The Willow Tree by StormloverWolf
I was first
introduced to this beautiful tree when I was about 6 years old. My father had
built us a home in California and that was the one tree my mother wanted, and
she got it. It inspires many feelings for me, none of which are sad. This tree
is gorgeous, and I have had one in every one of my yards including this one in
Spokane, WA USA.
Willow (Salix alba, Salix Fragilis)
Salix is a
huge grouping of 300 or more species of fast-growing alpines in high altitudes
to large and noble lowland trees throughout the more temperate zones, but
mainly in the northern hemisphere.
Willows are
very much at home near water! They are drawn to it. The leaves are shaped like
the head of a lance having a narrow oval shape that comes to a point. The
flowers begin in catkins, a slim spike kind of furry/downy feel to them and are
mostly pollinated by the wind, but there can also be pollination by insects.
The tree limbs are very slender, covered with flowers and leaves and they seem
to droop, hence the name “Weeping Willow” to some.
Willows are
grown as ornamental's, for screens and shelter, and for actually stabilizing
river banks. The limbs grow very long and are quite flexible, so the uses are
many. I have made willow wreaths that I then decorate for the seasons as well
as a broom/besom made from willow that I keep at my hearth to sweep negative
energies from my home. You can make many kinds of baskets as well as some
furniture and even fences. In our modern technology today, willows are planted
as “reed beds”, which help to purify and recycle water naturally, while also
providing habitat for wildlife.
Salicylic
acid – the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving ingredient in aspirin tablets –
was first discovered in the salicin in willow bark. Although this bark does not
share all the properties of aspirin (It has no blood thinning effect) tincture
of willow bark is still used today for treating arthritis, musculo-skeletal
pain and fevers. The tress essence of the White Willow can enhance the
awareness of our deeper selves and has a spiritually cleansing effect. I will
be making some willow bark tincture this summer, I will let you know how it goes!
Since
ancient times the willows have been associated with the moon and the feminine.
Belili, the Sumerian goddess of love, the moon and the underworld, was thought
to live in the willow trees, springs and wells. Goddess Persephone had a grove
of aged willows, and the priestess Circe guarded a willow grove dedicated to
Hecate, goddess of death and transition. An image of the moon goddess Artemis
was found in a willow thicket at Sparta, and Hera, the Queen of Heaven, was
said to have been born under a willow tree at Samoa, where appropriate rituals
were held annually.
Archaeological
finds confirm that willow wood was used to make harps. The most famous
historical Celtic harp, the so-called “Brian Boru”, is now exhibited at Trinity
College, Dublin. Named after the high king of Ireland (died 1014), it probably
dates from the 15th century and has a pillar and head-piece of oak, a sound
body of willow and is strung with brass.
Remember the
willow is the resonating feminine vessel that receives the vibration of the
string and gives birth to music. For the Chinese as well, the willow represents
the feminine, yin, grace and the moon.
Write your
wish on a piece of willow bark then burn or bury it to manifest your desire.
Carry willow with you or burn it in incense blends to bring about inspiration
and to enhance your intuition. To bring love to you, sleep with a piece of
willow under your bed.
I have had
success with birthing my own willow trees. Cut fresh stems about 10-12 inches
long and place in a bucket with just water. Over several weeks I had roots
growing which I then planted in my back yard and gave a few away to neighbours
and friends. When planting make sure the soil stays fairly moist or plant near
water.
This tree is
not only beautiful, but it can bring such inspiration. I keep an area under my
large one where I have a tree stump for an altar and a seat where I can enjoy
many blissful hours reading and meditating.
StormloverWolf
Sources:
Rachel Patterson, “A Kitchen Witch's World of Magical Plants andHerbs"
Fred
Hagender, “The Meaning of Trees”
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