ELDER JUNIPER

In the measured order of Earth and the delicate balance of all life, the Juniper tree is considered an Elder within the realm of trees, shrubs and other branching plants.  Juniper is understood to hold a “leadership” role, like a Chief among the trees. 

Juniper and Piñon live in relationship to each other and act as nurse trees for one another’s seedlings growing beneath their mature trees.  

Juniper and Piñon trees, common throughout the Southwest, are esteemed by the tribal people wherever they find them growing.  Juniper is prized for it’s fragrant, hot burning wood for making fires.  The seasoned wood is still used in our native communities for cooking and heating.  It’s not surprising that this favored wood is so attractive to others who visit this vast Southwest region.

As I consider climate change and the global shifts that are happening, I wonder about Juniper. I observed how the drought is affecting so many trees at Hamaatsa. This summer, I watched entire Juniper hillsides turn brown with dry needles as many trees appeared to die.  When the Southwestern monsoon rains at last came, it was several weeks before a slight greening could be seen close to the trunks and limbs.  This fall I noticed some trees both large and small haven’t come back.

What I wonder most, is this “Elder” just like so many human elders we supposedly have a relationship with?  Is Juniper someone who is neglected and dispensable, with no one listening or paying attention?   When was the last time this Tree Elder called out like this?  Is there a person you can remember named Juniper?

Juniper, oh Juniper, to have your name.  What an honor to be known in all your deep greenery, branches full, where little birds can find safe nests.  Where little voices greet the sun early and cheerful that another bright day can be.

Yes, bright without dread of drying heat!  Who will sing the song reminding us? Asking us, “What will happen when we lose our language that speaks to God? Have we gone so far, far away?”