The Axis Mundi New Moon
The Ash tree new moon, the most spiritual of the lunar trees - The Tree of Life.
Trees are sacred, many people past and present have known and understood this phenomena. Learning from trees, we can appreciate the value of simply being ourselves, observing without judging or needing to constantly act can teach us important lessons. I get immense pleasure from understanding the wealth of wisdom that trees continue to offer our species.
Perhaps the most profound teaching is the simple art of being. Just as trees stand tall in their true form, unaffected by comparison or judgment, so too can we learn to appreciate our own unique existence and embrace others for who they are. The notion of expecting a tree to be anything other than itself seems ridiculous, highlighting the wisdom in accepting and honouring all living beings. In a world where constant activity often overshadows the beauty of presence, trees showcase the profound impact of just 'being.' So much to learn!
A S H
Common Name: Ash
Scientific Name: Fraxinus
Irish Name: Fuinseóg
Family: Oleaceae
Planet: The Sun & Neptune
Element: Water & Fire
Symbolism: Mastership, Power & Courage. The ash tree has a complex root system, penetrating deep into the earth, reminding us to stay grounded.
Ash is the third consonant of the Ogham alphabet Nuin. The ash is the tree of initiation - The Axis Mundi tree - It connects all realms of consciousness - The otherworld, this world and the spiritual world - Past, present and future.
Our ancestors interpreted three distinct things from the ash tree:
Expansion
Growth
Higher perspective.
The old Irish word bile means sacred tree. There were five key sacred trees widely documented in early Irish literature, of these five, three were ash trees (The others an oak and a yew). Bile Uisnig - The tree of Uisneach, was an ash that stood in the cosmological centre point of Ireland in the centre of Uisneach, Co.Meath.
These sacred trees were believed to have supernatural powerful energies as well as being a source of sacred wisdom. The Ash in particular was believed to be the Axis Mundi or Tree of Life1
It strikes me that our ash new moon also aligns with Mahashivratri, the illustrious night of Shiva, revered in Hindu and yogic traditions. The Mahashivratri and the ash moon in the lunar tree cycles, holds immense spiritual importance. This synchronicity illustrates the universal recognition of the heightened energy during this period across wisdom traditions worldwide.
Cosmic Consciousness is something that I have believed in since I can remember, it’s the belief in the conscioussness of EVERYTHING and the recognition that everything is CONNECTED.
The scientist Menas C. Kafatos is a quantum physicist, cosmologist and climate change researcher and works extensively on consciousness, he describes cosmic consciousness as:
“The question at hand is whether there is such a thing as higher consciousness? We are using the term “cosmic consciousness” to denote a state of awareness that knows itself completely, a state of inner silence that is in direct contact with existence. Such a state would be free, without suffering or limitation. If there is such a state, then human evolution has a goal to aim for one that is natural and credible rather than supernatural and faith-based”
Consider why our ancestors revered trees and constructed sites like Newgrange and Stonehenge, what compelled them to look up to the cosmos for answers and prompts? Perhaps they were more connected to their universal awareness.
We understand that a mere 4% of the matter present in the vast expanse of the universe is visible to us, leaving a staggering 96% comprising the enigmatic realms of unseen dark matter and energy. Scientists are beginning to delve into the concept of consciousness as a tangible form of matter, contemplating the intricate relationship between the physical world and the intangible realm of human awareness.
An easy prompt to help to begin to tap into cosmic consciousness is to explore nature as if seeing it for the first time, through a lens devoid of preconceptions. Forget plant names and focus on their unique traits, energy, movements, colors, and personalities…
Are plants truly just plants, or do they harbour within them a depth of healing, wholesomeness, and magic that transcends our superficial gaze? Could it be that there is a profound essence within them, waiting to be rediscovered amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life?
Notice if today, during the birth of this new moon, you find yourself with an energy that wasn't there yesterday. Take a moment to observe the newfound vibrancy of the world around you - perhaps the green shoots on the trees stand out more vividly.
Appreciate your unique role in the world during this lunar cycle, this in turn, could make this particular moon stand out as one of the most powerful ones of the year.