From the book Trees were here on Earth long before humans and most creatures. They come in every shape and size and are known to take a human''s breath away with their seasonal display of vibrant and electrifying colors. Some trees flower and create aromas that waft through the forest, or your own backyard, transporting you to another world. Some grow thorns to protect themselves against invaders or destroyers; others provide food in the form of fruits, berries, nuts, or nourishing sap. Each one is incredibly magnificent and uniquely reflects the environment of its origin. Trees are home to creatures, fairies, hummingbirds, bees, squirrels and millions of insects and algae, as well as moss and lichens that we cannot live without. Throughout the ages, civilizations have used trees to represent gods, myths, legends, rituals, creation stories, and oracles. They have been celebrated as symbols for the stages of life, sources of wisdom, fertility, examples of power, and even as shelter from the elements for humans and animals.

Many ancient cultures relied on trees for their refuge and safety and even to climb as natural ladders to avert danger or imminent death. We are about to begin a journey to find and reveal the magic in trees, learn how they came to have been granted stature, and explore the ways in which we can use their magical power for our lives and community. Since time began, humans and animals have sought a friendship with trees. Not only did trees provide shelter from the storms and blazing sun, but they brought comfort, nutrients, healing elements and a sense of emotional calm and protection with them. Early peoples formed friendships with trees, and in some instances worshipped them as deities. After all, they stood towering and tall against the sky and reached down deep within the earth, so the ancients thought, "Trees must be something special. Let''s call them "god" and bring them gifts." And thus, it began.

Of course, nothing was that simple, but it makes sense when you''re toiling for food on a hot day and can lean against a shade tree for respite against the blazing sun. If you are working alone, who do you talk to? The tree of course. Who do you tell your troubles to? Who brings you comfort without asking for anything in return? Who can you hug when your heart is breaking? Who provides you with bark for your leg or arm breaks, medicine for your ills, and tender leaves for your wounds? Ah yes, the ever-faithful tree. As the relationship between humans and trees expanded, the trees were used to build refuges, as coverings and shelter from the rain, as warmth for the cold nights and as a means to cook food and purify water. One thing that mattered back then was permission. Because the humans had made friends with the trees, they asked. "May I have your fronds and branches for my roof? May I please use your limbs to warm my family against the night cold? May I build my house from your trunk? May I please have some of your medicines to heal my wounds?" There was a gentle exchange between the two and the gracious tree gave of itself to help their human friend. That all changed when humans became greedy and thought they were entitled to all the natural resources growing before them.

"I''ll take this, and I''ll take that," they said and began to hack away at trees, plants, and all living things. They stopped asking permission and forever changed the relationship between humans and trees, save a few wonderful souls who retained their respect and love for trees. Trees have been the instruments of hope and healing in many cultures since the beginning of time. Trees and tree groves were sacred places and they had magical and healing qualities. Benevolent spirits dwelled within the trees, so why would you not ask a tree when you needed a favor? There are many glorious wishing trees tucked away in special places around the world. You may be driving in the countryside of Ireland and see a tree festooned with multi-colored scarves, flags and notes tied to its branches. In Turkey, wishing trees are commonplace in villages and are thick with hanging requests for money, healing, cures, marriage, and every sort of supplication imaginable. What do trees mean to you? If you say "nothing," then you are about to embark upon the ride of your life.

By the end of this book, I promise that you will not only understand the basic common trees, but you will learn to love them with all your heart. Maybe you said, "everything," then you probably have had a wonderful experience with a tree - something that you remember and cherish about a particular tree and the time in your life that brought you both together. Great. Then, you are already a convert and you''re guaranteed to love this book.