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Salix
"I am a Hawk on a Cliff"
Winter Cymreas 1994
Willow is a decidedly aromatic Tree found most often near waterways throughout
temperate regions, having quite a history and a long-standing relationship of
usefulness - medicinal, magickal and otherwise - with us humans.
Within the Ogham, Saille is the ½fth lunar month, a Peasant, representing the
letter S. Numerologically, it relates to the number 5. It is often the symbol
for the Ovate Grade of Druidry, although other Trees are also used for this
Grade.
Willow relates to Monday, the activity of bees and is often used as a honey
Tree. The birds associated with Saille are the Hawk and the Thrush, the animals
are the Hare and the Cat. Herbs most commonly associated are Moonwort, Primrose
and Mistletoe. She is one of the Seven Sacred Irish Trees and is also a sacred
Druid Tree.
Although the most commonly accepted concept of the Willow Tree is that which
is known as the Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica), this is not the Willow utilized
within the Celtic Ogham. There are over three-hundred-and-½½ty species in the
genera, Willow, which is a close cousin to the Poplar. In North America alone
there are approximately thirty-½ve native and ½ve naturalized tree species and
sixty native shrubs. There is tremendous range, some subtle and some obvious,
within this genera. We will speak on some of the different species in the areas
of medicinal properties but, for the most part, the Willow that concerns us
here is the White Willow, salix alba.
Ready for the botany lesson?
The White Willow is a naturalized Tree, having one-to-four trunks and an open
crown of spreading branches. A tall Tree, She grows to an average height of
½fty-to-eighty feet with a diameter of two feet or more. The leaves are 2-to-4
inches long, -to-1 inches wide. They are lance-shaped to elliptical, ½nely saw-toothed
and ½rm, shiny dark green above, whitish and silky beneath. These leaves turn
yellow in the Autumn.
The bark is grey, rough and furrowed into narrow ridges. The twigs are yellow
to brown, silky when young and, as with all the Trees within this genera, ßexible
and droopy, although not quite as sweeping as the Weeping variety.
Her ßowers are in the form of catkins 1-to-2 inches in length with yellow, hairy
scales at the end of short, leafy twigs. They appear in the early Spring and
all Willows are the vanguards of that season. The fruit matures in late Spring
to early Summer and is a half-inch long, hairless capsule, light brown in color.
Being known as the ½rst to arrive and the last to leave, seasonly-speaking,
the hazy yellow appearance is, along with the arrival of the Robin, the ½rst
indication that Spring has arrived. The golden brilliance of the Willow in the
Autumn remains long after Her fellows have shed all their ½nery.
The notorious habitat of Willows, including the shrub varieties, is the wet
soil of stream banks and valleys near cities. Willow can be and is often introduced
in ßat areas prone to ßooding as a preventative measure and has often been utilized
to protect river banks from erosion. It is prized as a shade Tree and for ornamentation
due to its eloquent beauty and peaceful appearance.
Her range is extensive over Europe and North Africa to Central Asia, naturalized
in Southeastern Canada and the Eastern United States.
Its wood, known as osier, and branches have had many historical uses and Willow
has been a useful friend to us for centuries. Willow has a long and rich history
and Her uses are many, however, let us ½rst examine Her history in religious
practices and Her relationship to the various deities throughout time.
In Jerusalem, the worship of Jehovah, the Feast of Tabernacles, was called the
Day of the Willows. Willow branches were carried in processionals, used to roof
the small temporary shelters during the festivities, the branches were later
burned in the Temples.
In Sumer, 4000 BCE, Ishtars predecessor, Belili, was known as the Willow Mother.
In the ancient Greek mythos, Willow is sacred to several Underworldly Goddesses
- Persephone, Circe, Hera and Hecate. Also in relation to this Tree are the
Gods and Goddesses Artemis, Ceres, Mercury and Belenos. Again in Greek history,
the Great Bear, Callisto, was also called Helice, meaning both that which turns
and Willow branch. Helicon was the mountain home of the Nine Muses who inspire
the arts and sciences.
