The Legend of the Wishing Tree: Ancient Roots & Modern Magic

Tucked behind Gypsea’s Sanctuary Airbnb in Kill Devil Hills, N.C., a legendary wishing tree adorned with ornaments awaits unexpecting guests, brimming with magic. To truly feel its mystical power, one must only sit in quiet meditation beneath its sprawling, enchanted branches.

Some say this Live Oak was planted by a wandering mystic who whispered her dreams into its roots, while others believe it grew overnight from a single enchanted seed left by a fairy. Another legend has it, a princess once wished under the tree’s branches to become a mermaid and vanished into the ocean’s embrace, forever lost in her sea of dreams.

But here’s the real story! Gather round, and listen all. It only takes 4-minutes to unfold the mystery. Listen below!

But this is still, only a Small part of the story!

The Wishing Tree of Gypsea’s Sancturary comes from its own “family tree,“ of spiritual heritage.

The Temple Tree of Sayulita, Mexico

The Temple Tree in the jungle of Sayulita, Mexico, which is one of the sightseeing features on my husband’s Ecohike Sayulita jungle tour.

The original inspiration for the Wishing Tree came from the quant Mexican surf and hippie town of Sayulita, Mexico. Deep in the lush jungle, there is a Higuera Blanca (“white fig”) tree adorned with handcrafted ornaments and celebrated by locals. Many come to sit and meditate by the tree, and for this reason, you can sense a peaceful energy all around it. Some who visit the tree adorn it with painted rocks, crafts and notes, and local legend recommends that you touch the tree and make a wish.

Wixarika Indigenous Spiritual Influence ~ Nayarit, Mexico

The colorful and vibrant Wixarika culture is deeply connected to nature.

Sayulita, located in the state of Nayarit, Mexico is home to the Wixárika, indigenous people native to the Sierra Madre, often referred to as “Huichol.” They are known for their rich cultural traditions, spirituality and colorful art, which is deeply intertwined with their religious beliefs.

For the Wixarika, trees hold significant spiritual value and are considered sacred. They believe that trees are living beings with their own spirits, playing a crucial role in their connection to nature and the divine. The Wixarika often decorate trees as part of their rituals, adorning them with offerings such as yarn, feathers, beads and candles. These decorations are placed with spiritual meaning, serving as offerings to the gods, ancestors or spirits.

These decorated trees are often central to Wixarika ceremonies, which may involve prayers, chants, peyote and other sacred rituals. A walk deep through the jungle in Sayulita, Mexico, will show off many offerings at sites of Wixarika rituals. Some in the Sayulita yoga community have been invited by the Wixarika to participate in ceremonies. My husband, Alejo, who owns EcoHike Sayulita, has had the privilege of participating in this sacred experience.

Modern Mexico and Sayulita Culture

While the Wixarika decorate trees to maintain harmony with the natural world, the colorful artifacts of the Wixarika called “Ojos de Dios” (“eyes of God”) are prevelant today decorating the streets of Sayulita “magic town.” Each year, volunteers decorate the centra plaza of Sayulita to coincide with Day of the Dead festivities. In 2023, Centro Cultural Zumba Sayulita (where I take Zumba and dance lessons!) volunteered to decorate the tree in the plaza with pom poms.

Walking through Sayulita, Mexico (with my hula hoops) appreciating the sunset and the “ojos de dios” decorations.

From Mexico to Kill Devil Hills

Sitting underneath my tree in Kill Devil Hills, where I often meditate, pray and offer Reiki, I was inspired to create and continue the tradition of a decorated tree. I loved the idea of making the same little pom poms for my Kill Devil Hills tree to match the tree in the Sayulita plaza. Turns out, there was a lot of extra material leftover from making the pom poms for the town ~ Centro Cultural Zumba Sayulita gave the craft ribbon to me! With the same material, I made the yellow pom poms that are hanging among the branches in the backyard.

Decorated Trees All Over The World: A Deeper Spiritual Connection

Decorated trees have long been revered in various cultures as powerful symbols of life, growth, spirituality and the deep connection among all living beings. Think of the Christmas tree—a familiar example where ornaments and lights transform a simple tree into a symbol of joy, love and unity during the holiday season.

As a Reiki master, I’ve had connected deeply with the divine energy that flows through trees. The Temple Tree of Sayulita, the majestic tree in Sayulita’s central plaza and the magical wishing tree of Gypsea’s Sanctuary all bring me a sense of peace. Each of these trees has deep roots that intertwine with the energy of the Earth. Their branches stretch skyward, creating a bridge between the earthly and the divine, inviting all who encounter them to feel a sense of peace, connection and harmony.

Enjoy the Wishing Tree of Gypsea’s Sanctuary

I encourage you to sit quietly beneath the wishing tree and listen to the soft rustling of leaves in the wind, creating a melody only your heart can hear. And in that moment, with the world around you fading into a gentle blur, you’re invited to close your eyes, take a deep breath and let the magic of the wishing tree guide you on a journey within.

Every visit back to Gypsea’s Sanctuary, I meditate under this tree and offer Reiki and prayer to protect the home and all who visit.

May you be inspired to continue meditating and perhaps even create your own wishing tree!