Life expectancy between 150 to 400 years, height 20m, spread 15m. Slow Growing tree
Walnut reminds us to use discernment as we navigate through times of challenge, loss and misfortune.
The name walnut comes from the Old English wealhhnutu meaning “foreign nut” or nut of the Roman lands. Walnut trees are also defenders of the land they stand on. Their fallen leaves and husks contain juglone, a toxic chemical that acts as a natural herbicide. This direct alignment of walnut with powerful and destructive forces has long associated it with loss and misfortune. Walnut reminds us to use discernment so we can better understand a situation from all angles before making decisions. 
The common walnut, Juglans regia, is an Old-World species native to Central Asia, known as English, Persian or Circassian walnut. It is one of the oldest tree foods that trace back to 7000 BC.
The genus name Juglans, is Latin for Jovis glans, the “nut of Jupiter.” Jupiter, the Roman sky god was the chief deity of the Roman religion prior to Christianity. Jupiter, originally known as Zeus, was the Greek father/sky god. Regia in Latin means “regal.”
Deep within the structure of a walnut, we see that it resembles the human brain. Walnuts are considered one of the best foods for brain health and longevity. They are packed with antioxidants, Omega-3, proteins, vitamins, minerals and fibre and we only need to eat seven a day to reap its benefits.
The walnut spirit reminds us that during times of adversity we must rely on our inner ability to discern between the forces that will help us and those that will not. Right now, our focus is better spent on emotional and spiritual development versus power or financial gain. By improving our personal sense of worth and having faith in our self we will be better equipped to discern our next step.