TREE CIRCLE BLESSING
For Alexandra and Chris
To those who love or have ever been loved
share our blessed bounty through a season of trees
within a circle, no beginning, no ending.
The tall Yew in the East awaits the rising sun
with constancy extending to great length of days.
Each honours the other with sustained faithfulness.
In February the Hazel displays catkins
intent to live the fulfilment of seed and deed.
They unite in purpose and are of one accord.
In the South the pink petalled Cherry waves, flutters
in the March wind, announces buoyant beginnings.
With vital energy they ignite each other.
May 1st brings Beltane with blossom of Hawthorn
as lovers entwine beneath white-laced Crataegus.
The heart spins with threads woven of male and female.
Oak stands in the West, mighty, a strong provider,
great giver, acorn's ambitious achievement.
Life and love adjoined in nature's caring pockets.
By August, during Lammas, the Copper beech glows,
gives radiance, shines ten-fold, shares its abundance.
As they give so do they receive, harmony reigns.
To the North Liquid amber colours autumn skies
with red, orange and yellow leaves, resplendent harvest.
All the garnered wisdom of being, doing, loving.
Finally in the dark of November's Samhain
the last White birch stands sentinel to acknowledge
all life ends, begins within the circle of love.
Kaaren Whitney
Beltane 2005
