Talking Trees : Jacaranda
Finding meaning in the 10 trees of Arboretum
If you’ve ever been so fortunate to see the Jacaranda tree in bloom, you’ll know why this tree invokes such spiritual connections. Let’s explore what Jacaranda may symbolize in an Arboretum oracle reading.
★ Jacaranda ★
Faith, Wisdom, Hope
Tarot Association : The Star
Jacaranda mimosifolia is a sub-tropical tree native to south-central South America that has been widely planted elsewhere because of its attractive and long-lasting violet-colored flowers. It is also known as the jacaranda, blue jacaranda, black poui, Nupur or fern tree. (source)
Guided by a Star
It may feel strange to associate a blooming tree with the holiday of Christmas for those of us in the northern hemisphere, however, The Australian Christmas song "Christmas Where the Gum Trees Grow" makes reference to jacaranda trees, as the blooms are only seen in summer time—as the song explains, "When the bloom of the jacaranda tree is here, Christmas time is near"
In Christian mythology, The Star of Bethlehem, or Christmas Star, appears in the nativity story where "wise men from the East" (also known as Magi) are inspired by the star to travel to Jerusalem where they miraculously find baby Jesus in a remote manger. Some images of Tarot’s Star card include these 3 wise men in the background.
Through this connection we see strong examples of
FAITH represented by the Magi choosing to purse following the star
WISDOM represented by the Magis understanding of astronavigation
HOPE represented by the birth of a savior, ushering in the dawn of a new era.
The Exam Tree
The University of Queensland in Brisbane is particularly well known for its ornamental jacarandas, and a common maxim among students holds that the blooming of the jacarandas signals the time for serious study for end-of-year exams; the jacaranda when in bloom is also known as the exam tree. (source)
It is said that if while studying, a blossom from the jacaranda falls on your head, you will be bestowed the gift of wisdom, and thereby success in your exam! This is likely why it’s a popular shady spot to study under!
Put a Bird on it!
According to an Amazon legend,
A beautiful bird called Mitu landed atop a Jacaranda tree, bringing a beautiful indigenous priestess with it. The priestess, called Daughter of the Moon, descended from the tree and lived among the villagers. She shared with them her knowledge, wisdom and ethics, showing them the difference between good and evil. After she fulfilled her mission, she returned back to the tree adorned in Jacaranda blooms and ascended to the heavens where she united with her promised one, the Son of the Sun, who had fulfilled a similar mission in another part of the jungle. (source)
Notice the imagery of the Rider Waite Smith tarot card, The Star. Perched atop a tree, behind a woman is a colorful bird. The bird is said to be an Ibis. The ibis bird, is associated with the Egyptian God Thoth, the scribe of the Egyptian pantheon associated with learning, science, magic and the moon. (source)
In a Reading
When reading the Jacaranda in your Arboretum, think of themes related to faith as related to your individual spiritual practice, employing the wisdom you have gained from the many negative and positive experiences of life, and renewed hope for a new way of moving forward. The Jacaranda, as in the Star of Tarot, may be signaling the dawning of a new era!