As a tree of enchantments, willow was connected to love, magic, and the moon. Poets and seers would sit under a willow to gain eloquence and prophecy. Because the willow grows near water, the Celtics associated this tree with the lunar rhythms of life. In the Celtic Tree Alphabet (Ogham), willow (Saille) governs February, the fourth month of the Celtic calendar.
There are over 100 varieties of willows in North America. Most are only shrubs, but about forty attain tree size. Since willows like damp, wet places, they help in saving stream banks from eroding. Their strong roots seek water and hold the soil. Unlike oaks, willows are fast growing and short-lived trees.
Willow provides for people in many ways. The bark is used to bring down fevers. Not only do people make use of the bark, but they also cut the willow's supple branches for basket weaving. In early spring, people cut branches of pussy willows to decorate their houses.
From “Whispers from the Woods” by Sandra Kynes: “Willow can teach you to go with the flow of life and be flexible.”
From “Nature-Speak” by Ted Andrews: “Willow alerts us to new opportunities to learn and explore.”
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Va. Carper
February 27, 2008