The Prodigy of the Almond Tree Part 1: The Cycle and Seasons Vanderhorst, Char J. "Almond Tree Menorah" (Clay on Tile). Alberta, Canada.

We are neither Jew nor Greek (Greco Roman Christian). We The purpose of this presentation is to bring honor and glory to the Word - the Righteous Branch - and to awaken and alert His branches to remain watchful for His return which will come like a thief in the night. We are neither Jew nor Greek (Greco Roman Christian). We are diligent seekers of the perpetual (ancient) path aiming to hear and obey and walk straight in the commands of the Most High wholeheartedly without veering to the right or the left. "PikiWiki Israel 30112 Almond tree Biria Forest" by אורה הוכמן

It is our prayer that the following information is not used for financial gain… Freely you have received; freely give.

The almond tree is known as the first of the fruit trees to “awaken” from its winter slumber… The almond tree is known as the first of the fruit trees to awaken from its winter sleep.

Daniel Sancho

שקד The Hebrew word for the almond tree is: H8247 shaw-kade‘ From H8245; the almond (tree or nut; as being the earliest in bloom) The Hebrew word for the almond tree is Strong’s number H8247 which is pronounced shaw-kade’. According to Strong’s Concordance, the meaning of shaw-kade’ is the almond (tree or nut; as being the earliest in bloom).

And comes from the primitive root שקד Shaqad And comes from the primitive root word shaqad which is Strong’s number H8245.

to be alert, that is, sleepless Shaqad (H8245) means: to be alert, that is, sleepless hence to be on the lookout (whether for good or ill) Can be translated as: Hasten Remain Wake watch (for) Shaqad means to be alert, sleepless; hence to be on the lookout (whether for good or ill); and can be translated as hasten, remain, wake, watch for.

Using a literal translation into English, the tree might be considered the: alert tree sleepless tree watchful tree on-the-lookout tree A literal translation into English might be the alert tree, the sleepless tree, the on-the-lookout tree, the watchful tree.

Almonds are considered stone fruits or drupes as opposed to nuts. "Green almonds" by 6th Happiness A member of the genus Prunus along with apricot, cherry, damson, nectarine, peach, and plum. Almonds are considered stone fruits or drupes as opposed to nuts. The almond tree is a member of the genus Prunus along with its cousins the apricot, cherry, damson, nectarine, peach and plum.

References to the Almond Tree The fruit of the almond tree is listed among the “choice fruit” in Gen 43:11. In the Word of the Most High, there are several references to the almond tree. The fruit of the almond tree is listed among the choice fruit in Genesis 43:11.

References to the Almond Tree And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds: (Gen 43:11) And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds.

References to the Almond Tree The fruit of the almond tree is listed among the “choice fruit” in Gen 43:11. Luz or Lawz, also named Bethel, means “almond” in Arabic (لوز ). Another reference to the almond tree in the Word concerns the place called Luz or Lawz, also named Bethel, which means “almond” in Arabic.

References to the Almond Tree And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first. (Gen 28:19) So Jacob came to Luz, which is in the land of Canaan, that is, Bethel, he and all the people that were with him. And he built there an altar, and called the place Elbethel: because there God appeared unto him, when he fled from the face of his brother. (Gen 35:6-7) In Genesis chapter 28 verse 19 it is written: “And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first. And in Genesis chapter 35 verses 6 thru 7 we read, “So Jacob came to Luz, which is in the land of Canaan, that is, Bethel, he and all the people that were with him. And he built there an altar, and called the place Elbethel: because there God appeared unto him, when he fled from the face of his brother.

The Mt. Sinai in Arabia Jabal al-Lawz “mountain of almonds” is known as Jabal al-Lawz which means “mountain of almonds” An interesting note is the fact that the Mount Sinai that was found in Arabia is known as Jabal al-Lawz which means “mountain of almonds” in the Arabic language. See Gal 4:25; see http://wyattmuseum.com/mt-sinai.htm; see youtube.com video “Mountain of Fire, Biblical Mt. Sinai found?”

