Arbutus Tree Magic aka bitter Strawberry

Once upon a time ..

I was working at the local healthstore in my birthtown and was intrigued by a new honey brand 'Wild About Honey'. I am a sucker for good quality honey and a was intriguid by their Arbutus honey aka bitter strawberry. The honey has high anti-bacterial qualities and has a slighty special and bitter taste and I loved it ! The Arbutus tree grows in only a few places in the world, such as the Mediterranean, western Europe, the Canary Islands and North America.

I also got fascinated by the origin of the 'Wild About Honey' mountain honey: Serra da Estrela.

I knew and felt in my gut right there in that moment that I would go and visit that place one day. You see, I never pick a travel destination with my mind. I always feel a pull within towards certain places and follow that calling as I know in my bones there's something to explore for me.

Fast forward to 2021 I solo traveled with my Volkswagen Caddy all the way from the Netherlands to France (Brittany), Spain (Burgos) and eventually ended up at the foot of the Serra da Estrela mountain at a campsite called 'Toca da Reposa' - the hole of the fox.

First things first, after I settled down on the campsite I went for a long walk to explore the local fauna and flora. Something I am highly passionate about wherever I go is meeting the land and discovering unknown local plants.

First I came across a few beautiful eucalyptus trees and collected some branches that fell to the ground to burn and purify my space, eucalyptus has beautiful cleansing qualities and it smells amazing. I also collected some cute rocks which I love to place on my Altar as a beautiful reminder of the Earth element.

While walking futher along the path I suddenly I came across a wonderfull, gorgeous fruit tree I never saw before. I was in awe of its beauty and spent a little while to connect and I made a picture to identify it later when I would return to the campsite.

When I arrived back at my car I couldn't believe my eyes when the plant app told me it was the Arbutus tree. I was so happy and excited, like a little child and I knew, cause this was such a beautiful confirmation, that I made the right decision to come and explore the lands.

I mean look at her, how cute is she ?

A few years back I bought a book 'the power of trees' written by Claudia Köller,

www.baumkraft-und-lebensweg.de

I will translate a few words she writes about the power of the Arbutus tree in her book:

Dancing, female leader on native roads - Fire, Water, Earth and Air stimulate you through the dance of your life.

She insures you you ain't ready until your heart's desires came to fruition.

Because you seek and find, with honest perseverance and respect for the ancient knowledge of the Earth, the deeper roots within yourself.

Ancestral knowledge is a treasure for humanity.

Follow your Souls calling and dare to truly live !

Thank you Arbutus, for your beauty and wonderful reminder, I'll be back ;)