Higher colors

Healing Branch aids often feel like they look, but not always. The treatment of the wood is determined 

by the specific characteristics it had from the moment it was surrendered by the tree. Sometimes the aura 

of its characteristics is prominently present. In that case I can see ‘higher colors’ at a certain place in the woods 

and when I get closer it appears to be a branch that is ‘calling’ me. The future colors are already visible 

before me, while the branch is still attached to the tree. On other occasions the potential ‘meaning’ of the 

Healing Branch manifests itself only after years since it has been surrendered by the tree. The specific branch 

starts attracting my attention and I take it from its resting place to start working on it. Apparently then the time 

has come for me to reveal its inner meaning by working on it with the right intentions and from the heart.

Purpose and application of the Healing Branch aids

Some of these branches become prayer sticks or healing sticks. Others find their use as magic wand, 

intrusion stick or talisman. Often they get specific names, like ‘Clearing Wand’, ‘Dream Guide’ or 

‘Shaman’s Bridge’. Some of them stay quite natural, while others may get up to 10 layers of color and varnish. Sometimes one or even two minerals or semiprecious stones are attached to the branch to strengthen 

or balance a certain effect. Rock-crystal is an example. Sometimes the beauty of a Healing Branch is only 

on the inside but often the outside is very attractive too. The main thing for me is to let the spirit of the wood 

(or better said: the higher self of the tree) show me what the best treatment for a certain branch will be. 

I don’t always immediately agree with a certain ‘image’: sometimes I have to saw the branch in a way that is 

illogical to me, compared to what I have learned as a tree gardener. At other times I see certain colors 

for a branch, that don’t quite agree with me. Still I know I have to do it that way. Apparently that’s the way 

the ‘Dryade’ wants a specific branch to be treated. Over time I have often experienced that the result 

fitted perfectly on the person that chose this very branch. That is what Healing Branch is all about. 

Every Healing Branch has its own mission and lays waiting for the moment to be passed onto a new owner 

who wants to give it his attention and to become its friend.

A Motley Crew

Ever since 1995 I collect ‘living’ pieces of wood in nature. I think one must have an urgent reason indeed 

before sawing or cutting on trees and shrubs to ‘harvest’ branches for this special mission. If it needs to be done, 

it happens in a ritual fashion with the highest of intentions. It’s clear and obvious to me one should not go 

around sawing and cutting at trees and bushes randomly. By now I have over 80 kinds of woods in my collection, 

which is still growing. Most of the pieces lay resting until I ‘receive’ instructions for their treatment. From time 

to time I give them all special attention. It feels like I wake them up for a short while to keep our relationship 

alive. Even the smallest piece of wood is taken seriously. Their power is preserved when they receive 

the attention they deserve.

A Mediator

I feel it as my calling to be an intermediary between trees/wood and people. It’s a kind of relationship mediation. 

I often witness how people ‘fall in love’ with a Healing Branch. To me that feels like pure magic. 

In my view the Healing Branches stand on a high spiritual level and they receive all the attention they deserve.

A general error

Every once in a while I hear the opinion that ritual objects like semiprecious stones, talismans and amulets 

(among them the Healing Branch) ‘do’ the work for us. That is a misconception. What they cán do, is support 

our efforts to overcome obstacles on our path – but only if their inner quality evokes higher values in our 

consciousness and only if the intention is right. Some of these ritual objects can have a strong effect and work 

as a catalyst – but if we decide to take no action, and we are not open to change, then the final result will 

come to nought. At the most the object will work as a nice looking cuddly toy that pleasantly lets us 

dream away. It might give us a secure feeling, but ultimately the energy is killed. We must actively work 

with the newly acquired insights. If not, we might easily overlook an approaching possibility to bring our life 

to a higher level. I always compare this to the high quality ginseng preparations from Korea, which are grown 

and harvested according strict traditional rules. These extracts render a positive energy, but only if one decides 

to come into action – then the energy can flow. If on the other hand one decides to unwind and go to sleep, 

the energy will do the same. You may become very relaxed, but you will not notice very much of the potential 

energy. The same holds true for the Healing Branch: the intention of the owner is of decisive importance.

Catalyst action

Talismans and amulets, made by Marcel Gotjé, are known to have a strongly catalyzing effect on people, 

that is: they can start or accelerate certain processes in ourselves. They may even evoke some restlessness 

in the person that wears the talisman. Usually this catalyzing effect is of a temporary nature and is a sign 

that the talisman is catching on. You can compare this to the well-known effect of homeopathic medicines. 

We wish you light and love on your path,

Marcel Gotjé 

About 'Supernatural Art™' and 'Healing Branch™'

I choose this name to refer to sacred, ritual power-objects, utensils and instruments

"ENERGY FLOWS WHERE INTENTION GOES"

© Copyrights 1996-2011 Marcel Gotjé - Native Art & Gifts