References to the Almond Tree The fruit of the almond tree is listed among the “choice fruit” in Gen 43:11. Luz or Lawz, also named Bethel, means “almond” in Arabic (لوز ). An almond branch was one of the branches that Jacob set before the flocks that they should conceive. An almond branch was one of the branches that Jacob set before the flocks that they should conceive.

References to the Almond Tree And Jacob took him rods of green poplar, and of the hazelH3869 and chesnut tree; and pilled white strakes in them, and made the white appear which was in the rods. And he set the rods which he had pilled before the flocks in the gutters in the watering troughs when the flocks came to drink, that they should conceive when they came to drink. (Gen 30:37-38) In Genesis chapter 30, verses 37 thru 38 we read that Jacob took him rods of green poplar, and of the hazel and chesnut tree; and pilled white strakes in them, and made the white appear which was in the rods. And he set the rods which he had pilled before the flocks in the gutters in the watering troughs when the flocks came to drink, that they should conceive when they came to drink. H3869: (luz) Probably of foreign origin; some kind of nut tree, perhaps the almond: - hazel.

References to the Almond Tree The fruit of the almond tree is listed among the “choice fruit” in Gen 43:11. Luz or Lawz, also named Bethel, means “almond” in Arabic (لوز ). An almond branch was one of the branches that Jacob set before the flocks that they should conceive. Migdol or a similar derivative means “almond” in Lithuanian, Polish, Romanian, Ukrainian. Migdol, or a similar derivative, means “almond” in Lithuanian, Polish, Romanian and Ukrainian languages.

References to the Almond Tree Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, In Exodus chapter 14 verse 2 the children of Israel were instructed to turn and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, over against Baalzephon: before it shall you encamp by the sea. over against Baalzephon: before it shall ye encamp by the sea. (Exo 14:2)

References to the Almond Tree The fruit of the almond tree is listed among the “choice fruit” in Gen 43:11. Luz or Lawz, also named Bethel, means “almond” in Arabic (لوز ). An almond branch was one of the branches that Jacob set before the flocks that they should conceive. Migdol or similar derivative means “almond” in Lithuanian, Polish, Romanian, Ukrainian languages. The branches and cycle of the almond tree serve as a pattern for the candlestick in the tabernacle. The branches and cycle of the almond tree serve as a pattern for the candlestick in the tabernacle.

References to the Almond Tree (Exo 25:31-36) And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, shall be of the same. And six branches shall come out of the sides of it; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side:… And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, shall be of the same. And six branches shall come out of the sides of it; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side.

References to the Almond Tree …Three bowls made like unto almonds, with a knop and a flower in one branch; and three bowls made like almonds in the other branch, with a knop and a flower: so in the six branches that come out of the candlestick. And in the candlestick shall be four bowls made like unto almonds, with their knops and their flowers… …Three bowls made like unto almonds, with a knop and a flower in one branch; and three bowls made like almonds in the other branch, with a knop and a flower: so in the six branches that come out of the candlestick. And in the candlestick shall be four bowls made like unto almonds, with their knops and their flowers…

References to the Almond Tree …And there shall be a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, according to the six branches that proceed out of candlestick. Their knops and their branches shall be of the same: all it shall be one beaten work of pure gold. And there shall be a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, according to the six branches that proceed out of the candlestick. Their knops and their branches shall be of the same: all it shall be one beaten work of pure gold. knops and their branches shall be of the same: all it shall be one beaten work of pure gold.

References to the Almond Tree The fruit of the almond tree is listed among the “choice fruit” in Gen 43:11. Luz or Lawz, also named Bethel, means “almond” in Arabic (لوز ). An almond branch was one of the branches that Jacob set before the flocks that they should conceive. Migdol or similar derivative means “almond” in Lithuanian, Polish, Romanian, Ukrainian languages. The branches and cycle of the almond tree serve as a pattern for the candlestick. Aaron’s rod budded, blossomed and yielded almonds. Aaron’s rod (or branch) budded, blossomed and yielded almonds.

