Tree Spirit

Legend says that the "Tree Spirit" is the lord of the forest and of all natural things. Seeing one is said to be quite a lucky thing. So lucky, in fact, that European villagers used to go out on regular hunts hoping to find a Tree Spirit stick to bring good fortune into their village.

Painted Gourd

Tree Spirits are extremely strong: they have been known to tear an opponent from limb to limb and to tame the wildest of animals, at the same time they are gentle with maidens, children, and men of good heart. It is said that the forest will stand for as long as the Tree Spirits remain to keep order.

Tree Spirit

If you are lucky enough to see one, health, happiness, and good fortune will be yours. But that doesn't happen often; Tree Spirits would rather see than be seen, most sightings are by children or by the pure in heart.

Tree Spirits and Wolf

Nearly every stick of piece of wood has a spirit living in it, but it can be exposed only by the skillful hand of a woodcarver. Once thus exposed, however, it will work its magic for anyone who possesses it. When you take your Tree Spirit home with you, be sure and give it a name and a special place of honor in your home. Include it in the audience when you tell jokes (Tree Spirits have a delightful sense of humor). If you do these things your Tree Spirit will bring its gentle wisdom, humor, and luck into your home.

Painted Gourds

OK, there are no tree spirits in this photo. These are gourds grown and painted by Jane Matthews. Jane leans toward working with natural materials, like gourds and driftwood, in her art.