Lemon – Purpose – Tree Spirit Wisdom

Lemon – Purpose

Genus: Citrus – Family: Rutaceae

Lemon signals a time of purpose, action and clarity. Clear-headed decisions will help us focus on bringing our dreams closer to reality.

Citrus limon is a small evergreen tree that produces the yellow fruit known as a lemon. Lemons are a multi-purpose powerhouse valued for its beauty, juice, medicinal benefits and cleansing qualities. It’s a relative newcomer that has evolved through millions of years of crossbreeding between: citron, pomelo, papeda and mandarin. All were native to warm areas in Asia and India. Lemons are a hybrid of bitter orange and citron that first appeared in Ancient Rome via the Silk Road courtesy of the Arabs who cultivated them around 700 CE. The word “lemon” comes from the Persian word limun found in a 10^th-century Arabic book on farming. Persians were the first culture to take the hybridizing of lemons and limes Citrus latifolia seriously. Islamic gardens featured lemon and lime trees as ornamental species because of their brilliant colors and beautiful green foliage.

Eventually lemons were introduced to Spain. They were widely cultivated throughout the Mediterranean region for their medicinal benefits. It wasn’t until European Crusaders brought lemons home from Palestine that their culinary purpose began to be appreciated. Christopher Columbus was the first person to bring lemon seeds to the “New World”. Today, lemons are the seventh most popular fruit in the United States and in the top twenty throughout the world. Lemons are amazing fruits whose purpose is still being discovered.

Lemon juice can be used to make refreshing drinks such as lemonade or used as a tenderizing agent and preservative. Lemon juice and lemon zest (lemon rind) are popular ingredients for sauces, salad dressings, desserts and other dishes. Whole lemons are used to make marmalade, lemon curd and Limoncello liquor. The health benefits of lemon continue to be revealed. Beyond being an excellent source of vitamin C, lemons help to alkalize pH levels, lower cholesterol, boost liver function and increase metabolism. The citric acid in lemon juice is used to remove grease and stains. Lemons are a natural deodorizer, which also works as a disinfectant. The oil extracted from the lemon peel is used as a wood cleaner and polish, as well as a nontoxic insect spray. Lemon essential oil helps us relax and clear our minds. The multi-purpose lemon reminds us that we are continually evolving toward our higher purpose.

Message: Lemon is here to help us embrace the brighter side of life by clearing our diets and minds of unhealthy habits and our homes of clutter and grime. By incorporating lemons into our daily routine, we can increase our vibrancy in all areas of our life. We are being encouraged to find clarity and purpose by cleaning and clearing our personal spaces at home, at work and within us. The strength and vitality of lemon inspires us to take the necessary steps to shift our lives in the direction of our soul’s purpose.

Challenge: Surrounded by clutter and feeling unmotivated to clean and or clear the space around us. Sensing that heavy emotions or energy are present or have been left behind that we can’t deal with.

If you liked what you read and want more... you may be interested in having the actual guidebook and card deck. The 204 page full-color book is sold separately from the cards. My goal is to find a publisher who can offer this as a set. In the meantime, you can purchase either the book or cards via these links. Thank you for you support. Laural

Tree Spirit Tarot – Return to the Garden of our Soul

Tree Spirit Tarot book available at: Amazon

Tree Spirit Tarot deck available at: Printers Studio