References to the Almond Tree And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow יהוה will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him. (Num 16:5) In the account concerning Korah’s rebellion which is recorded in the book of Numbers, reading from chapter 16, verse 5: And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the Most High will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him.

References to the Almond Tree And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and, behold, the rodH4294 of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds. (Num 17:8) And in chapter 17, verse 8, it is written: And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and, behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds. Worthy of mentioning is the word that was translated as “rod” - Strong’s number H4294 – comes from a word which means branch - in the literal sense. So another way to state the account is that it was Aaron’s branch for the house of Levi which budded, brought forth buds, bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds. H4294: From H5186; a branch (as extending); figuratively a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance), or walking (a staff; figuratively a support of life, for example bread): - rod, staff, tribe.

References to the Almond Tree The fruit of the almond tree is listed among the “choice fruit” in Gen 43:11. Luz or Lawz, also named Bethel, means “almond” in Arabic (لوز ). An almond branch was one of the branches that Jacob set before the flocks that they should conceive. Migdol or similar derivative means “almond” in Lithuanian, Polish, Romanian, Ukrainian languages. The branches and cycle of the almond tree serve as a pattern for the candlestick. Aaron’s rod budded, blossomed and yielded almonds. Ecclesiastes prophecies of a time when the almond tree shall flourish. Ecclesiastes prophecies of a time when the almond tree shall flourish.

References to the Almond Tree Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain: In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened, Reading from Ecclesiates, chapter 12, verses 1 thru 5: Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain: In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened

References to the Almond Tree And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of musick shall be brought low; Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourishH5006, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long [everlasting, forever] home, and the mourners go about the streets: (Ecc 12:1-5) And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of musick shall be brought low; Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets. H5006: A primitive root; to scorn; or (Ecc_12:5) by interchange for H5132, to bloom:

References to the Almond Tree The fruit of the almond tree is listed among the “choice fruit” in Gen 43:11. Luz or Lawz, also named Bethel, means “almond” in Arabic (لوز ). An almond branch was one of the branches that Jacob set before the flocks that they should conceive. Migdol or similar derivative means “almond” in Lithuanian, Polish, Romanian, Ukrainian. The branches and cycle of the almond tree serve as a pattern for the candlestick. Aaron’s rod budded, blossomed and yielded almonds. Ecclesiastes prophecies of a time when the almond tree shall flourish. Jeremiah was shown a vision of an almond branch. Also reference to the almond tree is found in the book of Jeremiah, where Jeremiah was shown a vision of an almond branch.

References to the Almond Tree …Moreover the word of יהוה came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree. Then said יהוה unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hastenH8245 H5921 my word to perform it. (Jer 1:11-12) Chapter 1 verses 11 thru 12 state: Moreover the word of the Most High came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree. Then said the Most High unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it. It is interesting to note the word translated as “hasten” comes from the primitive root word for almond tree which means to be alert, that is sleepless, hence to be on the lookout. H8245: A primitive root; to be alert, that is, sleepless; hence to be on the lookout (whether for good or ill): - hasten, remain, wake, watch (for).

The branch of an almond tree changes according to the season… The branch of an almond tree changes according to the season as shown in the following slides.

A Branch Beginning to Arouse from its Winter Slumber This is an almond branch that is beginning to arouse from its winter slumber.

A Branch Awakened and Flourishing This picture shows an almond branch that has awakened and is flourishing. Michael Favor

A Branch with the Almond’s Firstfruit* Hastily Growing These pictures are of a branch with the firstfruit hastily growing… *Other terms for the firstfruit of the almond tree: nutlets, drupes, green almonds.

A Branch with the Almond’s Firstfruit Ready for the 1st Harvest* A branch with the almond’s firstfruit ready for the first harvest. The harvest of the almond’s firstfruit is common in the Middle East and less common in the US. *The harvest of the almond’s firstfruit is common in the Middle East and less common in the US.