[It may be interesting to note here the connection between the word, Willow,
and the terms Wicce, Witchcraft, and wicker. Willow has long been associated
with Witches and there is also the association of wicker with Druidry. Since
Wicce actually means to bend it is not a far jump to make the connection between
the two.]
Orpheus, the poet, was said to have received his Gift by touching the Willows
in a grove sacred to Persephone. Groves have been used by many types of artisans
to gain eloquence, inspiration, skills and the gift of prophecy. This Tree is
held sacred, also, to Minerva and the ancient Great Goddess Whose bird, the
Wryneck, nests only in the Willow. Cranes are also known to nest here and a
grove of Willows with nesting cranes is a symbol of extremely happy domesticity.
The connotation of the letter S corresponds to the God, Semias, the master of
wisdom and the original keeper of the Cauldron of Knowledge kept in Murias to
the West. This Cauldron was then given to Dagda. The S is a reference, too,
to Setanta, the childhood, or pre-initiate name of Cu Chulainn.
According to Druidic mysteries, two scarlet snake eggs were hidden within the
Willow. The Universe was hatched from these two eggs, one containing the Sun,
the other the Earth, relating to both cosmic birth and the birth of mankind.
Traditionally, in Spring rituals, these were replaced by hens eggs, colored
scarlet for the Sun and eaten at Beltane. This act transferred later to the
Christian celebration of Easter.
Primrose and Mistletoe are associated with Saille in connection to Druidic practice.
The Primrose was used in the initiation of the Bard; a draught of Vervain and
Primrose imbibed in order to confer inspiration. Oil of Primrose was also used
to cleanse and purify prior to ritual. Willow is also the more common host for
Mistletoe, with this plant found growing on Willow and Poplar (a cousin) more
often than on the traditional Oak.
The Celtic word Saille itself became the word sally, meaning a sudden outburst
of action, expression or emotion. This word may also suggest an excursion or
a jaunt as well as a retort but it can be used to describe a more violent action
by troops. It is also derived from the Old French word, saille, meaning to rush
out suddenly. These words all reßect the spirit of unde½ned potential symbolized
by the Willow.
Brigid has Her Fire festival, Imbolc, or Brigantia, during the Willow month.
Even the Seneca of North America seem to have had a lengthy relationship with
this Tree, calling Her, The Whispering One.
Saille has further connection to the Death Goddesses for the Celts. Morgan le
Fay, Cailleach and the Morrighan are symbolized by Willow. These Goddesses represent
the darker and misunderstood components of the psyche that require our greater
understanding and recognition. The fearful aspects of the Death Goddesses challenge
wisdom and strength, helping to overcome weaknesses brought about by fear. The
transformational and magickal aspects of the darker aspect of the triplicity
- Maiden, Mother, Crone - provide intuitive wisdom and insight into nature and
its workings.
Funerary ßints, shaped as Willow leaves, have been found in graves from the
Old Stone Age, demonstrating clearly that Willow has been a part of our lives
for a very, very long time. This Tree has been associated with death, grief
and cemeteries, the leaves themselves symbolizing unrequited love or the loss
of a lover. The leaf has also been worn as a charm to protect against jealousy.
The uses of osier, are numerous. Willow has long been the predominant Tree used
in basketry, with many varieties being cultivated for the color of the branches
allowing for variety in the baskets themselves. In fact, this Tree symbolizes
handicrafters in general, due in part to its extensive use in many ½nes pieces
of furniture and baskets.
Many a wattle-and-daub wall contains Willow so it is functional as well as beautiful.
The wood has been used for cabinets, all types of furniture, barrels and prized
for cricket bats. (I knew I could ½t in an allusion to baseball if I tried hard
enough!) Due to Her straight limbs, osier is favored for fence posts.
The popularity of wicker furniture has once again increased and is found in
the home as well as in its traditional capacity as outdoor furniture. Outdoors
it resists water and weather damage as well, due to its watery origins.
