Flower Essence Plant Study Professional Course PINE Kate Doyle

Part One: The Objective Perception Exercise

Part Two: The Imaginative Perception Exercise

Part Three: Literature Review

Closing

Part One – Objective Perception

1)SITTING WITH THE PINE TREE My report began and evolved the first six weeks studying the CA Wild Rose. Then, mysteriously on a hike near Paige Meadows in the west area of Lake Tahoe, I realized through many tears that I was to let go of this work with the CA Wild Rose, and study the Pine. It came suddenly and with great emotion. I picked up a branch that had fallen from a tree and even the surrounding bushes nodded me on. Living full time at the Lake I see that I am surrounded by the majestic conifer trees: pines, firs, and cedars. The pine struggles the most from long term drought and beetles. Therein lies my invitation to study greatness through struggle. Reflection on the Pine that was once so prolific, and now struggles with environmental imbalances to remain here in the Tahoe region is relevant to me. I see mostly Sugar Pines and Jeffrey Pines, but it is the Jeffrey Pine that landed in my hand to begin this amazing journey. This is a life study reflecting not only the Pine, but also myself. Once I made this shift, the words, research, and feelings were at my fingertips. I do not really draw, and yet the simple drawings came to me effortlessly. The Pine is one plant I spend time with during both the daylight and at night. I tilt my head back and look in awe at this magnificent being as I walk CA State Park 64 Acres, Lakeside each morning. I walk my dog each evening and look up through the beautiful Pine trees to the heavens above. The stars seem like twinkling lights, illuminating the skies with their presence. The Pine plant characteristics are the vastness and the enormity of its presence. All of the pictures in my report were exclusively photographed or drawn by me.

2)PARTS OF THE PINE TREE I learned the tap root penetrates deeply into the earth. The lateral roots are strong and extensive to support this tall tree. This solid foundation provides stability for the tall structure. As above, so below. The trunk is straight with a rounded crown in older, mature trees and a more pyramidal crown in young trees. The bark is a cinnamon color that is deeply furrowed with irregular scaly plates. It has a unique vanilla, pineapple, burnt sugar smell. My favorite part is the smell of the bark, what an intimate treat. This is the dominant part of the Pine that I have access to as a human. The lower branches are droopy and the upper branches are smaller and ascending upwards. There is an upward feeling to the overall tree. The evergreen, coniferous tree has needles rather than leaves. The needles come in threes and are 8-10 inches long according to my measuring. The needle clusters are arranged spirally along the branches. The needles flow with the weather to allow the tall tree to move in the strong weather here in the Sierra Mountains. The pollen cones come in the late spring, May to June. 2017 was a banner year for pollen, yellow dust was everywhere. I used my windshield wipers to clear my windows of pollen on my car many times this pollen season. The cones are a reddish-brown color with the prickles pointing inward. The cones provide the incubation space for the pine nuts to hatch. A typical cone is shaped like a tapered football and is 8-10 inches long, 15 inches at the base and 8 inches at the top of the cone according to measuring one or two that I came upon on a walk. The seeds are in the middle of wings to help transport them on the wind. These seeds are the future of the species. I noticed mainly the Golden Mantled and Gray Squirrels enjoying the bounty of the pine cones. During the different stages of growth, small seedlings tend to erupt in clusters from squirrels and other small animals burying them in clusters. The metamorphosis from a seedling to a sapling and on to become a tree is profound and geometrically very beautiful. For example, when looking closely at a Pine cone, I notice the similar spiraling I see when looking up at the branches and at the needles. Roots start simply as does the tree. When the roots descend downward and laterally, they support the towering tree above ground. The tree creates new growth by sending out new buds each spring to develop the structure of the tree. As the roots become more developed and intricate so does the tree. It is a beautiful push in opposite directions: heavenly and earthly.