A Branch with Fruit Whose Flesh is Withering in the Heat

A Branch with the Almond’s Final Fruit Ready to be Gathered In

A Branch That is Sleeping And this picture shows an almond branch that is sleeping.

Almond Tree & the Priesthood In several instances, the almond tree is referenced in passages associated with the priesthood: In several instances, the almond tree is referenced in passages associated with the priesthood.

Almond Tree & the Priesthood The Candlestick Patterned after a blossoming almond tree with: buds blossoms calyx The light in the holy place – a place only accessible by priests The priesthood (Aaron and his seed) was charged with keeping the lamps burning from evening to morning before יהוה continually (Exo 27:20-21, Lev 24:1-3, 2 Chr 13:10-11) Such as the candlestick (or menorah) that is patterned after a blossoming almond tree. The candlestick was chosen to serve as the light in the holy place. The holy place is a place only accessible by priests. The priesthood, Aaron and his seed, was charged with keeping the lamps burning from evening to morning before the Most High continually.

Vanderhorst, Char J. "Almond Tree Menorah" (Clay on Tile) Vanderhorst, Char J. "Almond Tree Menorah" (Clay on Tile). Alberta, Canada.

Almond Tree & the Priesthood Aaron’s Rod (branch) An almond branch which: budded brought forth buds bloomed blossoms yielded [ripen*] almonds Served as the sign of whom יהוה shewed are His, who are holy and who He chose to come near unto Him. Also, Aaron’s rod is referenced in association with the priesthood. It was Aaron’s branch - which budded, brought forth buds, bloomed blossoms and yielded almonds – that served as the sign of whom the Most High showed are His, who are holy and who He chose to come near unto Him. * from H1580: to treat a person (well or ill), that is, benefit or requite; by implication (of toil) to ripen, that is, (specifically) to wean

It remains to be determined whether Aaron’s rod resembled an almond branch with firstfruit hastily growing…or…

A branch with blossoms and unharvested final fruit from the previous season.

Almond Tree & the Priesthood Jeremiah’s Vision Jeremiah was a priest according to Jeremiah 1:1 Also associated with the priesthood is the reference to the almond branch in Jeremiah’s vision. According to Jeremiah chapter one, verse one, Jeremiah was a priest.

Almond Tree & the Priesthood The main duties of the priests of Zadok are explained in Ezekiel 44:23-24. teach the people the difference between the holy and profane cause the people to discern between the unclean and the clean in controversy they shall stand in judgment; and they shall judge it according to the judgments ofיהוה keep the laws and statutes of יהוה in all of His assemblies hallow the sabbaths of יהוה According to Ezekiel chapter 44, verses 22 thru 24, the main duties of the priests of Zadok are: to teach the people the difference between the holy and profane; to cause the people to discern between the unclean and the clean; in controversy they shall stand in judgment; and they shall judge it according to the judgements of the Most High; to keep the laws and statues of the Most High

Almond Tree & the Priesthood And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean. And in controversy they shall stand in judgment; and they shall judge it according to my judgments: and they shall keep my laws and my statutes in all mine assemblies; and they shall hallow my sabbaths. (Eze 44:23-24) As written in Ezekiel chapter 44 and verses 23 thru 24: And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean. And in controversy they shall stand in judgment; and they shall judge it according to my judgments: and they shall keep my laws and my statues in all mine assemblies; and they shall hallow my sabbaths.

The Cycle of the Almond Tree Hull Split (Withering in the Heat) 2nd Harvest (Gathering in the Seed) 1st Harvest (Harvest of the Firstfruit) The next few slides will briefly explain the annual Cycle of the Almond Tree Blossoming (Awakening/ Flourishing) Leaf Fall (Preparing for Rest) Dormancy (Sleeping)

In a Nutshell… In a nutshell…

From a dormant and naked state, the almond tree receives a command to prepare for blossoming…

… the tree begins to arouse from its slumber…

… a green calyx tip appears at the end of the bud…

…the buds begin to dilate…

…the almond tree awakens … … and clothes itself in light pink blossoms …

…that turn white as snow before falling to the ground 5-14 days after bursting forth.

