Rosewood – Vulnerability – Tree Spirit Wisdom

Rosewood – Vulnerability

Genus: Dalbergia – Family: Fabaceae

Vulnerable

The rosewood spirit is one of strength and vulnerability that signals a time of inner conflict. The name rosewood was inspired by its sweet rosy scent and deep red color that speaks to our heart.

Brazilian rosewood, Dalbergia nigra, is a large evergreen tree that is now considered a vulnerable species. Its wood varies in color from nearly black to brick red. The sound of rosewood resonates with a sustained, bright metallic ring when tapped. This along with its beauty has plucked at the heartstrings of instrument makers for centuries. Brazilian rosewood was sought after to make lutes and stringed instruments in the late Renaissance and Baroque eras.

Since November 6, 1992 a moratorium has restricted any more trees from being cut down. Old-growth Brazilian rosewood that has been reclaimed is extremely valuable and prized by guitar makers and carvers.

Dalbergia is a large genus of small to medium trees native throughout the tropical regions of the world. All “true” rosewoods belong to this genus in the Fabaceae (legume) family. There are approximately 20 species of Dalbergia that are considered to be “true” rosewoods. They include:

Brazilian rosewood – Dalbergia nigra
African Blackwood – Dalbergia melanoxylon
Brazilian Tulipwood – Dalbergia decipularis
Brazilian Kingwood – Dalbergia cearensis
Cocobolo – Dalbergia retusa

The most valuable rosewood is the heartwood, which is found in the core of the tree. It is darker and denser than its outer layers.

Brazilian rosewood is often confused with another tree species called Brazilian rosewood Aniba rosodora, which also grows in Brazil and is on the endangered species list. Aniba rosodora is an evergreen species within the Lauraceae(Laurel) family. What makes it even more confusing is that it is the tree that is used to make Rosewood essential oil.

Message: Rosewood is encouraging us to listen to what is tugging deep in our heart. What does our heart want us to hear, to know, to sense? Now is a time to act, based on our heart’s true desire. Vulnerability is an important lesson that rosewood teaches. To some this is seen as a sign of weakness, but being vulnerable is also a sign of true inner strength. Vulnerability, even though it may hurt, does help us to stay openhearted especially when life gets difficult.

Challenge: Not able to see the beauty in everyday life or taking time to smell the roses and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Focusing on the negative aspects of life and remaining in the dark on issues that are important to the heart.

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Tree Spirit Tarot – Return to the Garden of our Soul

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