A Village on a Hill 

Anthonie Waterloo etched this image of a village on a hill sometime in the 17th century. Here, the dominant symbol is the tree, standing solitary yet central, a silent observer of the human drama unfolding around it. The tree is a motif as old as consciousness itself. From the Tree of Knowledge in Eden to the sacred groves of the Druids, it embodies life, growth, and the connection between the earthly and the divine. Think of the family tree; in its branches, we see our past, present, and future intertwined. The tree's roots burrow deep into the earth, and its branches reach for the sky. Recall the medieval Tree of Life, a symbol of immortality and spiritual growth. Now observe how Waterloo’s tree stands guard over the village, a symbol of nature's enduring presence. The village nestles at its base, a testament to human industry and the need for shelter. This enduring image tugs at our collective memory. It evokes feelings of nostalgia, of rootedness. It reminds us that while civilizations rise and fall, nature persists. The tree stands as a timeless witness to our fleeting existence.