Among its many other uses are ornamental boxes, brooms, charcoal, doors, fodder
and fuel. Willow wood in the home is said to guard against evil and grown outside
will offer protection.
The Seneca, a North American indigenous tribe, has a loving bond with all Trees,
calling them The Standing People. They consider the Willow to be a source of
gentle humility, charm and grace adding elegance as She touches Her fronds to
the Mother Earth, sweeping away fear to nurture peace.
The long-standing uses of Willow in treatment are extensive and myriad. When
scraped, the inner bark - which peels away easily - contains salicylic acid,
the active ingredient of aspirin. These scrapings were traditionally used to
alleviate pain, lower fevers and as an astringent tonic. Throughout the Isles,
Willow was used to relieve rheumatic conditions and gout since these conditions
were widespread and common. Its powers were also used as a diuretic, a gargle
for sore throats and gums, an external wash for sores, skin problems, wounds
and burns.
White Willow was commonly used. Purple Willow has the same general properties
as White and may even be more effective in lowering fevers. Black Willow has
these same properties and can also be used as a sexual sedative. The Black Willow
has also been used to treat gonorrhea, to relieve ovarian pain and to curb those
old nagging nocturnal emissions. Goat, or Sallow, Willow eases indigestion,
whooping cough and catarrh and is used as an antiseptic for disinfecting bandages.
All varieties of this Tree can be utilized as an eyewash, to clear skin and
a decoction of leaves and bark, simmered, can be used to treat dandruff. All
can also be utilized to prevent recurring fevers and as a digestive tonic, especially
for dyspepsia.
If you are interested in using Willow in your herbal practice, the bark is collected
in the Spring. Soak one-to-three teaspoons in one cup of cold water for two-to-½ve
hours; then simmer lightly for twenty minutes. For indigestion and as a tonic,
take one cup per day, taken by teaspoonfuls. For skin eruptions and similar
complaints, such as bleeding gums and sore throats, use a stronger solution.
A poultice for gangrene and ulcers in made by simmering the powered bark in
cream. You can also use many mediums such as olive oil, almond oil and other
natural bases in order to utilize this as an astringent salve.
Willow can additionally be useful in cases of hysteria and nervousness and as
a Quinine substitute (although this is used only when Quinine is unavailable).
Willow can be used to loosen tightness in the chest produced by pneumonia, whooping
cough and other respiratory infections.
In the Bach Flower Remedies, Willow Flower Essence is used as a remedy for bitterness
and resentment. People who are stuck in a position of blaming others (or circumstances)
for their problems, who have an experience of being a victim or being treated
unfairly by life, would bene½t from this essence. (There are many books available
on Bach Flower Remedies.)
Magickal uses are extensive. The Besom, the Witches Broom, is traditionally
made from three Trees. The stave is made from Ash, for protection; Birch twigs
are used for the broom itself to expel evil spirits. The Besom is bound with
Willow to honor Hecate.
Willow branches are said to be the best for divining Water, channelling Earth
energy and to ½nd lost objects.
Saille should be used whenever you wish to strengthen your dreaming Gifts and
to boost your ability to intuit your dreams and confer lucidity when in the
Dreamtime. Willow can confer seer-ship, often through night visions, scrying
ability (especially when using water for viewing) and to restore balance to
an individuals female/male energies. Shavings of the wood, pieces of bark and
whole leaves can be placed in a Dream Pillow or placed in a small bag, either
under your pillow or under the bed itself. This same package can be used to
assuage feelings of powerlessness, a unreasoned fear of death and panic attacks,
and to assist you in nurturing yourself emotionally. It is suggested that Willow
be used in the same way when experiencing grief and to aid in this healing process.
Willow has been used in the Sacred Pipes and the tobacco blends of many Native
Americans because it is thought that it is most effective in carrying messages
to the Great Spirit. Willow is also planted by Sacred Wells so that She can
help to pull Earth energies into the Water and hold them there for magickal
draughts.
