A CALL INTO STILLNESS WITH THE GREAT TREE OF PEACE (& a ceremonial tea ritual)
in rest and contemplation, I see a great dark sky full of stars,
As the heavenly firmament turns, I go within,
finding my true north, my still point of peace .
Acknowledgement
Before all else, we honour the words, the teachings, and the wisdom passed down through generations. We acknowledge the sacred knowledge of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy; the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora peoples, whose profound relationship with the Eastern White Pine, the Great Tree of Peace, has guided communities in peace, unity, and governance for centuries.
We recognise the White Pine as a wise elder; with roots extending in all directions offering refuge, White Pine’s presence embodies protection and enduring principles of law, harmony, and moral responsibility. May we honour and learn from this ancient knowledge, holding reverence for the land, the tree, and the teachings of those who have stewarded them for generations.
The Tree of Peace
Sometimes a plant comes into your life and changes the way you walk in the world forever. One of these plants has been key in our apprenticeships, and that is Eastern White Pine Tree (Pinus strobus).
I find White Pine to be a particularly beautiful ally during the winter season. When the world feels more chaotic with gatherings, gifts, and the increasing mental load; White Pine gently brings us back to ourselves. It restores that sense of the evergreen, reminding us that even in the darkest days, in the depths of winter, there is still life. There is growth. There is green. There are sweet-smelling, fragrant needles. There is beauty.
White Pine helps us find a true sense of peace within. This great, wise being calls us to ‘bury the hatchet’, to release conflict through forgiveness, to walk as messengers and advocates of peace. White Pine is a powerful ally throughout the year, especially in our culture, where polarisation and conflict are constantly stirred, and when real and terrible conflicts are unfolding in the world.
The Tree of Peace helps us first come to terms with how life is, and then guides us toward finding peace within ourselves, so that we may bring peace into the lives of others.
White Pine also helps us come to reconciliation with darkness. As we move toward the darkest day of the year, this ally is especially supportive for those who struggle with the darker aspects of life, helping us rediscover the lightness of being once again.
These great standing elders remind us that not everything is lost. Some things are evergreen: our presence, our peace, our beauty, and our grace. These live within us, untouched by seasons and cycles.
The tea ceremony
1. What You’ll NeedWhite pine needles or a small branch
Fire-safe container or smudge bowl
Matches or lighter
Teapot and cup-(Use 1-2 teaspoons of white pine needles per cup)
Optional: journal, candle, or small crystal
2. Create Your SpaceFind a quiet place where you will not be disturbed. Light your candle.
Take a moment to prepare your ceremonial space in whichever way you choose, perhaps with an opening prayer or blessing, lighting incense or smudge, or using a drum or chimes to harmonise the space.
Once you have prepared your ceremonial space, settle into the quiet by taking a few slow breaths with awareness, grounding your presence.
When you feel the stillness within yourself, offer words of gratitude to White Pine, call in the spirit of this ally with your words/song/drum
When the space feels ready, mindfully prepare your tea.
3. begin your tea ceremonyTake your time really be with every sound and sensory moment as you pour and embibe the tea. Listen deeply from the stillness of your being. Notice how the tea smells, looks, tastes and what feelings arise. Witness and acknowledge them, then let them pass like clouds in the sky.
Be with the experience and allow the wisdom of White Pine to speak to you as you come into communion during this sacred act.
4. contemplationSpend as long as you need after in quiet contemplation, offer yourself the gift of this space to really take in your experience. You may feel after to journal some of your experience and distill some of your reflections.
It may be you wish to remain in the tranquility of non-doing and carry that essence into your day.
5. Closing the CeremonyWhen you feel ready to close the ceremony, take your remaining needles outside and offer it all back to the earth, perhaps under a tree or in a quiet spot in the garden.
Make an offering of gratitude; this can be however you feel to. Perhaps a physical offering, incense, song, words or however the moment moves you.
As we arrive in the depths of winter may this ceremony remind you that the evergreen, ever-present peace and joy of life is well within the reach of our experience with our beautiful plant allies.
If you would like to learn more about rituals, ceremony and herbals medicine making with the Plant Kingdom, join our Shamanic Herbalism Apprenticeship.