Owl and Olive
And suddenly, I am petting her. A soft, quiet and calm, small, white owl. She enjoys the smoothing of her forehead. Eyes half-way closed; she basks. Her feathers reflect pastel colors from a light source I can’t identify. Seems that we are in a dusky time of day. I am surprised that she is allowing me to be this close to her. It's a magical moment where I don’t want to question it or think about it, or it might go away. Just like that, I thought too much and instantly I’m awake.
The day before, I was sitting in a park enjoying the afternoon and communing with a gang of plants and trees that live there. Listening to the various birds chatting it up in the afternoon sun. The tree directly in front of me had low hanging branches, thin and flexible like a willow, as well as branches reaching upwards and sprawling. The leaves caught my eye. Slender, long, silvery on one side, sage-y green on the other. Powdery, but not. More like matte. I recognize this tree; I think to myself. After admiring her a little longer, I get up to walk around and see how everyone else is doing and I run into another just like her. Then another, and another!
After confirming with my tree identification sources, I find out that it’s an Olive tree! This makes me so excited. There are two reasons why. First, for my birthday in December, my partner took me to a plant nursery to shop. So many wonderful choices, but nothing was overly calling to me, until I saw a little collection of wispy long branched trees. I had never noticed Olive trees before this. I fell in love, and I think she did too. We connected immediately. I walked around a little more to be certain that there wasn’t something else, but my heart was set on the Olive tree, and she came home with me.
Once we were settled in, I sat with her. Told her my name. I welcomed her to our home and let her know that we are so excited to have her here. We were vibing and so the friendship began. I read all about the needs and preferences of this tree. I felt like I had a good understanding.
When I was at the park and saw her oblong, pointed leaves glimmering in the sun, it felt familiar immediately. I didn’t trust myself to identify her correctly in the wild because I had never met one before my new baby. It was amazing to see all her potential for height and what she could become. When I realized I was surrounded by Olive trees, I was awash with comfort and happiness. Here I was face to face with synchronicity. I love when this happens!
The flower essence of olive is for those experiencing physical exhaustion and depletion of life force because of it. There are many ways one may recognize the need for this essence. You can’t find motivation to do anything and feel completely burned out. Everything requires too much effort, even things you normally enjoy. Peace and quiet is all that you want at all times. Perhaps you have recovered physically from exhaustion, but not spiritually. Depleted from having given too much of oneself.
This tree came to me at exactly the right time. The last six months have been a whirlwind. A move from one state to another, job searching, new job, new friends, new environment. So many layers of ups and downs. Though I have loved every step of the adventure, it has been physically and mentally draining at times.
Once I realized the abundance of Olive trees around me, I laughed out loud at the magic of it all. Here was an outstretched hand(s) to help me regain peace and grounding so that I may continue the journey with an open heart and mind. Needless to say, I began taking Olive essence since then and I really am feeling lighter with a renewed sense of hope and creativity.
Back to the owl dream. This happened a week ago. I didn’t know much about owl totems, but my dream was so vivid and felt like a genuine connection with this bird, so I read up on the symbolism. It varies from culture to culture, but often enough I came across the belief that owls possess insights to the mysteries of life and are bringers of protection and guidance. Since they can navigate the darkness and night skies, they are thought to have access to unseen realms. This could be a symbol of the ability to navigate transition.
White owls have a few of their own meanings. They are rare and believed to be the wisest of them all. A sighting may bring signs of clarity and understanding. Following one’s intuition would be advised as it is instinctual wisdom that may be trying to connect you to answers. Mostly they are associated with change and a reminder to lean into the transformation at hand, not to fight it.
That morning after I woke up and replayed my moments with the owl, I went to talk to the Olive tree. We both took olive essence and sat in silence. She agreed that the owl comes in peace and wants what is best for me. She advised that I practice my soft gaze as it will widen my perspective. When I see something that seems like it is for me, I hone my gaze and sharpen my focus. Then I hunt for the sake of nourishment and protection. This will feed my soul and strengthen my roots as they begin to travel deeper, discovering secrets that hide in the dark. Perhaps, opening a window that may shed light on the path I seek.
I am finding my way and my cries have been heard. It is never for nothing when I go out into the wild and howl from the depths of my gut.
Hoot, holler, and howl my friends, they are listening.
Keep Dreaming,
Violet
Athena: Goddess of war and craft. Her symbols are the Owl and Olive tree. Sweet little painting.