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Lady_Elaine

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Posted Wed Apr 16, 2008 2:22 pm...

Willow Month

Willow has always had many uses, from today's baskets, chairs and fences to the wattle walls of the past.

Willow's long, straight and pliable branches have been pollarded to provide their material to literally furnish our homes and lives. The bark of the tree contains salicin, from which aspirin is made. The leaves can be boiled and the solution used as a shampoo to reduce dandruff, as a gargle for sore throats and on the skin to reduce blemishes. It used to be thought that bathing the external genitals with this would improve sexual performances.

Willow prefers moist ground and is often found along riverbanks, close to the boundary of other otherworld and has strong links to the earth-water Goddesses. The pale color of the wood is said to be similar to that of a person who has left this life and is commencing a new life beyond the veil. The Willow has often been associated with loss and grief; hence the name Weeping Willow, although in the Craft this refers to the ability to let go of material things in order to free yourself to take on a more spiritual attributes. In this the Willow can act as a Guide. Visualize yourself weaving a small boat from branches of Willow. Work carefully, and set forth upon the waters in it. Let the wind and tides take you where they will. The sights you see, the places you visit and the people you meet will guide you on your spiritual path.

The Willow is used to make incenses for divination and otherworld journeys and the traditional Witch's besom is tied with Willow.

"Always challenge assumptions, for most are born of ignorance and prejudice."

~from the Real Witches Year by Kate West

If you cant explain it simply, you dont understand it well enough.-- Albert Einstein

Blessings Bright and Dark,

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