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The Cosmic Tree: A Universal Symbol of Life: Flowering Trees

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 Center Street Gate starting at Jack Dawson’s shagbark hickory (1883) then head up Oak Path to Beech Path ending at Bussey Hill Road after visiting the ash trees of Norse mythology (Yggdrasil.). 

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 will 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. Tours may be canceled 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.

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Date

Jun 21 2025

Time

9:00 am - 10:30 am

More Info

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Formats

Tour

Location

Centre Street Gate
8V2F+WQJ Boston, Massachusetts
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Centre Street Gate

Directions

Learn about accessibility at the Arboretum.

Centre Street Gate

By subway

Take the MBTA Orange Line to its southern end—Forest Hills. Exit through the door marked “Arnold Arboretum.” Cross Washington Street and walk up Arborway to the Arboretum’s Forest Hills Gate on your left. Enter the gate and walk straight up the road, follow the curve and head up Bussey Hill Road. Take a right for the Centre Street Gate.

By bus

Take the #35 or #38 bus to Centre Street @ Faulkner Hospital. Cross Centre Street, walk north up Centre Street for a few minutes, and enter through the Centre Street Gate on the right.

By car

There is limited parking at Centre Street Gate itself. You can also park on Arborway near Forest Hills Gate, and walk the half mile to Centre Street Gate.