3)ENVIRONMENT The environment that the Jeffrey Pine grows in varies greatly. I notice them in sunny meadows, dry areas, and emerging from rocky outcroppings and infertile soils. They seem to have great adaptability. They tend to favor sunlight and lack of competition as I rarely saw them in big groupings together. The trees I observed were so tall that I was not able to see insects from the ground level, but I am aware of the devastation by the beetles in the Lake Tahoe basin. The other plants I observed nearby are other trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. Primarily, the trees nearby are Douglas Fir, Cedar, Sugar Pine, Quaking Aspen, and Cottonwood trees. Some of the shrubs are Elderberry, Manzanita, Snowberry, Oregon Grape, Thimbleberry, Gooseberry, and several ferns. Many different wildflowers depending on the elevation and the month. The repetitive wildflowers were Wild Roses, Golden Rod, Asters, Lupines, Indian Paintbrush, Columbine, Sticky Cinquefoil, Sweet Pea, Wooly Mules Ears, and Yarrow.

4)FOUR ELEMENTS The four elements, Earth, Water, Air and Fire are all relevant in ways. The primary two are Earth and Air. Earth for the deep roots and impact on the surrounding ecosystem due to a large presence. Numerous plants can thrive in the Jeffrey Pine tree shade. Pine has a solid, rigid structure with a woody stem/trunk. The branches can droop down towards the earth, but then at the end of the branch it sweeps towards the sky. Water for the adaptability to grow in either moist or dry environments. The Pine favors dry environments. It has the capacity to store water in the needles, branches and trunk. Another feature of the Pine is its ability to exude sap from the trunk. Air for the height and commanding presence the massive tree commands. The needles and branches allow air and light to pass through. Without this ability, the tall tree would topple in the high winds here in the Sierra. The Pine tree occupies quite a large area of space and has a growth pattern that is quite expansive. Additionally, it is wind pollinated, using air to propagate. Fire for the ability to thrive in the hot sun on mountain tops and ridges. The Pine blooms in the fullness of summer. It has explosive qualities in how it releases seeds from the cones. The Pine tree has strong aromatic oils in its bark and needles. Finally, Pine has a relationship to fire and the release of seeds from the cones.

5)FOUR SEASONS The Pine has different activity through the four seasons. There is much reproductive activity is in the spring when the new cones emerge, pollen spreads and fertilizes the cones, and new plant growth appears. The summer months reveal the development of the cones. The fall season is the time when the seeds and cones disburse from the wind activity and the small animal collection and movement of the cones. Winter is a dormant season due to the decrease in temperature and prevalence of snowfall. There are not noticeable changes to the Pine tree throughout the day.

6) SKETCHE S 09/2017 • Needles

7)SENSORY EXPERIENCES My delicious sensory experience is the bark. I love to touch it and to smell the yummy vanilla, burnt sugar, pineapple scents intertwined in the bark. Such a nice invitation to touch and smell this large presence, the Pine. I have chewed Pine Buds in the spring time, they are refreshing and soothing to my throat. I have not harvested local pine nuts, but look forward to this wild food this fall.

Part Two – The Imaginative Perception

1) Reconstruct with my Imagination The essence of the Pine is a stairway to heaven, a ladder to heights unknown. The aspects represent peace, patience, and presence. Some of the Pines favorite things are the 2 legged sillies and a good stiff breeze. Their teachings are to LOOK UP, TRUST your heading, here is what STEADFASTNESS looks like, a UNIQUE perspective, STRENGTH, and SHARING bounty.

Fairy Tale Once upon a time there was a once upon a time, and during this particular once upon a time there was a winged baby so delicate, so vulnerable. There were four legged predators and drying days, but every so often these winged beauties found their way to manifestation in the moist, warm loving arms of Mother Earth. From this place of love of a Mother, springs life in the slow lane for the Pine. Emergence as delicate fairy earth doodles (saplings), they form a tribe of sorts. Synergy in beauty and honoring space, the Pine takes root in the softness of Mother. Pine patiently proceeds towards Heaven, taking with her other beings of like vibration. Those Fairies, 4 legged dependents, and 2 legged minds on sticks all commune around and with the beloved Pine. Ceremonies and dances honor and thank the beneficent giver, the Pine. The Moon also has a hand in this goodness as she smiles on this transformation. These lives all depend on one another. These cycles continue infinitely. This is the world according to Pine. The End.

2) Imagination/Relaxation I see twisting, spiraling with moves unknown to me, a mere mortal. There are vibrations into the earth with some type of fueling effect. When I look inward as I meditate with the Pine, I feel the energy fields of Mother Earth. I feel the Pine in a large physical presence, yet not intrusive in an energetic presence. My spirit feels uplifted. When looking with my eyes in a soft gaze, I see yellow. This represents the Third Chakra, Solar Plexus. This Chakra is for confidence, self - trust. The needles looked shimmery. I see a softness, a flow with the wind. The trunk sees it all, the top of the Pine envisions new possibilities.

