do not permit these external emotions to control you, instead learn to understand the source of these emotions and use their power for the upward flow of your life energy.

Kundalini. Serpent. Shiva.

The art of Kundalini practice is yet another example of how we want to use the dormant, coiled up energy (snake) within our lower DanTian (lower body; 3 fingers below belly button), to move it upwards along the spine, connecting the feminine and masculine energy and creating a harmony within us which in the end will blossom to the top of our head where Shiva is waiting for us. This work on the spiritual plane is the most challenging one, as it will have to break many of our existing beliefs and predispositions. The ego is a powerful force that was necessary in our early stages of life, however once we grow up, the need for this fake identity is not necessary. Actually it is this mask we use, that is preventing us from going deeper within ourselves. The interesting aspect of Kundalini is the way they describe this life force which needs to be activated and pushed upwards. They describe it as a snake which begins in its infant stage as a coiled up ball, which needs to be untangled and then in a spiral movement go up, just like a snake. Similar motives can be found in all ancient religions just like the Ouroboros snake from Norse mythology; Shiva's snake around his neck in Hinduism; Kundalini Snake and most notably the snake from the Abrahamic religions with the story of Adam and Eve. For those enlightened spirits with eyes to see, can recognize the alchemical message and can thus begin the process of awakening.

3 Stages of the Lotus Flower

To conclude this chapter, I would like to summarize what we have learned. The tree of life is the representation of our inner being. It is the divine spark in all of us, which needs to be unlocked and pushed upwards. The spinal cord plays a pivotal role in this and it is required of the individual to erect the spine and thus allow the natural flow of energy. On the spiritual plane, it is the unlocking of different stages of our spirit through the mastery of our emotions. To start the journey of awakening, remember the Trinity. In the West we know it as the Father, Son and Holy spirit, however the best way to look at it is the description of the Lotus flower. The lotus is always depicted in Hinduism either sitting on top of our head, suggesting enlightenment or it is shown as the seat of all the deities like Vishnu. Therefore the lotus plays an important role in the process of achieving Samadhi. The lotus flower goes through 3 stages in its life cycle. Firstly it is born within the mud, suggesting that our consciousness is confused, unclean and we haven't integrated our unconscious side. In the second stage it is found in the water, which is another element where life is present, we are able to perceive that there is more to life than just the material realm, however we haven’t fully unlocked the dormant nature within us. It is only in the third stage that awakening will happen. That is when the lotus flower emerges from the waters into the air/light. The light or sun is the embodiment of God and this is when the individual has successfully harmonized his conscious and unconscious sides, the masculine and feminine energy and is able to experience life through new eyes.