The Spiritual Meaning of Willow

The willow is a very emotional tree. She is graceful and places great importance on harmonious connection. She deeply appreciates the beauty in others.

If you want to build a good connection with her, try to charm her—dress beautifully and make sure your story is sincere. However, never try to win her over with empty flattery, because she will see right through you. The willow is like a mother, a somewhat vain mother, but one you can be proud of. Sometimes she can be a little demanding, because she expects from you the same standards she sets for herself.

The willow has deep insight into all aspects of life. Because of this, she will often surprise people with unexpected and very accurate observations. She sees through your thoughts immediately, which can sometimes make you feel a little embarrassed. She not only knows what you think, but also what you feel. You cannot hide anything from her.
The willow is a unique tree—you can always go to her. Simply because you feel like it, or when you happen to pass by. Whatever the reason, it does not matter; every reason is a good one. She will always be there for you. After meeting her, you will never feel sad—just as you would never feel sad after meeting your mother.

The Spiritual Qualities of the Willow

The willow is one of the most honest and reliable trees that Mother Earth offers us. The willow will always be there for you, now and forever. She is the best friend you could ever have.
If you need comfort and an arm around you, go to a willow and ask if you may lean against her trunk. Feel the comfort and strength that this wonderful and magical tree lets flow toward you. The willow gives you the strength to continue and to survive, offering comfort and healing. She gives you the strength and inspiration you need to begin again after a difficult period. It is therefore no coincidence that many cemeteries are surrounded by willows.

Gods and Goddesses

Our ancestors connected the willow with the goddess Brigid, the goddess of light, inspiration, fire, inner strength, muse and healer, poet and magician—thus with all those who were and are connected to Shamanism. It is certainly no coincidence that the willow is used for rites of passage.
Like the elder tree, the willow is a “threshold tree.” It stands at the threshold between life and death, water and earth. It is one of the portals to the underworld. It represents the connection between the beginning and the end, helping to close the old and welcome the start of something new.

Among the Romans, the willow was dedicated to the goddess Juno, the wife of Jupiter. Images of Juno were often carved from the wood of this willow. In the Middle Ages, the willow was used to distinguish wicked witches from good women.

The Message of the Willow

The message of the willow is: “I give you the strength and inspiration you need to begin again and teach you to connect with all aspects of your life.” The affirmation that reflects this could be: “ “I have the strength to let go and begin again. I now release my role as a victim.”

Her elements are Water and Earth. The symbolism of the Willow has both a light and a dark aspect.
Light: Strength, Flexibility, Transformation, Honesty, Spontaneity, Comfort, Healing, Death and Rebirth.
Dark: Superstition, Melancholy, Phlegmatic nature, Suicidal tendencies, Victim mentality.

Runes that correspond with the willow are Dagaz and Ehwaz. The willow has a strong connection with water, and therefore with the moon and the feminine.

Do you want to make a Shamanic drum because the spiritual meaning of the willow resonates with you?
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