The tree of life is typically depicted as a large tree with spreading branches and roots, reaching up high and down below respectively, and is contained within a circle. The symbol has many spiritual and religious meanings and can be interpreted in many ways. Here are some of the universal representations of the tree of life:
Interconnectedness The tree of life represents how everything is interconnected. We don’t exist in a vacuum but are connected with the world around us. The circular aspect of the symbol represents the world and the tree represents everything in it. It also shows a cyclical structure with everything connected.
Stability, Strength and Growth A tree is a symbol of stability and strength. We use the metaphor of a tree with roots spreading into the ground to talk about strength, stability and being grounded. It also symbolizes growth as a tree is the result of years of slow, patient growth from a vulnerable sapling to a sturdy tree.
Individuality Every tree is unique and has its own characteristics, if you look for them. Thus, a tree of life symbolizes this aspect of trees. At the start, all trees look alike but as they grow, each tree becomes unique, with no two trees are exactly alike. As time passes, trees gain character and beauty, weathering all sorts of trials and challenges to remain strong and upright. Like the tree, we too are different and the tree of life reminds us of that.
Rebirth A tree may lose its leaves and appear to be dead, but when the conditions are right, the tree comes back to life, with beautiful leaves appearing again. As such, the tree of life symbolizes rebirth and getting through the hard times. It represents a fresh start, a new leaf turned over.
Fertility and Family The word tree is often used to talk about the connection to family and to ancestors. We say family tree to symbolize the many family links to various people through the generations.
Calmness, Peace and Relaxation There is something about being under a large tree that invokes a sense of strength, peace and relaxation. This is a feeling that we rarely receive from any other thing. A tree rarely is flustered. Rather, it is calm and peaceful, quietly giving and nourishing.