The Ancient Yew: A Journey of Connection and Remembrance
In the heart of Scotland’s wild and untamed landscapes, a profound encounter changed the course of my life forever. It was with an ancient being, a silent witness to the ebb and flow of the human story—the Fortingall Yew.
I had been living in my campervan, Frida, embracing the freedom of the road and the solace of nature. Leaving behind the frenetic pace of London, I sought refuge in the forests of Scotland, a place where magic still lingers in the air. It was there, among the misty glens and whispering trees, that I heard her call.
The Fortingall Yew is no ordinary tree. Estimated to be over 5,000 years old, she is a portal to the past, a sentinel of wisdom, and a bridge between worlds. When I first stood before her, I felt an overwhelming sense of awe and humility. Her gnarled roots seemed to hold the memories of countless generations, while her ancient branches reached skyward as if in eternal prayer. In her presence, time dissolved, and I felt the heartbeat of the Earth itself.
A Soul’s Awakening
That moment with the Yew was not just an encounter—it was a remembrance. As I laid my hands on her bark, I felt an indescribable energy, a vibration that resonated deep within my soul. It was as if she were whispering secrets only my heart could understand. She reminded me of who I truly am beyond the illusions of the modern world. She reminded me of my connection to the Earth, to the cycles of life and death, and to the sacred magic that flows through all things.
This profound connection planted the seed for what would become Rock & Rose Rituals. The Yew showed me that healing and spiritual reconnection begin with nature. Her ancient wisdom became the inspiration for creating products that help others tap into their own inner healer and remember their connection to the natural world.
The Yew’s Teachings
The Yew tree is a symbol of eternal life, transformation, and resilience. She teaches us that death is not an end but a transition, a return to the source. Her evergreen leaves remind us of the persistence of life, even in the darkest winters. In many cultures, the Yew is considered sacred, a guardian of thresholds, and a keeper of profound mysteries.
Through my journey with her, I learned to embrace my sensitivity as a gift rather than a burden. I learned to listen deeply—to the Earth, to the whispers of my own soul, and to the wisdom carried by the wind. The Yew taught me the importance of slowing down, of being present, and of honouring the cycles of life within and around us.
A Call to Reconnect
My journey with the Fortingall Yew was a turning point, not just for me but for the vision I now hold for the world. Rock & Rose Rituals is more than a business; it is a bridge to help others remember their own sacred connection to nature. Through our candles and ritual bathing kits, I hope to share a piece of the Yew’s magic, offering tools for healing, transformation, and spiritual awakening.
The Yew reminds us that we, too, are rooted in the Earth. We are nature, and within us lies the same resilience, wisdom, and beauty that she embodies. I invite you to take a moment to connect with the trees around you, to breathe in their ancient wisdom, and to remember your place in this sacred web of life.
As the seasons turn and the cycles continue, may we all find our way back to the heart of nature and to the truth of who we are. For in the embrace of the ancient Yew, I found not just a connection to her but a deeper connection to myself.
Alchemy & Healing from a 9000 year old Yew Tree
How Rock & Rose Rituals came to be...
Rock & Rose Rituals has not been solely created by myself; I see myself as merely the conduit and messenger of the great wisdom held within nature, patiently waiting for us to tune in again as our ancestors once did.
Rock & Rose Rituals is the creation of the Fortingall Yew Tree in Perthshire, the Heart of Scotland and her way of reaching people all over the world. Some estimate her to be around 9000 years old and in 2015 she changed sex from male to female, further confirming the return of the Divine Feminine/Goddess energies to Earth. It is also the year of my own, sudden spiritual awakening during a trip to Vancouver in 2015.
In the summer of 2019, 4 months in to my Rose Priestess training, this tree called me to her on 2 separate occasions and so I knew I had to visit Her. When I arrived, I asked what it was that she wanted of me and I immediately heard the words "I would like to invite you to ingest a part of me, but I must warn you, I am poisonous to many." I knew nothing of the yew tree at that time, but I knew I was to eat some of her young needles. After it was done she said nothing more so I left and fell into a deep 3 hour sleep in my campervan in Glen Lyon followed by a 3 day shamanic death and rebirth experience.
There is so much more to this story of course of which I will be sharing in greater detail when the time is right, but the result was our Ritual Bathing kits and candles which are all made by me and filled with her wisdom, energy and healing.
Whether you choose a candle or ritual bathing kit - a piece of botanical jewellery or our sacred art, you will receive exactly what is needed for you in the precise moment it is needed from the majestic Fortingall Yew tree and the powerful, potent land that is SCOTLAND.
If you have found your way here and are reading these words now, it is for a very beautiful and important reason and it is our deep honour and highest joy to serve you.
Meet our founder, Lisa Marie.