… bees deliver pollen to the blossoms … Bees pollinate the blossoms.

… the firstfruit of the almond begin to emerge from the calyx resembling a flame of fire...

…and hastily grow to their potential size over a course of six to eight weeks… And hastily grow to their potential size over a course of seven to eight weeks.

…at which time the firstfruit may be handpicked*… *This is a common harvest in the Middle Eastern countries but not as common in the United States.

…or left on the tree to mature …or left on the tree to mature. The summer heat causes the fruit to split open… Or left on the tree to mature. The summer heat causes the fruit to split open…

…the flesh withers in the heat…

… and the seed inside is revealed.

In the United States, the harvesters mechanically shake the seeds from the trees.

In other parts of the world, the harvesters beat the trees causing the seeds to fall to the ground…

….and nets or blankets are placed on the ground to catch the falling seeds.

The harvesters then gather in the seeds ... Jan Manu

…and bring them to a location where they separate the hull (husk) from the shell. In United States In other parts of the world …and bring them to a location where they separate the hull (husk) from the shell.

Over the next several weeks, the leaves fall from the tree…

… and the tree enters a period of rest.

After a period of rest, the cycle begins anew…

The Almond Tree & The Seasons

The almond tree is described as the tree that “watches” for the changes in the seasons.

for the changes in the seasons is an interesting description The fact that this tree “watches” for the changes in the seasons is an interesting description considering the shape of its final fruit. The fact that this tree watches for the changes in the seasons is an interesting description considering the shape of its final fruit.

In order to understand how the almond tree “watches” for the changes in the seasons, lets walk through the basic cycle of a day and the basic cycle of a year. In order to understand how the almond tree “watches” for the changes in the seasons, lets walk through the basic cycle of a day and the basic cycle of a year.

Although science has discovered that the earth cycles around the sun, not that the sun cycles around the earth… Although science has discovered that the earth cycles around the sun, not that the sun cycles around the earth…

Let’s consider the cycles from the perspective of someone observing them with the naked eye thousands of years ago rather than from the current modern, scholarly and scientific observation. …let’s consider the cycles from the perspective of someone observing them with the naked eye thousands of years ago rather than from the current modern, scholarly and scientific observation.

Considering the basic cycle of a day and the following passage…

While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. (Gen 8:22) From Genesis 8:22: while the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.

…there exists day and night. horizon …there exists day and night. Night

After a period of darkness and rest, noticeable changes occur as the sun begins to approach the horizon bringing about an increase in temperature and light as well as dew… Day horizon After a period of darkness and rest, noticeable changes occur as the sun begins to approach the horizon bringing about an increase in temperature and light as well as dew. min temp Dawn Night Sun

…changes which seem to awaken the day creatures from their slumber …changes which seem to awaken the day creatures from their slumber. This period of time is known as morning twilight or dawn. Day horizon …changes which seem to awaken the day creature from their slumber. This period of time is known as morning twilight or dawn. min temp Dawn Night Sun

Then the sun appears in its fullness Then the sun appears in its fullness. As it rises above the horizon and continues along its circuit, the temperature and light continue to increase. Day horizon Then the sun appears in its fullness. As it rises above the horizon and continues along its circuit, the temperature and light continue to increase. min temp Dawn Night

This position is known as midday. The sun continues along its circuit and reaches its peak position of the day. This position is known as midday. Peak/Midday Day horizon The sun continues along its circuit and reaches its peak position of the day. This position is known as midday. min temp Dawn Night

As the sun travels from its peak position towards the western horizon, temperatures continue to increase reaching the daily maximum. Peak/Midday Day max temp horizon As the sun travels from its peak position towards the western horizon, temperatures continue to increase reaching the daily maximum. min temp Dawn Night

