Ficus benghalensis
Pisces
Seeing Life as an Illusion
The banyan tree is a large, evergreen species of fig native to the Indian subcontinent. It is known for its vast canopy, aerial roots, and massive trunk system. A Banyan begins life as an epiphyte, a seed that germinates high on another tree. Its roots descend to the ground, gradually enveloping the host and developing into thick, woody trunks. Over time, it grows a network of trunks and branches, creating the appearance of a miniature forest from a single tree.
As the Banyan creates the illusion of many trees while actually being a single tree, it reminds us that one soul can create many lives. The belief that the soul or consciousness survives physical death and is reborn in a new body is part of many spiritual practices. Many Native American, African and Polynesian traditions hold that ancestors return within the lineage. Esoteric eastern traditions teach that the soul reincarnates to gather experience and evolve toward unity with the Divine. Buddhism speaks of rebirth and Hinduism talks about is the soul being eternal, passing through cycles of birth, death and rebirth until liberation. People who have near death experiences talk about seeing life on Earth as a moment in their history and their real "home" is at the soul level.
People who resonate with the Banyan tree understand the upside down nature of our existence; whereas most trees grow from roots in the earth, Banyan trees germinate on another tree. People are born with the understanding that while most people are focus on life then death, the focus really is on spirit then life. The gowth of the Banyan is dependent on the surrounding ecosystem: Birds that consume the fig-like fruit disperse the seeds, which easily germinate on trees, buildings or rocky crevices. Aerial roots hang from the branches, and once they touch soil, they thicken into supportive trunks, enabling the tree to spread laterally. Banyans can grow more than 100 feet (30 m) tall, with a canopy stretching 200 feet (60 m) or more. Some Banyans live for centuries, supporting entire ecosystems of birds, insects and plants.
Because banyans constantly put down new roots that become trunks, they can regenerate and survive for centuries. Similarly, we perpetuate the illusion of life with continuous rebirth or reincarnation - our version of putting down new roots to Earth.
In India, the banyan is honored as the “Tree of Life” and is planted near temples and plays a role in rituals and festivals related to fertility, ancestral connection and protection. Spiritually, the Banyan is associated with the zodiac sign Pisces—the last sign of the zodiac, representing endings, transitions and the endurance of the soul.
Parts of the banyan tree—especially its bark, sap, and roots—have been used in Ayurvedic and folk medicine. Bark and aerial root preparations have been used for treating diabetes and inflammation. Latex has been used for treating skin conditions and wounds and leaf extracts are used as poultices for pain and swelling. Be aware that raw parts of the tree (especially latex) can irritate the skin and mucous membranes. People who come up against people who adore Banyan trees and rub them the wrong way will likely walk away very irritated.
