Celtic Trees ~ Willow

Merry Meet,

Celtic Month of Willow.  I personally think this tree is beautiful, the way she hangs her branches is so carefree.  More content may be added at a later date, for now I am happy with this:

Month of Willow

The Celtic Year

15^th April – 12^th May

 History, Myth & Culture

Willow bark has been used for over 2,000 years as pain relief as it contains Salicylic Acid which helps to create aspirin.

The Willow has been associated with the Moon and Feminine since Ancient times.  Willow has been used for receptive and reflective activities as well as divination (especially with water), healing and writing music and poetry.

In Sumerian tradition, Belili the Goddess of love, the Moon and the Underworld lived in willow trees, springs and wells.

In Greek tradition, Persephone owned a grove of aged Willows and the priestess Circe protected a Willow grove in honour of Hecaté.  Also, Artemis was found at Sparta under a Willow tree and Hera was born under a Willow tree at Samos.

The Irish used Willow wood to craft harps which was said to be a sacred instrument of the Bardic Celtic tradition.

In Chinese tradition the Willow is associated with the feminine, the Moon, Yin and grace.

More Information

Willow is known as the tree of immortality due to its ability to grow from a fallen branch in moist ground.

¶   Magical Properties

Loss:

Sleep with Willow leaves under your pillow to help you recover

Intuition:

Use Willow to open up to your intuition

Emotion:

Workings regarding you emotions will benefit from adding Willow

Flexibility:

If there are difficulties with flexibility to reach a target, Willow can help

Vivid Dreams:

Sleep with a piece of Willow or Willow wand under your pillow

Meditation / Visualisation:

Use Willow for protection during Underworld journeying

Spiritual Cleansing:

Essence of the White Willow enhances the awareness of our deeper selves

Prophecy & Divination:

Use Willow and water together during Scrying, if possible this can be a brook, canal, well etc where a Willow tree stands

Also properties of:

Wisdom, Rebirth, Enchantment, Receptive, Reflective, Healing, Muse-Like Inspiration, Resonance, Harmony

Other Magical Uses:

Willow is a great tree for Moon rituals, use Willow or visualise Willow on a Full Moon for gaining inspiration or insight.  Talismans can also be made from Willow to enhance inspiration, visions and vivid dreaming.

¶   Herbal Usage

Pain Relief & Anti-Inflammatory:

Willow contains Salicylic Acid which helps to create aspirin

Rheumatism & Fever:

An Infusion made from Willow bark will reduce symptoms of both

Acne:

Willow sap can be applied to the affected area

Dandruff, Gum & Tonsil Infections & Sweaty Feet:

Make a strong decoction of Willow bark & leaves and massage it in to reduce flaky scalp.  A Bark decoction will help with mouth infections and can also be used as a footbath for sweaty feet.

(Soak 3 teaspoons of bark in a cup of cold water for 2-5 hours, bring to the boil and strain.)

Weeping Willow

Weeping willow with your tears running down
why do you always weep and frown? 
Is it because he left you one day? 
Is it because he could not stay? 
On your branches he would swing
Do you love the happiness that he would bring? 
He found shelter in your shade
We thought his laughter would never fade! 
Weeping Willow stop your tears
There is something to calm your fears
You think death as you do forever part 
I know he will always be in your heart!

Emma Jane Rae

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Brightest Blessings

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