Willow
Willow
The Willow tree has long been associated with the Moon and the element of water. it's energies are feminine, peaceful and dreamy. This tree has powerful healing properties and is able to stir deep emotion and insight. She is found mostly in the northern hemisphere and central Asia, growing on the banks of waterways, often purposely planted to prevent erosion. There are over 300 varieties of willow tree, the most commonly found in the UK is the White Willow (Salix Alba.) The celtic name for the tree is Saille and she represents the letter S in the Ogam tree alphabet.
Humans have been using the properties of willow throughout the history. it's branches are supple and flexible, ideal for blinding things together and used in activities such as crafting baskets. Her bark has tremendous healing properties and has been used to treat pain for over 2000 years. The active ingredient in willow bark is salicin, which can be used as an alternative to asprin. Willow can also be used as a natural rooting hormone. Put a twig of willow in water with a stem cutting to aid propagation. The words witch, wicker and wicked may well be derived from willow
The willow is deciduous and it's leaves are some of the first of the first to emerge in early Spring and the last to leave in late Autumn. she can be associated with mug-wort, fennel, primrose and the emergence of lilies. In folk law she is linked to the hare and the white hawk of spring. Spending time with this tree can heighten your imagination and creative insights. It's a tree of dreams and of exploration