The sun continues along its circuit and sets in the western horizon. Peak/Midday Day max temp horizon The sun continues along its circuit and sets in the western horizon. min temp Dawn Night

As the sun moves below the horizon, the changes in decreasing light and temperature become noticeable. Peak/Midday Day max temp horizon As the sun moves below the horizon, the changes in decreasing light and temperature become noticeable. Dusk min temp Dawn Night

This period of time is known as evening twilight or dusk. Peak/Midday Day max temp horizon This period of time is known as evening twilight or dusk. Dusk min temp Dawn Night

Day Night After the light of the sun fades away, darkness and rest come upon the land and the living things of the day. Peak/Midday Day max temp horizon After the light of the sun fades away, darkness and rest come upon the land and the living things of the day. Dusk min temp Dawn Night

After the period of darkness and rest, noticeable changes occur as the sun begins to approach the horizon, and the cycle begins anew. Peak/Midday Day max temp horizon After the period of darkness and rest, noticeable changes occur as the sun begins to approach the horizon, and the cycle begins anew. Dusk min temp Dawn Night

In a similar manner, so is the cycle of a year.

There exists summer and winter … equinox There exists summer and winter. Winter

… after a period of long nights and dormancy, noticeable changes occur as the sun approaches the equinox bringing about an increase in air and soil temperature, moisture and length of days. Summer equinox After a period of long nights and dormancy, noticeable changes occur as the sun approaches the equinox bringing about an increase in air and soil temperature, moisture and length of days. changes min temp Winter sun

Then the sun moves through the equinox position and continues its course as the temperatures and length of days continue to increase. Summer equinox Then the sun moves through the equinox position and continues its course as the temperatures and length of days continue to increase. changes min temp Winter

Summer Winter Continuing along its circuit, the sun reaches its peak position of the year. This position is known as the summer solstice. peak Summer equinox Continuing along its circuit, the sun reaches its peak position of the year. This position is known as the summer solstice. changes min temp Winter

As the sun travels from its peak position of the year towards the equinox, temperatures continue to increase reaching an annual maximum. peak Summer max temp equinox As the sun travels from its peak position of the year towards the equinox, temperatures continue to increase reaching an annual maximum. changes min temp Winter

Summer Winter As the sun continues along its circuit through the equinox position, noticeable changes begin to occur... peak Summer max temp equinox As the sun continues along its circuit through the equinox position, noticeable changes begin to occur… changes changes min temp Winter

…temperature and length of day continue to diminish bringing about a decrease in soil temperatures and typically an increase in moisture. peak Summer max temp equinox …temperature and length of day continue to diminish bringing about a decrease in soil temperatures and typically an increase in moisture. changes changes min temp Winter

As the sun continues along its circuit and the temperature and length of days continue to diminish, a period of dormancy and rest come upon the land. peak Summer max temp equinox As the sun continues along its circuit and the temperature and length of days continue to diminish, a period of dormancy and rest come upon the land. changes changes min temp Winter

and the cycle begins anew… After a period of dormancy and cold temperatures, noticeable changes occur as the sun begins to approach the equinox position and the cycle begins anew… peak Summer max temp equinox After a period of dormancy and cold temperatures, noticeable changes occur as the sun begins to approach the equinox position, and the cycle begins anew. changes changes min temp Winter

…and these noticeable changes in increasing air and soil temperature, moisture and length of days seem to arouse the almond tree from its slumber… …and these noticeable changes in increasing air and soil temperature, moisture and length of days seem to arouse the almond tree from its slumber…

… and covers its nakedness…

… as if the sleeping tree…

… awakens from slumber…

…at the dawn of a new cycle. Summer equinox …at the dawn of a new cycle. changes changes min temp Winter

After a certain period of cold temperatures during dormancy, the almond tree typically bursts forth into blossom near the end of January or early February. Summer equinox After a certain period of cold temperatures during dormancy, the almond tree typically bursts forth into blossom near the end of January or early February. changes changes min temp Winter late Jan/ early Feb

