Tree of Life

Acacias are resilient and transformative symbols that span continents and cultures. Thriving in warm and dry climates worldwide, these trees belong to a genus of 160 types of trees and shrubs in the pea family. They can grow to heights of up to 70 feet.

Acacia gum, an everyday presence often hidden, can be found in candies, soft drinks, and cosmetics. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber that promotes weight loss, lowers cholesterol, and possesses restorative powers. It has been used to treat various ailments.

The Resilient Acacia Tree

The acacia tree is not only beautiful but also hardy. It serves as an essential food source for ants, who feast on the nectar secreted at the base of its thorns, and giraffes, who enjoy the tips of its branches. However, despite its resilience, the lifespan of an acacia tree is surprisingly brief, ranging from 15 to 30 years. Despite this, its impact on the environment is enduring, as it protects biomes against desertification and plays an essential role in carbon sequestration.

Ancient Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

The acacia tree has been special in various cultures and religions throughout history. In ancient Egypt, it was not just a tree but a spiritual vessel. Often planted near tombs, its wood was crafted into ships and coffins, symbolizing the physical vehicle for our spirits in this earthly existence. This association with Osiris, the god of the underworld, belies its history of spiritual and mystical significance.

Moving from Egypt to the deserts of the Middle East, we find the acacia tree playing a significant role in Judaic traditions. Moses was instructed to construct the Ark of the Covenant from the trees of Acacia, symbolizing stability, strength, and resilience. Because of these ancient traditions, the Freemason society holds the acacia tree as one of their sacred symbols. A sprig of acacia wood is presented to those who reach the level of Master Mason as a symbol of the soul’s immortality.

In Asia, the Acacia embodies compassion in the Buddhist tradition, with its evergreen nature symbolizing the eternal human spirit. Its significance transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, making it a true global icon.

The Enigmatic Connection to Psychedelics

Now, prepare for a mind-bending twist. Several species of Acacia have been found to contain dimethyl tryptamine (DMT), a naturally occurring psychedelic substance. DMT is a drug that some claim taps into the very source of god. This has led to speculation about the tree’s role in ancient shamanic practices, where plant-based psychedelics were used for spiritual and healing purposes.

Species like acacia acuminata, acacia confuser, acacia drapanilobium, and acacia simplex have been found to contain significant amounts of DMT, sometimes up to one to two percent in their leaves and stem bark. Some scholars even suggest that the burning bush Moses encountered in Exodus was an acacia. Could Moses’ visions have been induced by inhaling the smoke of burning leaves from the acacia tree rich in DMT?

The Philosopher’s Stone and Alchemy

In the realm of alchemy, the philosopher’s stone was a legendary artifact said to grant eternal life. Alchemical texts describe the philosopher’s stone in two intriguing forms: white for making silver and red for making gold. P.D. Newman, in his book “Angels in Vermillion,” speculates that the philosopher’s stone was made of acacia tree sap.

The red variety, often depicted as saffron-colored or red when ground to powder, aligns intriguingly with the color and consistency of acacia gum. Descriptions suggest that it is heavier than gold, soluble in any liquid, and incombustible in fire, adding even more layers to its enigmatic persona. This adds depth to legends surrounding famous alchemists like Nicholas Flamel and Paracelsus, who may have had access to such psychoactive substances.

Watch the complete episode 19 about the mystic secrets of Acacia on YouTube