Shinto and trees ......... (a different twist for Tree Tuesday)

I stumbled across information about Shinto, the ethnic religion of Japan, in a novel that I am currently reading. One of their beliefs is that big old trees hold the great spirit called Kami.

"We worship Kami, and Kami speaks to us through the trees. ....... Kami is the great spirit that connects with everything in the earth and the heavens. It is positive and negative, good and evil, hidden and seen."
(page 186, beast - Palace of Fires; Bill Bennett)

So when I saw this photo on fb I immediately thought that this beautiful elephant must be connecting with Kami, the great spirit in the trees.



But it is not only elephants that feel the spirit in trees, it also dogs. Because when walking Marley bulldog always stops and sniffs trees. I bet she is connecting with Kami as well as the scent left by other dogs.



So, I thought this is why people like hugging trees, to feel and connect with the great spirit Kami. I always felt the energy of trees now thanks to reading about Shinto I must hug and talk with trees more often. I can actually breathe it in as I walk in nature. The great spirit is everywhere, in the land, the rocks, the mountains, the ocean, the beach.



Cheers and Blessings