Celtic Meaning of the Willow Tree
Everything "MEN" does, is for a reason.
We are 'building' a fence, made of willow-tree-branches and are being 'busy' with it, creating it, for weeks now ...
Specifically, the willow wood has been (and still is) used in ceremonies intended for enhancement of psychic abilities, honoring the moon as well as increase the essence of love in our lives.
The willow is one of the few trees that can bend in outrageous poses without snapping. This is a powerful metaphor for those of us on a spiritual path. The message here is to adjust with life rather than fight it.
Further testimony to its adaptability, is the willow's ability to not only survive, but thrive in some of the most challenging conditions. The willow is a prolific grower, often taking root from a single branch that has fallen into some marshy bog.
In all, the willow reminds us to take heed of this lesson:
Keep growing and reaching higher no matter where you are planted.
A few days ago a friend gave me "meinbase" for a FOOTBATH, to reduce ACID-levels in the body; we woke up yesterday with a SORE THOAT and I have RHEUMATIC, spinal and muscle - problems:
Willow
MEDICINAL PART: The bark, produces a compononent of the drug aspirin - salicylic acid. On a herbal level, willow bark has been used for its pain-relieving qualities for at least 2,000 years.
The Willow wand can be used to banish long-held grief, It is also a favourite wand of poets and those seeking inspiration and vivid inspirational dreams. Used in all moon or water magic. It has a powerful feminine 'yin' energy. Can help a person get in touch with their subconcious feelings and desires.
Willow - Saille
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.
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 unde[product]ned potential symbolized by the Willow.
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.
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.
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.
Posted: 9:24:30 AM link to this article: [Macro error: Can't evaluate the expression because the name "permalinkUrl" hasn't been defined.]
|