The branches are the abilities, directions and many facets we develop in life—varied and yet all connected in the common life process of our being.
The tree can also symbolise new growth, stages of life and death, with its spring leaves and blossom, then the falling leaves.
The top of the tree, or the ends of the branches, are our aspirations, the growing vulnerable tip of our personal growth and spiritual realisation.
The leaves may represent our personal life which may fall off the tree of life (die) but what gave it life continues to exist.
The tree is our whole life, the evolutionary urge which pushes us into being and growth. It depicts the force or process which is behind all other life forms —but seen as it expresses in our personal existence.
In some old manuscripts pictures show a man lying on the ground and his penis growing into a tree, with fruits, birds, and perhaps people in its protective shade. This illustrates how one’s personal life energy can branch out from its source in the basic drives, and become creativity, fruitfulness, some- thing given to others.
The tree can also represent the spine, and the different levels of human experience—physical, sensual, sexual, hungers, emotions, relatedness, communication, thought, awareness.
Example: ‘I was about eight years old when I had this dream. In it I was sitting in a large garden. I believe there was a big house nearby which was our family house—not our real house. With me were other members of my family, and there was a baby boy too. Nearby was a laige tree. We climbed this tree, the baby as well, to see what was at the top.
The baby fell out of the tree. We climbed down and took the baby to a room and lay it on a bed. It seemed to be asleep and didn’t wake up. Later we went back to the room to see the baby but it had gone. In its place was a bluebird. As we looked the bluebird flew away’ (told to author on LBC radio programme).
The tree in this dream depicts the child’s sense of her life as it might develop or grow in the future. Climbing it shows her exploring what it might be like to grow up. At about eight most children unconsciously develop a philosophy which enables them to meet the difficulties of meeting the growth of self awareness, which includes the knowledge of death at the end of life.
The dreamer looks at this by having the baby fall out of the tree. Death is seen as the bluebird which flies away.
Example: ‘I flew low over small trees which were just coming into leaf. They had beautiful soft green leaves. I knew it was autumn and the leaves were only just coming out because it had been a cloudy, overcast summer. I felt the leaves would have time to mature because the sun would be out in the autumn, and the trees would not die’ (Colin C). Colin dreamt this in his early 50s, at a time when he felt frustrated by not being able to achieve a regular source of income or, more important, feel satisfied with what he had achieved in life.
The flying shows him taking an overview of his situation.
The poor summer is his feelings that the years of his life which should have been most productive had been poor—literally, the sun had not shone on his endeavours. But he feels encouraged because he senses that his personal ‘summer’ is still to come, and his many endeavours—the trees—would not prove unproductive.
A wood, collection of trees: the natural forces in one’s own being, therefore one’s connection with or awareness of the unconscious, other people’s personal growth and connection with self. Dead tree: past way of life; something which was full of life for you in the past, but is now dead; dead relative. Falling tree: sense of threat to one’s identity, loss of relative. Christmas tree, other evergreen: the eternal aspect of our transitory experience. Human, animal hung on tree: personal sacrifice; the death of some part of self so further growth can occur—death of dependence so independence can arise; the pains and struggles, the sense of crucifixion occurring in the maturing process. Oak: strength, masculinity. Flowering tree: fertility, femininity. Idioms: top of the tree; family tree; bark up the wrong tree.
See also: death, rebirth, the self under archetypes; second example in wife under family; fifth example in flying.
See also: individuation. [1]
The tree’s roots draw on the depths of the unconscious, the trunk is the solid body and the branches reach to the enlightenment of heaven. According to Jung the tree is ’a symbol of the self…depicted in the process of growth’.
If this interpretation is used, dreams about trees can be seen to be symbolic of the basic structure of your inner life, telling you a great deal about yourself and your personal growth. Because each element of the tree’s structure also denotes aspects of you, your life, your past, your present and even your future, when one appears in your dreams it is best to work with the image fairly extensively. The shape of the tree and the condition of its roots, trunk, branches, leaves and fruit all send important messages, as does the landscape in which the tree is growing. And if you dreamed of a particular species of tree, understanding its symbolic associations will further aid your interpretation and your self-knowledge.
See also: FLOWERS; NATURE AND THE SEASONS; VEGETABLES AND FRUIT. [2]
For more dream meanings about trees, continue reading below.
If you dream of climbing a tree, you will achieve your career goals and reach those high places in society.
The degree of difficulty to which you climb the tree will measure the speed of your achievement of these goals.