3) Gesture/Form The overall gesture/form is a missile, rocket ship. It occurs to me that trees are aliens. They can do things we humans cannot even fathom. Pine trees/plants exchange CO2 to O2 on the Earth. We humans fail to realize that every time we cut a tree short of its life expectancy, we inhibit oxygen on this planet.

4) Colors/Subtle Energies The color silver surrounds the Pine tree, which makes sense to me as this color represents the Crown Chakra – a connection with the Divine. The trunk has an upward trend and the branches swoop upwards as well. The needles feel like a spiral. I feel connected with the Pine and the tree smiles with me and my discoveries. The movements and patterns around the Pine felt different at different heights/elevations. The low plants near the Pine are the sweepers. The higher plants, which are trees feel like a group of dancers in harmony and perfectly spaced away from the Pine. (Sketches later in #6) 5) Listening The listening exercise brings me back to the first time I laid hands on a horse in 2008. I learned as I connected with horses, each has a unique song. I find the Pine had numerous songs to share with me. I will name the songs and forego interpretation. Here are the songs in order: Working in a Coal Mine, I Feel Good, Phantom of the Opera, Help, Yesterday, You are my Sunshine. These songs and the vast territory they cover remind me of the limitless possibilities the Pine has within. The Pine inspires me to rethink plants in the same way I think about any sentient being. I previously categorized plants and animals differently in my mind. My heart self-corrected this belief through this study. Thankfully, I find more intimacy with plants.

6) Qualities The qualities of the Pine seem to come in pictures to me. The first picture I saw was a turtle who represented adaptability, slowness, patience, and longevity. The next thing that came to me was the tree itself among stars as a strong connection to the Universe, infinite possibilities, and reaching for the stars. The third image I saw was the root system: showing its skirt/fashion, change, and transformation, and being behind or under what is normally seen. Going deeper. The Pine feels very connected with things far bigger than I can see and imagine. The Universe is the realm the Pine dwells in. As it grows so tall, it reaches for the stars. Beneath the ground, the Pine constantly changes, transforms.

Part Three – Literature Review

1)BOTANICAL CLASSIFICATION The botanical classification as Family, Genus, species is Pinaceae Pinus jeffreyi. Comparing the Jeffrey Pine to other trees in the same family, I conclude that the Sugar Pine and the Western White Pine provide more similarities than differences. The Jeffrey and White Pine are similar heights at maturity. The Jeffrey and Sugar Pine have similar bloom color around the same time each year, in April. From reading various documents identified in the References Section, I learned they are all susceptible to blister rust. Mentioned repeatedly are the pests: beetles and western dwarf mistletoe are the worst pests for the pine tree family. The Jeffrey Pine beetle is common and the single worst enemy of the Jeffrey Pine. It has caused extensive mortality in mature trees. One difference is the Jeffrey seems better to thrive in climatic extremes than the Sugar and White Pine. I see this family of trees adapting to survive the raw elements of the western Sierra mountains. I also notice the various pines are very close in both their strengths and their vulnerabilities.

2)HERBAL/MEDICINAL QUALITIES The herbal and medicinal qualities of the Jeffrey Pine are well documented. The Native Americans found many uses for this magnificent tree. This field is named Ethnobotany. I will briefly go over one use each (although there are many) for the Bark, Needles, Pollen, Sap and the Nuts.

Jeffrey Pine Bark

And

Bark with Sap

In a YouTube Video by James from Waterfromthesource, he presents this information verbally and visually in the video titled, Pine Tree Medicine. The following insights were gained through this source as well as Sacredearth.com Plantprofile: Pine. The inner bark is rich in antioxidants and can be used as a tea. The bark and the sap are antibiotic and antibacterial. The sap can be used for wounds and sore throats. When personally observing the Jeffrey Pine tree, it amazes me how many gifts it has medicinally and what an important role it plays when considering wildlife. The bark and foliage serve as an important food source for squirrels and mule deer. It provides nesting cover for woodpeckers and squirrels. The pine nuts are disseminated and eaten by insects, birds, and small mammals. It contains so much goodness in it’s huge structure. The pine nuts are a wild food rich in fats, vitamins, and minerals. They’re included in the diet of more wildlife species than any other genus except the mighty oak. I was not able to photograph pine nuts as the cones open to release them typically in October. Here is a cone in September that had fallen from a Jeffrey Pine near my home.

