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This
is a Moon plant, probably because of its love for water (it prefers to grow
near streams) and because the undersides of its leaves, which are shown
when the wind blows, are white. It is said to be one of the 7 sacred
trees of the Irish and was important in Druidism, and its branches were woven
into baskets to hold sacrifices. It was connected to death-associated
figures like Morgan le Fay, Cailleach, and the Morighan, and in the 19th
century was popular for graveyard planting. In Greek mythology, this
tree is sacred to Hekate, Circe, Persephone, and Hera (check out the incense
recipes here). The besom was bound with willow in honor of Hekate.
This tree is considered to represent handcrafters, since it is
one of the primary fibers used in basketry. It is said be effective
for contacting the spirits of the dead when combined with sandalwood and
burned during the Waning Moon. In Herbalism Willow has also been used medicinally for centuries. It contains salicin, from which aspirin is made. A tea of white willow bark makes a good facial astringent. This plant is also known as osier, saille, and witch's aspirin. White willow bark comes in slices about 1 inch long. © 2004, 2009 Alchemy Works; No reproduction without permission |
White willow bark 
Greco-Roman God and Goddess Incense Hieros Gamos Incense (To honor Zeus and Hera at the Gamelia and at weddings)
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White Willow Bark
In
Judaism, where many nature-connected celebrations remain intact, the willow
is one of the four species of plants, together with palm, myrtle, and citron, that
are shaken in each of the four directions at the fruit harvest festival,
Succot, in order to make the winds blow and bring the rains for the next
season. This tree are a traditional guardian of the home amongst
the Celts, and sitting in a grove of willows is said to inspire eloquence,
inspirations, skills, and prophecies. Because of its Moon connection, this
herb is good for dream scrying and is considered soothing for frights and worries.