copy

The tree is located next to a place of pilgrimage now occupied by the Middle-Eastern Christian religion but which nevertheless in ancient times was overseen by Celtic Druidesses or Women Priests of native spiritual tradition.

Origin

copy

Rather than simply chopping it down for firewood, I followed the suggested forms of the tree using a chainsaw to incise a helix the length of the trunk; the base of which revealed the spiral´s source as a delicate vulva-like opening.

Growth

copy

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

Nutrition

copy

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

Love

copy

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

Towards Independence

copy

Passing by both heart and breast, the spiraling motion of the helix changes direction (from clockwise to anti-clockwise) as if to indicate a newly-acquired sense of self and a growing independence from maternal protection.

New Generation

copy

Once the upward spiral attains maximum growth, it then divides and separates like 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

In conclusion, 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 hopes and dreams which it inspires.

Moreover, I personally believe that she looks askance and incredulously across the meadow at the cloying religiosity of the current Christian occupants with their deference to a state of virginity.