To dream of planting a tree suggests that you are seeking spiritual nourishment.
To dream that you cut down a tree means you are wasting your energy, time, and money on foolish pursuits.
A talking tree (or talking to a tree) in your dream is a messenger from your unconscious mind. Pay attention to what the tree says, for they are trying to help you to trust your instincts and intuiton, and possibly warning you of dangerous or negative emotions that you have absorbed from others.
If you dream of a fallen or dead tree, this suggests that you are off balance and out of sync. You need to get yourself sorted out and headed in the right direction again. [3]
A tree with wide branches would suggest a warm loving personality, whereas a small close-leafed tree would suggest an uptight personality.
A well-shaped tree would suggest a well-ordered personality, while a large, messy tree would suggest a chaotic personality. Branches signify the stages of growth we go through, and leaves suggest the way we communicate to the rest of the world.
To be climbing the tree suggests we are looking at our hopes and abilities, in order to succeed.
To be chopping a tree down indicates the need for a complete overhaul of our beliefs and ideals and symbolizes radical change. [4]
Cutting down trees portends difficulties of your own making, and climbing a tree is one of the few exceptions to the “up is good” rule, as it indicates hard work for small gain.
Blossoming trees predict unexpected joy, and a row or line of trees indicates extended advancement Aspen signifies a season of loneliness; Crabapple a new experience; an Oak is a sign of faithful love; a Spruce promises good health.
To dream of tree stumps signifies changes and new beginnings.
Otherwise, see under individual listings, or Forest, Landscape, etc. [5]
The trunk of the tree gives an indication of how we use the energies available to us, and also what exterior we present to the world.
A rough trunk suggests obviously a rough and ready personality, whereas a smoother trunk would indicate more sophistication. [6]
It is also indicative of your uniqueness and maturity.
To dream that you are climbing a tree signifies that you will accomplish your professional goals and become a member of the higher echelon of society.
The degree of difficulty that you experienced when climbing the tree is commensurate with the speed of achieving these goals.
To dream that you cut down a tree signifies that you are foolishly pursuing things that are a waste of your resources.
To see a falling tree in your dream means that you are not on the correct path in terms of going after your dream. [7]
• Do you feel disconnected from your family roots or perhaps you’re sensing an end to the family line? Explore the nature of your relationship to your family when trees appear in your dreams.
• Are you in danger of not being able to see the wood for the trees? Forests are about exploring the depth of yourself and discovering inner treasure. [8]
To climb a tree is a sign of swift elevation and preferment.
To cut one down, or pull it up by the roots, denotes that you will waste your energies and wealth foolishly.
To see green tress newly felled, portends unhappiness coming unexpectedly upon scenes of enjoyment, or prosperity.
If you see a Tree cut down, then expect loss in business.
To dream of climbing Trees is a certain omen of hard work and little luck, whatever happens in your dream. [10]
2. Self (note type of tree).
3. Wealth and prosperity.
4. A measure of hopes and dreams (note condition of tree). [12]
To cut down a tree, a warning to avoid quarrels. [14]
almond in blossom, of an: a duplicitous relationship with indiscretion and stupidity.
ripe fruit, with: a propitious time for happiness in the home.
apple, an: wil be tempted by deceitful charms in your pursuit of perfection.
ash, an: it is prudent to separate your ego from the surrounding grandeur.
mountain: be prudent with your magical moments that they don’t deny you rest.
aspen, an: lament your actions, as they are the cause of your loneliness.
banyan, a: a never-ending acrimonious argument.
bark of a: keep your inner life to yourself, but be supported by its strength.
damaged: redraw the boundaries to your intimate space.
deformed: the elements of your life have taken their tol .
barren, a: someone is cheating you through their lack of support.
bay, a: guard against self-pity being your merit badge.
beech, a: your cruel narrow-mindedness wil limit the prosperity of your new ventures.
big, without fruit: have total lack of sensibility in your extravagant spending.
birch, a: your love is virtuous and honorable and too meek to appreciate your worth.
birds in a: reflect on the words of others and the songs of a few.
blossoms, with: joy and sweet satisfaction.
without: business wil be increased.
box, a: wil benefit from stoicism and loneliness through the loss of a young person.
branches: family wil divide and spread for each to have room to grow.
burning: nuisance and unhappiness.
cedar, a: have an incorruptible strength of character.
cherry, a: sickness wil block distractions for you so you can concentrate on your education.
chestnut, a: you deserve luxury, if only for a day.
climbing, children: a pleasing variety of knowledge, leisure and diversion.
falling while: restructure your goals to be just beyond realistic.
fruit: are an extroverted, imaginative personality enjoying the forbidden and unusual.
limb, breaking while: usual routes to success are not open to you; be original.
with a ladder: wil attain an important high position and be difficult to live with.