The needles are high in Vitamin C, and work synergistically with the bark in a tea. The needles can be used externally and internally. Externally, the needles are an antiseptic, a stimulant, anti-rheumatic, and anti-arthritic. Internally, needles are anti-inflammatory and an immunostimulant.

The Pine tree pollen is seasonally prevalent in June. It is a nutritious adaptogen that is produced by the male catkin. The Native Americans considered the Pine as one of the Sacred Trees. The pollen balances testosterone, is an androgen/estrogen balancer, and can optimize certain endocrine functions. I was not able to photograph the catkins with pollen due to the seasonal nature of pollen dissemination. Basically, I missed the season for this part of the reproduction process. 3) BIOCHEMISTRY The biochemistry of coniferous trees tends to focus on the turpentine that can be harvested. In the Jeffrey Pine, it’s turpentine is not composed of terpenes as are most pines. It is composed of normal heptane, a type of paraffin hydrocarbon with a small mixture of fragrant aliphatic aldehydes. Heptane is flammable, thus the Jeffrey Pine is not harvested commercially for this. Biochemistry information on ozone was found in a paper by D.D. Davis and F.A. Wood. A biochemistry reaction that affects the Jeffrey Pine is the impact of air quality on the tree. Ozone damages pine trees by oxidizing important biochemicals. Ozone uptake occurs primarily through open stomata. Cell walls can offer little resistance to the diffusion of ozone. A wide variety of reactions occur once ozone enters the cells. Higher levels of exposure to ozone lead to irreparable damage to cell membranes and functions. Needles become chlorotic and when more than 50% chlorotic, the needles die. This dying of needles leads to sparsely foliated branches of the tree. This reduction of leaf area and photosynthesis of the tree lowers growth and resistance to pests and pathogens. This chemical response to ozone lowers the conversion of CO2 into O2. Seasonal renewal of the Pine tree parts occur as each season provides new needle growth, pollination, cone development, and sap where branches shed or bark has been damaged. These trees are such a large presence, providing shelter, chemical reactions, food for wildlife and humans alike, as well as medicine. 4) HISTORY and LORE The history of the white man’s relationship to the Jeffrey Pine is shallow in my review of the literature. The more compelling history are the folklore and traditions that live on today. I found the when and where the Jeffrey Pine was discovered and identified account in the USDA NRCS 2011 The PLANTS Database. The Jeffrey Pine was named in honor of Scottish botanist documenter John Jeffrey in 1852 in Shasta Valley, CA. At first it was mistakenly classified a Ponderosa Pine as the wood is identical in structure. Then John realized its distinct chemical, ecological and physiological traits. The Jeffrey Pine is readily distinguishable from the Ponderosa Pine by its bark, needle, bud and cone morphology and was indeed a uniquely different tree. It grows in SW Oregon, California, western Nevada, and north Baja California. Kat Morgenstern gave an in-depth picture of the folklore, mythology, symbolism, modern traditions, and folk medicine in her Ethnobotany description on the Pinus Plantprofile: Pine on the website Sacredearth.com. Below are some of the details that resonate with me as I learn the depths of the Pine tree. In mythology, she said the Pine is associated with dwelling places of fairies and gnomes. These are refreshing places that feel benevolent. A feeling of safety and rest come from walking among the aura of trees. I have a favorite trail I hike with regularly named the Gnome Trail. It is tucked among the trees of Blackwood Canyon along the west shore of Lake Tahoe. People have placed gnomes and fairies, and even trolls along a sweet little tree covered creek as a place to visit and smile with friends. Pine trees symbolize humbleness, good fortune, prosperity, fertility, and protection according to Kat. Farmers saw evergreen needles as a sign of vitality and protection. In the olden days, they would sweep their stables with pine needle brushes and hang pine branches above the doors for protection to ward off witchcraft, disease and even lightening. An ironic side note, I saw in the literature that sheep herders never slept at night under Jeffrey Pine trees as they were named lightening trees for their seeming magnetic attraction for lightening. Now days, a tradition in building new dwellings comes from Pine tree lore. Once the foundations of a new building are laid, the raw structure is crowned with a decorated pine tree to attract protection and prosperity. I noticed this practice often while living in the North West as large buildings began to christen the skyline. I never knew the meaning until now. Another modern tradition is the Yule Log which is now usually a sugary dessert. This tradition comes from pine branches or logs brought into the house to provide light and warmth and used as a reminder of the immortal life force of trees. The modern Christmas tree is a novel invention, only a few hundred years old but with ties to pagan customs that celebrated the tree of life. Kat also went over folk medicine with traditions of using Pine trees to transfer magic. This was a folk magical healing rite intended to transfer one’s aches and pains to a tree. The edible pine nut gave its name to the pineal gland, which has a similar size and appearance. According to eastern philosophies, the pineal gland is the seat of the soul. These insights provide a great foundation for the observations I make naturally. In a hierarchical model, the insights I learned here provide the foundation upon which I can begin to build my personal knowledge and intuition about each flower essence. 