Title: Whispers from the Trees
Author: Glenda Ungermann
Publisher: XlibrisAU
ISBN: 978-1-5434-0915-4
Pages: 252
Genre: Spiritual, Metaphysical, Nature
Reviewed By: Susan Brown
Pacific Book Review
There are about three trillion trees on the planet, according to scientific studies. That’s about 400 per person based on the current human population of the planet. Imagine if we took the time to get to know each and every one of those attributed to us? Ms. Ungermann has begun the process. She’s connected with and gives voice to 80 diverse tree spirits in this book, many living in her home country of Australia, but others scattered around the world.
Trees are critically important to the Earth’s health and well-being, as well as to the inhabitants of this planet — animal, plant and, of course, mankind. This book is a sweet and lovely tribute to these very important living souls. Yes, souls. She channels their voices by placing her hands on their bark and Whispers from the Trees is the testimony of their lives. Rummage, a tree spirit in India, says, “Soul growth is what we are all doing here on this planet at this time.” Each tree in this narrative has a name and shares with the author the story of its life as a tree, its spiritual growth and past lives.
Ms. Ungermann listens to and asks questions of each tree. Each recounts its earliest remembrances and transformation from past lives to being to tree. The stories they tell are fascinating. Many lived in human form, some as animals and some arrived from other worlds. The accounts are remarkably introspective. Each tree spirits’ life, in whatever form, began with a responsibility to move through the world with purpose. Many of the trees had multiple transmutations, each one leading that soul one step farther down the path to its current manifestation as a tree. There are representative pictures included at the end showcasing 60 of the trees.
The Book, as the trees refer to the author’s writings, is overflowing with spiritual affirmations, life lessons and philosophical encouragement. All of which are worthy of paying attention to, like: Shambossa, a tree deep in the African jungle, says, “Life is precious. Love is paramount. Have compassion to be grateful for all things we are given in this life. Life itself is enough.” Honolulu is home to Naveroan, the Sentinel of Peace who tells us, “Live and receive love every day, and live it well.”
“Believing in yourself is the best thing. You can do for yourself, always knowing that you do know. You have a knowing of where you should be right now, at this given time, for deep down there is a feeling of what is and is not right for you,” says Barbarella, a tree in Rhodesia.
What comes shining through in this enchanting book is Ms. Ungermann’s deep affection and intimate bond to these tree souls. It permeates her conversations with them and translates to an inspired and original voice. She is truly committed to ensuring the well- being of her new found friends, through her remarkable gift as their storyteller. You will never look at trees in quite the same way after reading this book. In fact, you will be roused to hug one, with a silent blessing of thanks. Whispers from the Trees is a beautiful and informed read that engages its subject with rare insight. Whispers from the Trees is not just another nature book. It is an eclectic and compelling book about trees, and the environment that spans decades of inner and outer journeying.
