copy

So who was that woman?
The tree is by Ladys Island, a site of pilgrimage for one of the Middle Eastern beliefs, but which in pre-Christian times was overseen by Celtic Druidesses or Women Priests of native spiritual tradition.
Could it have been the voice of an ancient Druidess?

Origin

copy

Instead of chopping the tree down for firewood, over the following days using the chainsaw I followed the suggested forms of the tree to carve out a spiraling helix the length of the trunk, the base of which revealed the source as a delicate vulva-like opening.

Growth

copy

It seemed that the helix was itself distinct from the tree, somewhat like an energy or a new life form which at first slowly and meanderingly progresses it´s upward rise.

Nutrition

copy

If the helix twist of the climbing spiral represents offspring or children, then mid-way along the trunk emerged the shape of a breast denoting the nourishment and succour provided by the mother to her young.

Love

copy

The tree´s heart here would also then reflect that mother´s love.

Towards Independence

copy

Bypassing both breast and heart, the direction of the helix changes from clockwise to anti-clockwise, as if to indicate a newly-acquired strength, a sense of self, and a growing independence from maternal protection.

New Generation

copy

Once the upward spiral of the helix attains maximum growth, it divides and separates like diverse offspring into individual and unique characters who emboldened with their mother's care spontaneously spring bravely free, up, and out into the world.

Secret Revealed

copy

So the secret of the tree as willed by the ancient Druidess turns out to be a simple allegorical celebration of bringing the next generation into the world, along with all the new hopes and dreams which that inspires.