The Cosmic Tree: A Universal Symbol of Life: Ginkgoes & Conifers

  • This event has passed.

Cosmologies are ways of understanding the nature of the universe, of experiencing the world in all its variations including the visible and the invisible. Over millennia trees have served as the mythological archetype of the world’s axis (axis mundi), the pole through the earth’s center which connects the worlds above and below. Within a cosmic-magical model of the world  (imago mundi), trees also evolved in various cultures to possess innate spiritual powers or as conduits for communication with the holy or sacred.

Docent Katrina Scott will lead this interactive tour with stops for moments to reflect on specific trees and the stories associated with them. Were they revered or feared?  A home for deities or tricksters?  We will begin at the Walter Street Gate to visit the oldest ginkgoes at the Arboretum, then head up the Conifer Path and diverge to walk, rest, and reflect among various conifers, eventually ending by the yews near Bussey Brook and Hemlock Hill Road. 

Accessibility: This walk will include woodchip and gravel paths. Please wear long pants and closed toe shoes and bring a cloth/towel/mat for sitting/lying down.

Audience: This program is geared towards adults.

Weather Policy: Tours may be canceled in cases of the following weather conditions: severe wind, snow, ice, thunder or lightning events; temperatures over 90 degrees; and temperatures below 20 degrees or due to other weather events at the discretion of Arboretum staff. In the case of cancelation, you will be contacted by Arboretum staff no later than 2 hours before the start of the event. If you have questions about the status of a program, please email or call the Visitor Center at (617) 384-5209 between 10:00am and 4:00pm.

Register

The numbers below include tickets for this event already in your cart. Clicking “Get Tickets” will allow you to edit any existing attendee information as well as change ticket quantities.
Tickets are no longer available

Date & Time

Subject Matter:

,

Location

Walter Street Gate

+ Google Map

Directions

By subway

Take the MBTA Orange Line to its southern end—Forest Hills. Exit through the door marked “Arnold Arboretum,” cross Washington Street, and take a left and walk half a block up Washington Street. Enter the Washington Street Gate on your right and walk along Blackwell Footpath. Cross the road and enter South Street Gate. Walk along Rhododendron Path and take a left onto Hemlock Hill Road. Take a right just before Bussey Street Gate, and proceed several minutes to Walter Street Gate.

By bus

Take the #35 or #38 bus to Centre Street opposite Walter Street. Cross Centre Street onto Walter Street, walk a short distance and enter at Walter Street Gate on the left.

By car

There is public parking available along Flora Way (formerly Bussey Street). Take care not to park on the sidewalk or you will risk a ticket.

Related Events