Willow Meaning and magickal uses
Also called Weeping willow, Salix, Osier
A graceful water-loving tree for intuition, emotional healing and moon magick.
- Intentions
- Divination, Healing, Love, Sleep and Dreams
- Element
- Water
- Planet
- The Moon
- Zodiac
- Cancer
- Day
- Monday
- Moon phase
- Full Moon
- Parts used
- Branches, leaves, bark
How to use it
- Knot a wish
In folklore you can tie a loose knot in a living willow branch while making a wish, then return to untie it with thanks once it comes about.
- Weave a circlet
Bend a few pliable willow withies into a ring to hold herbs on your full moon altar or to make a simple dream charm above the bed.
- Release grief
Sit beneath a willow near water and let yourself feel what you have been holding back. Leave a small offering of water at its roots.
History and folklore
Willows grow by rivers and lakes and bend without breaking, so they became symbols of the Moon, water, grief and flexibility. Greek myth links the willow to Hecate and Persephone, and the willow is a lunar tree in many modern Wiccan books. Its bark was used for pain since ancient Egypt, long before aspirin was made from a related compound. Witches bind brooms with willow and use its wood for wands of intuition and emotional healing.
A graceful water-loving tree for intuition, emotional healing and moon magick.
- Intentions: Divination, Healing, Love, Sleep and Dreams
- Element: Water
- Planet: The Moon
- Zodiac: Cancer
- Day: Monday
- Moon phase: Full Moon
- Parts used: Branches, leaves, bark
Safety: Willow bark contains salicin, a relative of aspirin; do not take it as a remedy, and keep it away from anyone sensitive to aspirin. Salicylates are toxic to cats.
How to use it
- Knot a wish. In folklore you can tie a loose knot in a living willow branch while making a wish, then return to untie it with thanks once it comes about.
- Weave a circlet. Bend a few pliable willow withies into a ring to hold herbs on your full moon altar or to make a simple dream charm above the bed.
- Release grief. Sit beneath a willow near water and let yourself feel what you have been holding back. Leave a small offering of water at its roots.
Works well with: Full Moon, Silver Candle, Moonstone, Water, Monday, Laguz
Folklore
Willows grow by rivers and lakes and bend without breaking, so they became symbols of the Moon, water, grief and flexibility. Greek myth links the willow to Hecate and Persephone, and the willow is a lunar tree in many modern Wiccan books. Its bark was used for pain since ancient Egypt, long before aspirin was made from a related compound. Witches bind brooms with willow and use its wood for wands of intuition and emotional healing.
The Witch's Cabinet is a free reference for your practice. Correspondences are traditional associations, not medical advice. Always follow the safety notes, especially with herbs and essential oils around children, pets and during pregnancy.