5) UNDERSTANDING - INSIGHTS The insights I realize from both the readings and videos are so profound for me. The nature of the Pine is self- acceptance and freedom to move forward. I find this research is letting my spirits rise again after much personal difficulty as I watched my husband die several years ago. I love the inner peace I am experiencing in this project. My favorite time of year is the Holiday season. I always love putting my tree up and now I know is a connection to my past pagan rites. I was moved by the Pineal Gland information, most prominently the idea that it is the seat of my soul residing inside me named after a Pine tree element. Very deep to me personally. My daily meditation practice has deepened in this process and my sleep is better than usual. Deep and filled with dreams upon waking. 6)TWELVE WINDOWS OF PLANT PERCEPTION 1) Form and Gesture The size of the Pine tree is tall. I imagine it is over 80-100 feet. It is green, with cinnamon colored bark and cones. The leaves are needles and they grow in threes. The cones are at the top of the tree pointing down towards the earth. I noticed the branches come from the trunk in a spiral fashion. The Seed cones are female and mature in two years shedding seeds and then falling to the ground. My literature review revealed the Pine tree can grow 150-200 feet in height. 2)Orientation in Space, Geometric Relationships The Pine tree is very vertical in orientation, implying uniqueness. The common form is elongation. Long, tall trunk forms into long sweeping branches, which are covered with long needles. The only roundness are the circumferences of the trunk, branches and needles. The cones and nuts are long ovals. There is a noticeable spiral pattern with the branches, the needles, and the prickles on the cones. 3) Botanical Plant Family The Pine family have so much in common that some species are mistaken for each other such as the Ponderosa Pine and the Jeffrey Pine. The Pinus genus represent the theme of self-love through acceptance and forgiveness. The Jeffrey Pine is more stress tolerant than its close relative, the Ponderosa Pine, shown by its dominance at higher elevation, in poorer soils, and colder climates. Competition crowding can be a factor for the Jeffrey Pine’s success. Shade and crowding can be a factor for sapling survival. 4) Orientation in Time: Daily and Season Cycles Jeffrey Pine is a slow growing, long lived tree, living up to 400- 500 years. As a plant, it has great endurance over time. I did not observe the diurnal rhythm. The rhythm throughout the year has more noticeable distinctions. It seems most active in the spring and the fall. In the winter when the Pine trees are covered in snow, their uniqueness stands out. 5) Relationship to the Environment The worse environmental factor for the Jeffrey Pine is the Western Dwarf Mistletoe. The trunk is the armor against pests and fire. 6) Relationship to the Four Elements The dominant elements in the Pine are Earth and Air. Strong gestures with highly developed root systems and branches that thin out with age allow the wise old trees to move with the wind. 7) Relationship to Other Kingdoms of Nature The mineral kingdom relates to the Pine’s inner strength to grow in infertile soil and emerge from granite rock. The small and medium animals depend on the Pine for food and shelter. Seed eaters such as squirrels and chipmunks transport the seeds. Additionally, mice and voles help in this process of dissemination. Birds and deer also depend on the Pine. Humans at first respected the Pine when the Native (First People) Americans honored them. Now humans misuse the Pine using it for commercial wood when other more sustainable trees could be used. Current forestry practices have created a serious problem with fire as evidenced with the countless fires experienced in 2017. 8) Color The Pine is predominantly green varying from yellow green to gray green. Green represents the Fourth or Heart Chakra. It is the strong love of self and acceptance of self that the Pine reminds us. 9) Other Sense Perceptions: Fragrance, Texture, Taste The fragrance most defined is the bark, with its vanilla, pineapple treat. Additionally, the smell of the Pine trees after a rain is a very grounding smell of earth. The texture of the Pine tree invites me to stroke it. I love to stroke the bark and the needles. The taste of the tips of the spring new growth is refreshing and healing. 10) Chemical Substances and Processes “Pine has Silica in its needles. A strong Silica presence in a plant indicates a special relationship to the light. Plants like Pine help the soul address certain forms of depression and heaviness.” (12 Windows of Plant Perception) I find myself heavy with grief and living in my past at times and am enjoying getting to know the Pine. I know I am filled with light as we all are, I simply lose my way. 11) Medicinal and Herbal Uses I love learning the numerous gifts the Pine tree offers in the realm of healing. From the strong immune system building qualities to the endocrine balancing characteristics, the Pine has so many ways to help keep our bodies in balance in this modern world filled with toxins and endocrine disruptors. I plan to begin using Pine Pollen to rebalance my lost libido naturally. 12) Lore, Mythology, Folk Wisdom, Spiritual and Ritual The link to Fairies and Gnomes is of special interest to me. I have often felt while riding horses in the woods that I was not alone. There were eyes upon me. It was not scary and I recall once I said this is a place for fairies. Fairies don’t live in strip malls, they love the woods. I had no idea what I was feeling and how true it was. The Pine tree is humble and offers protection and good fortune. It is clear to me now why I was so attracted to living right where I do as there are so many trees, especially Pine trees. I had three things that were important to my soul after my husband and horse both died early in 2013. I knew I had to move from the Northwest. I knew I needed more sunlight, the ability to see the stars at night, and trees. Tahoe is the place I landed for my healing.

