What Is the Symbolism of the Willow Tree?
The wood of the willow tree, as well willow trees in general, have great symbolic meaning among the Celts. The wood is used to enhance psychic abilities during ceremonies that honor the moon, as well as boost the essence of love. The willow tree is most associated with all that is feminine, according to White Dragon, a quarterly pagan magazine. The tree symbolizes deep emotions, intuition and dreaming. The willow has vast underlying energy and is considered a powerful spirit. Does this Spark an idea?
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Water and Willows
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Druid priests and priestesses, called dyrads, as well as ovates and bards took great notice of the willow tree's affinity to watery domains. Trees and plants that are closely connected to, and with, water are seen as symbolic of inspired imagination and dwellers of the psychic realm, notes Whats Your Sign, a website devoted to symbolic meanings and signs.
The moon influences water, which influences all nature. The Celtic spiritual leaders believed the willow is a container for water and moon attributes therefore they used the tree's branches and wood to call for even deeper connections to their intuitive purposes.
Identification
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The willow tree is flexible and can bend, unlike other trees, without breaking. Metaphorically, this means it has the ability to adjust and adapt to life rather than fight it. The willow grows very large and can grow from a solitary branch that has fallen into a watery area. This tree not only lives in less than optimal conditions but thrives. In relating this growing ability and flexibility to mankind, the willow symbolizes that we all need to keep growing and reaching regardless of where we are planted.
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Effects
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To increase your spirituality, understanding and insights, spend time in close proximity to a willow tree at full moon. The best time to be around a willow is in the early spring when the earth's and the willow's energy are aligned. The willow's energy reportedly allows us go get in touch with our emotions and learn how to express them. If you would like to dream more, or remember your dreams, make a wand out of willow bark and put it under your pillow while you will sleep. Your dreams should become more meaningful and vivid.
Considerations
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The willow is considered the tree of enchantment and dreaming and is connected to fascination and binding, according to Celtic lore. Plant a willow tree in honor of a birth or a marriage. It represents inner visions, healing, magic and dreams.
Mourning
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The willow tree is often seen in pictures associated with mourning. It is also a symbol of tears, morning, death and reflection thus the name, perhaps, weeping willow.
Astrology
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In Celtic tree astrology, the willow tree is considered "the observer." If you were born between April 15 and May 12, the willow is your birth tree. Highly psychic people are believed to be born under the sign of the willow. These individuals are very aware of cycles and seasons.
Medicinal
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The Native Americans considered willow bark a staple of their medicinal kit because it contains aspirin or acetylsalicylic acid. The bark from this tree has been used as a remedy for fever and aches for thousands of years.
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References
- Photo Credit willow image by Dragana Stojanovic from Fotolia.com