Christmas, a: joy and happiness, peace on earth.
crooked, a: wil limit prosperity of your new ventures.
cutting down timber: wil incur losses and become another’s servant.
dead: short engagement ending in new growth in a happy marriage.
in someone else’s land: are protected by influential people from the mate of your choice.
cutting up a, in a building: an interesting discovery about your project.
cypress tree, of a: a friend’s help wil bring despair when health problems are discovered.
blowing in the wind: a sad setback wil bring meaning into your home.
diseased, a: your present path is up for ridicule.
elm, a: dignity in a carefree life.
escaping from a forest fire: wil have an unusual accident.
evergreen, an: your strong faith in yourself bodes wel for a long life.
fig, a: wil be prolific in your arguments and adamant in your idleness.
finding a fallen, in the road: misfortune wil cross your path.
fir, a: ever hopeful in the midst of darkening despair.
forest of pine: a family reunion wil provide security and staunch support.
fruit, without fruit, a: your talents cannot be recognized if you don’t expose them.
unripened: your vitality is being sapped by another’s growth.
green, a: unbounded joy wil make you forget al sadness.
grove of, a: wil chair a meeting of several opposing viewpoints.
heavily fruit-laden: riches and fortune in business.
hickory, a: hard, heavy-laden travails in business.
horse chestnut, eating a: failure due to the timing of a short il ness.
Judas, a: your disbelief at being betrayed.
leaves falling in the fall: must overcome situation or ramifications wil fol ow you.
rustling: the voice of Mother Nature manifesting your talents.
turning yellow: il ness to come soon, then everything wil return to normal.
linden, cutting down a: dangerous love affair; security is in conjugal love.
locust: an elegant affection.
logs floating down a river: honor among fel ows who can outrun the flow.
sawing: a comfortable home is satisfaction for hard work.
sitting on a: leisure to carry out the life you want.
magnolia, a: the dignity of perseverance in strong friendships unaffected by distance.
mast of a ship made from a, a: wil get assistance in time of need.
mulberry, a: wil survive by your wisdom, but not your mate’s.
oak, an: sound financial and organized, hospitable family life.
live, hung with moss: a home you find it impossible to leave.
of a: wil receive favors from friends with good intentions.
olive, cutting branches from an: peace, serenity and happiness in al desires.
orange, an: passing discontent at unreciprocated generosity.
palm, a: victory, if you don’t attempt to climb above your abilities.
peach, a: wil have fights because of opposition to your ideas, but never consider separation.
pear, a: opposition in love affairs wil lead to a search for a comforting one.
picking fruit from a: inheritance received from elderly people.
pine, a: tremendous happiness with an honest person.
cone on the ground: a concurrence of events wil redirect your income concerns.
cutting branches from a: wil enjoy congenial work and wel -being.
pineapple, a: fertility-the greatest nutrition per calorie.
plum, a: fidelity to, and from those, who count on you.
wild: independence from vicious gossip.
pomegranate: wil enjoy a quiet future amidst your foolishness.
poplar, a: wil enjoy a large reputation for smal adventures.
twisted: reanalyze your views and prejudices.
prune, to: brings your health to light.
redwood, a: your expansion possibilities are majestic.
resting under a: have the influence of friends, but are alone responsible for your growth.
flowering: are asserting your creative principle.
sleeping: health and vigor are being drained by your responsibilities.
rings of a: wisdom gained from past experiences can be invested in your future growth.
roots of a: depths of the past wil inform the present.
sap from a: wil be happily surprised by a visitor, once the blood of your life.
spruce, a: hope in adversity against those who bear down until they get the advantage.
stump, digging out a: your vigorous inquisitiveness wil prove to be justified.
sycamore, a: curiosity.
tiny sapling: fertility, procreation and poverty until fruition.
trunk, a: continue your family tradition and contribute to your heritage.
unhealthy: your potential has receded into itself.
willow, a: bravery in defense of humanity.
yew, cutting branches from a: death of an aged relative. [17]
If a person drams that he has received fruit or leaves of a specific tree, it means he will receive abundant wealth from such a person who resembles that particular tree in personality and character. [18]