The Magical and Mystical qualities of the Willow Tree

The Magical and Medicinal Associations of the Willow Tree

Since ancient times trees have been associated with magic, religion and medicine. Man has always relied on trees for shelter, warmth, food and even medicine. Associated with many religions, a tree grows at the centre: the tree of life, of the universe, of paradise and of the knowledge of good and evil.

The willow tree was looked upon by the ancients as a romantic and psychic tree. It is ruled by the Moon. Because of its self-destructive qualities, the Willow was associated with sadness, grief and jilted lovers. Sprigs would be worn to help the grieving process. In its association with death, ancients would place a willow branch in coffins to help the transition of the soul into the Other World.

Willow is also known as the 'Witches Aspirin.' A brew of willow bark can help ease pain. Wands made from the willow tree were used in healing. Wishing wands were also made of willow.

The healing powers of the willow have been known since ancient times. Weeping willows were used by ancient healers including Hippocrates. The flowers and leaves of the weeping willow were made into tea to help reduce fevers. Willow can also be used for menstrual problems and diarrhoea. Other medicinal uses of willow includes: cure for earache and toothache, treatment of burns and warts.

In the mid 1600's willow bark blended with vinegar was used to remove warts and corns. White willow was also found to considerably ease pain due to arthritis and rheumatism as well as aches in the joints and hips. Willow can be used to help alleviate fevers and headaches. Herbalists also choose willow to lower night sweating and hot flashes in woman during menopause.

Herbalists use the bark of willow for its pain relieving qualities. White willow contains salicin which the body converts to salicylic acid. This resembles aspirin for the relief of pain. Willow bark helps reduce fever, relieve rheumatism and calm inflammations.

For spiritual healing willow is used to rejuvenate the energy of the sick and the elderly. Smoke from the burning wood of a willow tree is believed to soothe the souls of the dead and guide them to the next level.

For magic spells, willow is used in association with lunar concerns such as family, dreams, fertility, healing, love and psychic awareness.

Willow is excellent wood for dowsing for water. Willow wands are used in magic to enhance creativity, intuition, dreams and spiritual insight. Talismans made out of willow can be used for similar purposes.