Matariki and Pohutakawa
- Amy McComb
- Jul 9
- 3 min read
The shortest day and longest night. Midwinter giving rise to a new cycle, the beginning of a new year.
Spotting the rise of Matariki on the northeastern horizon. A sacred time of remembering - our ancestors and our loved ones that have passed over. It is said by some that our dear ones and ancestors have now become the Stars themselves.
The Matariki constellation specifically includes Matariki (the mother star) and the seven sisters, Waitī & Waitā, Tupu-ā-nuku, Tupu-ā-rangi, Waipunarangi, Ururangi, Pōhutukawa, Hiwa-i-te-rangi. Each have a highly regarded and special role.
This constellation is also known as the Pleiades - who are known as the Lightkeepers. The Pleiades have been used for thousands of years by peoples around the world for navigation, as a marker for seasonal cycles, and for harvesting.
Many plants and trees of the New Zealand bush are honoured at this time; the food plants, those trees that connect us with our ancestors and whakapapa, those that support our health and wellbeing, those that are connected to the wind, rain; and those that purify water (and emotions) and foster clear determined intent and aligning with our dreams (the mind).
Tanekaha fosters ancestral support and connection. Pohutakawa is intricately tied to our ancestors. Kawakawa and pikopiko are food and medicine plants that nourish our wellbeing. Kowhai helps us seed new beginnings, just as Rewarewa fosters trust in stepping into the unknown. Tī Kouka reminds that your unique expression of who you are this life is magnificient. Totara reminds you to stay grounded and remember your foundations.
These are a few wonderful plant and tree allies for you at this time.
Pohutakawa has a level of ancestral connection and a depth of healing that is worth speaking of.
There is one Pohutakawa tree that grows up north in Cape Reinga, it is said to be about 800 years old. Cape Reinga is known as the area where the spirits of the dead leave Aotearoa on their journey to the ancestral homeland of Hawaiiki-A-Nui.
The tree clings onto a rocky outcrop overlooking the ocean where the currents meet. It
is said that the spirits descend down the roots of this tree underneath the sea
and into the underworld (Reinga) to begin the voyage home. Thus the colloquial phrase
when someone passes away that they ‘..slid down the pohutawakawa root.’
On a therapeutic note Pohutakawa properties and uses can be varied; these are just a few insights into some metaphysical areas the tree works with.
Homeopathically, Barbara Bassett writes that Pohutakawa is here to encourage
us in this way…‘You not only can survive, you can flourish and give service through
beauty’.
On other healing levels, I have noticed over the past 30 years that Pohutakawa facilitates hearing one’s heart’s wisdom and aligning with one’s inner knowing. This medicine tree can be spent time with during times of emotional pain, so that the bigger picture may be seen and acted upon.
Pohutakawa helps limit energy loss on all levels.
The tree speaks of honouring your unique expression(s) of creativity and nourishing the ease of that. Pohutakawa helps work with structural change as we grow. And to look at, and uproot old structure that no longer works. Aids in uprooting of old anger, outdated ways of being, so that you can action your dreams. Clearing stagnancy is a key that Pohutakawa assists us with.
It is widely acknowledged that Matariki heralds a time of new beginnings, a new year, and can also be a time of grieving our dear ones who have already crossed over. It can be good to remember to take some breathing space at the end of one season and the beginning of a new cycle.
Matariki is an excellent moment to stop, nurture and cherish yourself, before stepping ahead; remembering that your unique expression in this life is extraordinary, and believing in your ability to create and live your next steps outside the square.. Step into the unknown with a light and playful heart.
As we emerge from the depths of mid-winter, it is time to remember our solid foundations as people and stand firmly in our power, in a way that supports our life force, and our love of life.
This article has been supplied by Amy McComb. All content is the opinion and copyright of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of DrumRoll Promotions Ltd. Always ensure you know the correct dosage and recognise specifically which plants are safe for ingestion or application. If you have any questions regarding this article you may wish to contact the author direct or consult a professional.
