Why The Tree of Life?

The Tree of Life is a central concept found in many religions and cultures throughout history. It also plays a major role in biology, graphically illuminating life’s single point of origin and subsequent evolution into different species. There is immense controversy as to what plant the Tree of Life actually is, and it is unlikely we will find a concrete answer anytime soon. However, there is some evidence that indicates cannabis may hold this fabled identity.

Hints to the nature of the Tree of Life are given in Revelation 22:1-22:2. The following is the direct quote:
“Then he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb, in the middle of its street. On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.”

Four aspects stand out in this description. The Tree of Life is found on both sides of a river, it bears twelve kinds of fruit that yield every month, and its leaves can heal the nations. From a metaphorical perspective, this could certainly apply to cannabis. The plant is well known to grow in virtually any climate and environment. If the river is interpreted as the ocean, then cannabis being found on both sides would mean all over the world.

No plant bears twelve kinds of fruit. Cannabis has thousands of uses, including recreation, medicine, industry, and spirituality. Within just the medicinal category, there are so many applications. Therefore, the twelve fruits is a metaphor for how much cannabis can produce and offer. Cannabis can also be grown remarkably fast and offer at least part of its “fruits” in as little as a month.

Then there’s the big one – “and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” Cannabis buds and leaves contain cannabinoids that scientific studies and anecdotal evidence suggest can treat virtually any human disease. Thousands of people are reporting miracle-like results, such as terminal cancer remissions and reversal in the progression of complex neurological diseases like epilepsy. Every result has a rational scientific basis, although more research is definitely needed. Nonetheless, it is a stunning coincidence that a plant potentially deemed as the Tree of Life, and overtly considered as such by the Rastafarianism religion, is delivering such profound healing experiences.

In Kabbalah, also known as “Jewish mysticism”, the Tree of Life has a different meaning. Rather than being a plant, it is a concept which represents the connection between the material world and the infinite holy world. It demonstrates how the infinite is reflected in the finite. The Kabbalistic Tree of Life consists of ten Sefirot, which are Hebrew words representing values like wisdom, knowledge, and loving-kindness. The relationships between the different Sefirot are meant to reflect Divine truth, as well as represent the trials and conflicts of human life

The study of all aspects of Kabbalah, including the Tree of Life, is immensely complex, and some people spend decades studying without fully understanding it. Despite the complexity, the Tree of Life is ultimately about connecting individuals with the Source of our existence. When we are truly connected, all anxiety, fear, and pain disappear. Aunt Zelda’s believes cannabis is a physical manifestation of the Tree that helps people connect and heal, and for this reason we use it as our logo. Whether or not cannabis is the actual Tree of Life (we think it is!), it is an amazing plant that embodies the Tree’s physical and spiritual attributes.