#oracle tree

[rhianna]

An "oracle tree" is not a specific, named entity in Mesopotamian mythology, but the ancient city of Eridu was strongly associated with a sacred cosmic tree and the Tree of Life found in the biblical Garden of Eden narrative

. Mesopotamian religion featured a sacred or cosmic tree representing the divine and connecting the heavens, earth, and underworld, which was rooted in the primordial waters of the god of wisdom, Enki, at Eridu. 

Key aspects of Eridu's legendary sacred tree:

A prototype of the Tree of Life. Some scholars suggest that the Mesopotamian tradition of the sacred tree of Eridu directly influenced the biblical account of the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden.

Rooted in the apsu. The tree's roots extended deep into the apsu, the subterranean fresh-water ocean where the god Enki (later known as Ea) lived. This link emphasized Eridu's role as a source of fertility and life.

A "world tree" or axis mundi. The tree was envisioned as a cosmic pillar (axis mundi) that connected the heavens, earth, and underworld. This mirrored later Norse myths of the world tree Yggdrasil.

The home of the mother goddess. In some texts, the tree's foliage served as the couch of the primeval mother goddess, Zikum. The powerful mother goddess who "passes across the sky" also dwelled within its "holy house".

Association with divination. While not always described specifically as an "oracle tree," its association with the god of wisdom, Enki, and the provision of divine knowledge suggests a link to oracular knowledge. In one account, a "magical tree" associated with Eridu was mentioned in magical texts intended to cure a man of evil spirits. 

Connection to the Genesis story

Some scholars point to the similarities between Mesopotamian myths involving Eridu and the Genesis story of Eden. 

The location: The Sumerian word for the uncultivated plain surrounding the city was edin, which is believed by some scholars to be the origin of the biblical name "Eden".

The theme of immortality: In the Mesopotamian myth of Adapa, the hero is tricked by the god Enki and denies himself "bread of life," losing his chance at immortality. This story bears a resemblance to Adam and Eve's expulsion from the Garden of Eden, where they lose access to the Tree of Life.

Divine guardians: Just as cherubim guard the Tree of Life in Genesis, the myth features divine guards, Gishzida and Dumuzi, who bar access to immortality. 

[rhianna]

And a Sibyl was appointed for its guardian and inter- preter, who swooned and became delirious under anasthetic ageney while transmitting the response of the gods from her dark recess.

moon died and again arose from the grave; and the moon taught magic and dark sayings from under a cloud, and priests were appointed to interpret her oracles; and the moon was likened to a tree-the tall white pillar was the stem, and the cloudy part was the foliage, and their noblest tree on the hill top was selected for its earthly représentative; sometimes a cave was selected for a temple which imaged the dark cavern of the moon. And a Sibyl was appointed for its guardian and inter- preter, who swooned and became delirious under anasthetic ageney while transmitting the response of the gods from her dark recess. And in the oldest records of Babylonia, six thousand years before the Christian Era, we read of that oracle tree at Eridu, with its appointed priest and interpreter; that tree with its root of white crystal that overshadowed the earth. All knowledge, all healing water, all healing herbs, charms and talismans were hidden in Hades, and raised up from that grave by enchantment. Odin, the high god of the Asas, was obliged to go down to Hades and wake the prophetess to learn the fate of Balder. Saul had to let down the witch to wake and raise the prophet Samuel. Old Wainamoinen, the spring harper of the Kale- vala, was obliged to go down there and wake the old song giant Vipunen, to obtain the three words of wisdom to com- plete his ark, which was to bring back the lost mill Sampo, and the black giant opened his mouth and swallowed him, and Wainamoinen built a fire in the giant and roasted him until he gave up the three lost words, or the ring of the Eastermoon: "the tree of life." Wainamoinen is the solar prince, or last ring of light swal- lowed by the black moon; the same sea monster who swallowed Jonah and Christ, and the third day turned them loose.

[theravenpiper]

The Oracle Tree

Go and ask the tangled yew,

It knows the past and future, too,

Go when the wind begins to rise,

The yew may twist, but never lies.

When and what, who and how

All gust through the yew tree’s boughs,

Why and where, and if likewise,

All these the crooked yew supplies.

Write or whisper, all’s the same,

Come a blessing or a blame,

And if the answer fails to please?

Why, take your questions to the bees.

-from The Bone Ransom

[shadowofhouselynn]

We’ve got an Oracle Tree on main st today