How to Dance with Trees

In my experience, connecting with trees brings about different qualities of movement in us—different ways of turning that reflect distinct energies.

There are certain species that evoke the energy of Mother Earth—also known as Shakti. This is the vitality of life, the force of love. It sustains us, grounds us, heals us, cradles us, and strengthens us. Trees like beech, oak, maple, or even the apple tree carry this quality.

There are other kinds of trees that evoke the energy of the Father—also known as Shiva. These “Father trees” help awaken in us a sense of trust, a faith in the future. Examples include birch, walnut, and conifers.

So how does this relate to dance?

Trees connected to Father energy—like the birch shown in the video—tend to invite a counterclockwise turning. If you place your left hand on the tree and walk around it, you may feel as if you’re almost lifted, a sense of joy arising within you—as if the tree is inviting you into a dance.

Trees connected to Mother energy, on the other hand, invite the opposite direction. They move in a clockwise turning. When you place your right hand on the trunk and begin to circle it, you may feel the tree drawing you into a spinning dance.

Try it.

And if a tree invites you to dance, sit with it quietly afterward. Let it share something joyful with you. It will speak quietly—not in words, but in silence.