The Tree of Souls in James Cameron’s blockbuster film Avatar provides a deep spiritual and sacred connection between the Na'vi people and their deity, Eywa. The Tree of Souls, (Na'vi name: Vitraya Ramunong[1]), with its ethereal glow and striking resemblance to a weeping willow, serves as the heart of the Omatikaya Clan's spiritual life, enabling them to commune with their ancestors and seek divine wisdom. The Spirit Tree has the same cultural and spiritual significance to the Metkayina clan as the Tree of Souls has to the Omatikaya.
I this blog post I explore Avatar's subliminal message that echoes key themes from Jesus' teachings about Christ who is the "Word" he diligently exposed. While the Tree of Souls is central to the Na'vi's faith, it has a symbolic parallel to our Christian theology, especially in relation to Christ’s role as a bridge between God and humanity.
Spiritual Legacies: The Tree of Souls and the Body of Christ
The Tree of Souls holds profound spiritual significance for the Na'vi, a legacy that spans at least 3,000 years, paralleling the longevity of Christianity, which traces its roots back around 2,000 years to the time of Christ. The Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) extends even further, with pivotal figures like Abraham and Moses appearing nearly 4,000 years ago.
Both the Tree of Souls and Christian tradition emphasize a lasting spiritual legacy. The Na'vi draw wisdom from the voices of their ancestors, akin to the Christian concept of the "many members" that form the body of Christ. This collective faith and wisdom strengthen believers, echoing the Na'vi's connection with Eywa, their deity, who embodies the spirits of those who have returned to their creator.
Moreover, Eywa can be likened to the Holy Spirit in Christian doctrine, representing a living presence of God in the world. Just as the Holy Spirit provides guidance, comfort, and wisdom to believers, Eywa offers insight and empowerment to the Na'vi through the Tree of Souls. In both traditions, there exists a dynamic relationship between the divine and the people, emphasizing how these deities illuminate the spiritual paths of those who seek their guidance.
Psalm 145:4 One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.
1 Corinthians 12:12-13 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
Voices of the Past: Na'vi, Witnesses, and Christ's Transfiguration
Through the Tree of Souls, the Na'vi connect with their ancestors, drawing wisdom and receiving guidance from Eywa. This sacred bond embodies the unity between the natural world, the divine, and the spirits of the departed. The Na'vi’s ability to hear the "many" voices of their ancestors closely mirrors the reverence for the "cloud of witnesses" mentioned in Hebrews 12:1. This "cloud" refers to the saints and prophets who have gone before, offering guidance and wisdom for our spiritual journey. Both traditions emphasize the importance of learning from those who came before us, recognizing their influence on our present path, as they illuminate us from within, much like the glowing light of the Tree of Souls shines in the darkness.
Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
This idea is further exemplified in the event of the Mount of Transfiguration, when Jesus took Peter, James, and John and was transfigured before them, revealing the glorious light that lived inside of his tabernacle of flesh. It was not before the veil of Jesus' flesh was rolled back, nor after, but rather during the very moment His flesh was unveiled that the Father declared, "This is My Son." The glorious light you see within the veil of Jesus' flesh is Christ. This radiant light is the Kingdom of God. In this divine moment, while the veil of His flesh was rolled back, we witness two of the "many members" that make up this glorious light. As Scripture tells us, "they came in glory"—Moses and Elijah—illuminating Jesus. These two figures, representing spiritual wisdom and prophecy, were discussing with Jesus the things that must soon take place.
Pay close attention to the timeline: Jesus was transfigured during the very moment the Father declared, "This is My Son; listen to Him" In this moment, the Kingdom of God was revealed in all its glory. Christ is Illuminati.
Matthew 17:1-3 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.
Luke 9:28-32 About eight days after these sayings, he took with him Peter, John, and James, and went up onto the mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became white and dazzling. Behold, two men were talking with him, who were Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory, and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they were fully awake, they saw his glory, and the two men who stood with him.
Exodus 34:29 And when Moses came down from the hill of Sinai, he held in his hand(s) two tables of witnessing, and he wist not that his face was horned with wonderful shining beams, of the fellowship of God’s word.
Matthew 17:4-8 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, (Hebrews 12:1) and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.
Luke 9:33-36 As they were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let’s make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah,” not knowing what he said. While he said these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered into the cloud. A voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him!” When the voice came, Jesus was found alone. They were silent, and told no one in those days any of the things which they had seen.
Isaiah 6:3 And they were calling to one another: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory.
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The Tree of Souls in Avatar serves as a powerful symbol of spiritual connection and legacy, mirroring the profound teachings found in Christianity. Just as the Na'vi commune with their ancestors through Eywa, Christians must understand there is a "bright cloud of witnesses" illuminating us, shaping our lives. Both traditions emphasize the importance of divine guidance, whether through the ethereal glow of the Tree of Souls or the illuminating presence of the "many members" of Christ's body. By recognizing these parallels, we deepen our understanding of Jesus teachings, and biblical truths. Ultimately, both the Na'vi and Christians are reminded that we are part of a larger tapestry of faith, where the voices of those who came before us continue to resonate, guiding us towards a greater understanding of the divine. Please continue to read my work, and learn how this understanding effects mental health.
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Email me at suzanne@christthetruelight.com
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