Closing

I was very involved in this plant study. It brought me to an understanding of the importance of every plant. I have a new perspective that gives me appreciation and gratitude for the amazing beings I sometimes took for granted before this study.

Looking back, I recalled majoring at UC Davis in Plant Science for 2 years, I volunteered at the WA Park Arboretum for 9 years leading tours, I grew an amazing sanctuary garden, and I used Bach Flowers for 9 years. I am ready and willing to deepen my love for plants even further.

I came to the Professional Course looking for ways to support my animal owners and their pets in areas of emotional imbalance. I tend to attract many end of life animals, and animals who have crossed over as an Animal Communicator and Animal Energy Healer. My Energy work includes BioScalar Wave, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) and my primitive version Flower Essence support using a pendulum.

When I attended the Professional Course in July of 2017, I had been using the Bach Flower Essences on animals with great success. I knew there was more to it and I am so happy to begin this journey.

I have several cases lined up in the event I am accepted to the Certification Program. I plan to study different domestic species such as cat, dog and horse.

Thank you for sharing the love of plants.

Gratefully, Kate Doyle www.accordingtoanimals.com

References Davis, D. and Wood, F. 1972. The Relative Susceptability of 18 Coniferous Species to Ozone. Phytopathology 62: 14-19

Hall Jr., Clarence A. 2007. Introduction to the Geology of SoCal and Its Native Plants. Univ. of CA, Berkeley and LA

Hallin, William E. April 1957. Silvical Characteristics of Jeffrey Pine. Berkeley, CA. Tech Paper #17

Morgenstern, Kat. 2004. www.sacredearth.com Ethnobotany, Plantprofile: Pine

James. www.waterfromthesource.com April 12, 2012. Pine Tree Medicine www.superfoodevolution.com Pine Pollen, The Nutritious Adaptogen from the Pine Tree. May 03, 2015

USDA NRCS. 2011. National Plant Data Center, Plant Guide – Jeffrey Pine. Moore, Lincoln M. USDA NRCS References

National Plants Date Center, Baton Rouge and LA. Walker, Wilson, Jeffrey, D. Earth Team Volunt.

USDA NRCS. 2011. The PLANTS Database (