Original Watercolor, 2018
For many shamans (yakchaks), the ceibo tree symbolizes the “axis mundi” – the center sacred connection between heaven and the underworld. Known as “the world tree,” the Ceibo is protected in Ecuador and many other countries. Indeed, this magical tree is able to grow to enormous height even though it only has leaves for a few weeks each year. This is because the green pigment in its thorny skin is able to make sufficient energy (photosynthesis) to allow the bare limbs to produce beautiful flowers, seeds and silky fur.