Considered to be THE Great British tree, the common oak (Quercus robur) has a feeling of strength and nobility about it; it can easily be thought of as the king or ruler of trees (Treebeard, the Ent - tree herder - from Lord Of The Rings is an oak). I found it quite hard to be comfortable around this tree as it has a very strong masculine energy. Like many trees, the youngest of the group tend to exhibit all of the crude, rude energy of youth and none of the sophistication and wisdom of the elders. Having tried several younger ones without success I managed to find a more gentle, wise and fatherly one. It took quite a long time for the song of the oak to come through, but when it did it was a very powerful song, and engendered that feeling within me. When I was recording the piece, I felt that something extra was needed. I knew there were several oaks in the castle grounds, so I took my guitar outside and played the piece to the most receptive one. Not only did the original piece sound much stronger but it gave me the elusive element which I felt the piece had lacked.

The oak's strong courageous energy is something that I have needed many times in difficult situations and it has always fulfilled that need. I remember one occasion when I felt totally drained and weak. I had to give a flute performance with energy and flair. At that time I didn't have enough energy to blow out a candle, let alone a note on a flute! What made it worse was there was a film crew there recording the performance. I was in a state of anxiety and inertia. I knew I had to do something, then it came to me. I had noticed there were several trees in the grounds; what I needed was an oak. It was dark by this time but behold, I saw the distinctive crinkly oak leaf of a mature tree. I stood with my back against the tree with my eyes closed, and waited. I felt the pathetic state I was in lift slowly and steadily until I was filled with energy confidence and strength. I thanked the tree, and gave a great performance, even though there wasn't much of an audience there to witness it! If you ever feel anxious and weak go and sit under an oak. You'll soon be filled with confidence and strength!