Bees pollinate the blossoms and the almond tree’s firstfruit begin to emerge from the calyx... Summer equinox Bees pollinate the blossoms and the almond tree’s firstfruit begins to emerge from the calyx. changes changes min temp Winter late Jan/ early Feb

…and hastily grow to its potential size over the course of two months – at which time the firstfruit is ready for the 1st harvest. Summer equinox …and hastily grow to its potential size over the course of two months – at which time the firstfruit is ready for the 1st harvest. changes changes min temp Winter late Jan/ early Feb

and typically is completed by the latter part of April or early May. This rapid period of growth occurs during the first two months after pollination, and typically is completed by the latter part of April or early May. latter Apr/ early May Summer equinox This rapid period of growth occurs during the first two months after pollination, and typically is completed by the latter part of April or early May. changes changes min temp Winter late Jan/ early Feb

and the heat withers the flesh. The increasing temperatures of the summer cause the remaining fruit to split open and the heat withers the flesh. latter Apr/ early May Summer max temp equinox The increasing temperatures of the summer cause the remaining fruit to split open and the heat withers the flesh. changes changes min temp Winter late Jan/ early Feb

Around the hottest time of the annual cycle, the flesh completely withers in the heat and the seed is ready for harvest. latter Apr/ early May Summer max temp equinox Around the hottest time of the annual cycle, the flesh completely withers in the heaet and the seed is ready for harvest. changes changes min temp Winter late Jan/ early Feb

The seed is typically ready for harvest around the seventh month after blossom. latter Apr/ early May Summer max temp equinox The seed is typically ready for harvest about seven months after blossom. changes changes min temp Winter late Jan/ early Feb

Harvest season begins and the trees are shaken or beaten causing the seeds to fall to the ground... 7th month after blossom latter Apr/ early May Summer max temp equinox Harvest season begins and the trees are shaken or beaten, causing the seeds to fall to the ground. changes changes min temp Winter late Jan/ early Feb

…and the harvesters gather in the seeds and separate the seeds from the hulls (husks). 7th month after blossom latter Apr/ early May Summer max temp equinox …and the harvesters gather in the seeds and separate the seeds from the hulls (husks). changes changes min temp Winter late Jan/ early Feb

As the temperatures and daylight hours begin to diminish, the almond tree loses its leaves and develops buds in preparation for dormancy or rest. 7th month after blossom latter Apr/ early May Summer max temp equinox As the temperatures and daylight hours begin to diminish, the almond tree loses its leaves and develops buds in preparation for dormancy or rest. changes changes min temp Winter late Jan/ early Feb

This typically occurs around the month of November. 7th month after blossom latter Apr/ early May Summer max temp equinox This typically occurs around the month of November changes changes min temp Winter around Nov late Jan/ early Feb

So it seems that the almond tree watches and signals the changes in the seasons…

…as the light of dawn heralds a new cycle… 7th month after blossom latter Apr/ early May Summer equinox …as the light of dawn heralds a new cycle… changes changes Winter around Nov late Jan/ early Feb

…as the summer heat draws nigh… 7th month after blossom latter Apr/ early May Summer equinox …as the summer heat draws nigh… changes changes Winter around Nov late Jan/ early Feb

…at the intensity of the heat… 7th month after blossom latter Apr/ early May Summer equinox …at the intensity of the heat… changes changes Winter around Nov late Jan/ early Feb

…and as the winter cold draws nigh. 7th month after blossom latter Apr/ early May Summer equinox …and as the winter cold draws nigh… changes changes Winter around Nov late Jan/ early Feb

Prodigy Anything out of the ordinary process of nature, as so extraordinary as to excite wonder or astonishment. Prodigy is anything out of the ordinary process of nature, as so extraordinary as to excite wonder or astonishment.

The Prodigy of the Almond Tree Part 1: The Cycle and Seasons Vanderhorst, Char J. "Almond Tree Menorah" (Clay on Tile). Alberta, Canada.

Compiled by: Followers of the Righteous Branch September 2014