The Urban Tree Oracle: Linden gathering took place under a 50 year old Linden outside the College of Arts & Sciences building at Boston University on a fall afternoon in September of 2024. The event was sponsored by The Department of Earth and the Environment with Ecologist Nathan Phillips. The building is ringed by large, gracious Linden trees.  They can be easily recognized by their heart-shaped leaves, which on some Linden varieties have a silvery underside.  In mid summer they can also be sensed from far away by the powerful scent of their abundant creamy-white flower clusters that attract millions of bees and other pollinators.  Littleleaf Linden is one of the most common street trees in Boston, loved for its fast growth, dense canopy, and tolerance. For centuries Linden tea has been brewed for its calming effect.  Communities throughout their range assemble to celebrate and commune under Lindens.  For all of these qualities, Linden is an ally in the moments when one needs the support and nourishment of community.  They are gracious hosts, inviting us to gather and share.  When we seek connection, friendship, and allies, Linden will guide our way.
We gathered with Linden and participated in a collective somatic exercise with Linden, exploring other ways of knowing and being with our more-than-human kin. Then we processed and reflected through drawing and writing with ink made from Linden’s leaves and bark. By the end of the  session, participants generated their own oracle card (an image and text-based tool for  intuition and divination), guided by the ecology and life of Linden.