Imagine roots sprouting from your feet, sinking deep into the Earth, grounding you, and connecting you to the ancient rhythms of life. Feel your bark, rough and strong, protecting the tender flow of life within you. Your branches stretch high, reaching for the sky. You are on top of a hill overlooking a small village nestled in a timeless English countryside. The villagers move about their days, but you are older than any of them. You are timeless, your roots deep in the earth and your branches reaching for the stars.
The longest night of the year surrounds you. The air is crisp, and frost clings to your branches like tiny crystals. You feel the deep stillness of the earth, a slumbering energy that rests beneath the surface.
In the village below, the humans gather in their homes. You see the warm glow of candles and hearth fires flickering in the windows. They bring evergreen boughs into their homes, holly, ivy, and mistletoe, symbols of enduring life in the depths of winter. A great Yule log burns in the central hall, its sparks a prayer to rekindle the sun. The villagers feast, laugh, and exchange small gifts, celebrating the return of the light, even if it’s only a glimmer on the horizon.
