Are you one of those, like me, who sees faces everywhere, especially in hedgerows and trees? Psychologists call it pareidolia. Some believe the faces to be spirits of another dimension, their energies bleeding through to ours. Mythology brims with tree spirits. One of the best known is Daphne, beloved of Apollo, who transformed herself into a laurel tree to escape his unwelcome advances. Check out Mae Clair’s fascinating and informative post on the Old Lady of the Elder Trees.
It’s nice to know others see tree spirits. I’ve seen gnomes in cypress tree knots as well as other faces in trees.
Loretta, I’m glad I’m not the only one who sees gnomes in cypress knots! Thanks for commenting.
Huh, it’s called Pareidolia? And I always thought the faces I saw were some manifestation of paranoia. 😉 I’m comforted to know it’s not only me–I see them in the designs on floor tile, in cut/stained wood trim…everywhere. Great post and link, Flossie!
Haha Dylan, maybe the two go hand in hand for writers;) I’m the same with everything too– from curtain folds to water marks. I appreciate your stopping by. Thanks for commenting!
Thanks for the shout out and link to my blog post, Flossie. Love that picture! Aren’t old trees grand? When I was a kid we had a mammoth willow in the back yard that inspired lots of imaginings and storytelling from me 🙂
Yes, I’ve always been close to trees too and use the pen name Dendra on the NaNo site (signed up several years ago before published). We had a live oak that cascaded to the ground all the way around and called it Hera Mother. Thanks for your inspiring posts.