Willow Tree - Salix alba, Salix fragilis
Ruling
planet - Moon
Sign -
Pisces
Element -
Water
Gender -
Feminine
A spreading,
fast growing deciduous tree, can grow up to 25 metres (82 ft.) It has grey
like, fissured bark, arching branches and silvery - green slender lanceolate
leaves. Stalk less, yellow male & female catkins are born in the Spring.
There are
several different species of Willow with medicinal properties, including the
North American S. Myrsinifolia or Black Willow.
S. alba
occurs widely in Europe & Asia, mostly near rivers, waterways or streams.
The Willow
craves damp soil & grows well on heavy clay, but not chalk.
Bark is
collected from young trees 2-3 years in age, which is then dried for use in
decoctions & for other uses - occasionally used in infusions.
Medicinal
uses - The Willow contains salicylic
compounds, giving it fever reducing, analgesic & anti - rheumatic
properties.
Used in
herbal medicine for fevers or neuralgic (taken internally) in baths for
rheumatic pain & in ointments & compresses for cuts, burns & skin
complaints.
Salicyclic
acid is where we get Aspirin from. This was synthesised from the willow around
1853.
One of the
trees in the Celtic Tree Calendar, running April 15th to May 12th.
It is known
as the tree of enchantment.
It is the
5th consonant of the Ogham alphabet - Saille
Folk names -
Pussy willow, Saille, Salicyn Willow, Saugh tree, White willow, Witches
Aspirin, Withe & Withey.
Magical
properties - New moon magic, creativity, fertility, female rites of passage,
inspiration, emotion, love, love divination, protection, healing.
Also known
as the tree of immortality because it can regrow from a single fallen branch in
the moist ground.
A wand made
from willow has many uses... Sleep with it for vivid dreams, use it to draw
down the moon, for protection when journeying to the underworld.
Write your
wish on a piece of willow bark then burn or bury to manifest your desire.
)O( Gypsy
Willowmoon Xx
Sources:
The Kitchen & Garden Book of Herbs - Jessica Houdret & Joanna Farrow
Thegoddesstree.com
No comments:
Post a Comment