The leaves, bark and wood add energy to any healing magick. Willow bark, when
used in conjunction with sandalwood and during the Waning Moon, can be most
effective in contacting the spirits of ancestors and loved ones.
Although prayer cloths can be tied to any Tree, when asking for a nurturing
love or a release of grief, Willow will serve this purpose best. By the same
token, for a wish to be granted, ask permission of Willow, explaining your desired
goal. Select a pliable shoot or branch and tie it into a loose knot while expressing
your wish, leaving the branchlet on the Tree! When the wish is ful½lled, return
and untie the knot, remembering to thank your Friend and leaving a Gift of gratitude.
A circlet can be woven of Willow to wear during any of the Spring celebrations
and Lunar rituals. Fresh ßowers, or silk if you prefer, can be inserted in this
crown, ribbons be woven throughout the circlet.
Wands made from osier are very effective. First you must, as always, ask the
Tree for permission to cut! Often it is best to visit after a recent storm to
see if there are any fresh falls about. Even when picking up falls, ask permission
and leave a Gift. When cutting, tie the branch as close to the body of the Tree
as possible, massaging the life-force in the branch back into the trunk. Tighten
the tourniquet and then cut. Use wax or tar to cauterize the cut.
Peel the bark off of the branch. When fresh this is very easy. Save the bark
for future use in magick or healing or for decorating the wand. Carve, cut or
draw desired symbols while the wood is still fresh and moist. You can attach
stones or crystals to the tip or along the shaft and it is suggested you use
natural materials, such as leather, cotton, silk, linen or jewelry-quality silver
or gold wire. To prevent drying or cracking thoroughly oil the wand during its
curing period; use natural oils - cottonseed, linseed or virgin olive oil. Dedicate
to your use according to your purposes or desires. Roll and store the wand in
a natural ½ber cloth - silk, cotton, linen - when not in use.
In divination, when Saille comes up in a throw (or if you dream of Willow),
it reveals your feminine side which, when combined equally with male energy,
gives balance to life. There may be an indication to pay attention to your feminine
nature, showing a spiritual imbalance or conßict. This may be the beginning
of a period of unfoldment and growth of psychic or clairvoyant powers and includes
the gift of cunning which is, in actuality, the skillful use of mental powers.
There is an indication toward intuition, imagination and, occasionally, self-deception.
Usually the appearance of Willow means the awakening of dormant abilities and
heralds a time of enchantment. New currents are ßowing under the surface; you
need the ßexibility to adapt to the coming changes. Remember that the loss of
intuition can create rigidity.
When She comes to you there may be unforeseen dangers to yourself or loved ones,
coming in the form of lessons from a yet-unknown person, probably a woman. The
lesson might be dif½cult or unpleasant but will be of great bene½t and is typical
of the Crone aspects of Saille.
It may be time to seek out the hidden forces in your life and the challenge
is the tendency to ignore the unconscious, the anima, forces and feelings that
may remain hidden. You may be asked to use your intuition, your hunches, instead
of logic in order to get a clear view of events.
Yes, Willow seems to be a favored Tree. Her appearance, Her graceful elegance
has always beckoned to us. She gives Her wood for our uses, contributes medicine
for our healing, sends us the Gifts of intuition and knowledge and assists in
the inner workings of magick.
It is true that a sense of friendship, love and joy can be experienced when
standing beneath the canopy of Saille. She speaks to us of a graceful love with
Her branches that sweep away our tears of grief. The entire structure of this
Tree is symbolic of a wellspring. The branches and leaves rise up like a fountain,
pulling up energy from deep within the Earth, bubbling up and over the sides.
A casual and effortless peace spreads out from the limbs, confers calm, with
the canopy providing a feeling of safety and cover, a wall of protection. The
sweeping fronds return the energy to the Earth, replenishing it.
It might serve us best to go to Her for serenity and comfort, for the gentle
nurturance of solitude. Imagine spending the day up in the branches of a Willow,
listening to the gentle and whispering voice of Saille saying, Rest, dear one.
Winter Cymraes
1994
Sacred Tree and Grove Planting Programme