Also known as white willow, Tree of
Enchantment and witches aspirin, and one of
the seven sacred trees of the Irish, the willow is
a Moon tree sacred to the Goddess. There are
legends and myths of willows being able to
move around, to use their branches like arms
and to communicate through their whispering
leaves. One of the nature spirits, called a
hamadryad, often makes its home in a willow
tree and the willow is thought to give an
understanding of the feminine principle.
It is said that priests, priestesses and all types
of artisans sat among these trees to gain
eloquence, inspiration, skills and prophecies.
The willow will always enhance inspired leaps
of the imagination, as it is known as a tree of
dreaming and enchantment. It is recommended
for use when seeking to assimilate the teachings
of a wise woman, or master or any oral
tradition. Willow wands are used for any ritual
associated with the Moon and as a protection on
deep journeys into the underworld and the
unconscious, since the willow tree has always
been associated with death.
In Celtic mythology it is associated with the
creation myth of two scarlet sea serpent eggs
which contained the Sun and the Earth. These
eggs were hidden in the boughs of the willow
tree until they hatched, thus bringing forth
earthly life.
