We are subject to the kindgom of love that rules this world/girth. And every place we fill our hearts, we understand the (light and sound) waves of this girth. I come to you as a bashful child leaning in the winds (eager to learn and gift my heart). We are going to the family again (true blue), who lives in the winds. Blessings to our neighbors. Blessings to the winds. Blessings to the world that needs love to begin (stepping stones, bring dreams unfold, when love is bound to clear, the path is near, no more fear, the door opens, there is gold). We are part of each other, not singular, but a part, of the many blooming colors (the rainbow clan, each are part of this clan), that bring us to this holy ark (sailing through the rainbow colors of each other, each person being an ark, but necessarily holy, only through purification and pure of heart, can holy be achieved). I sail away to company, the shore that sets me free (that would be you, those who are true blue). I want to have it all sow bold, when each is a familiar door (relatives on the ocean's floor, arc bows low, rises to unfold and round and round we go, the Great Circle shows us the flow. One more thing, the familiar door is one who is a relative, one who loves you even though, never meeting you before. A relative who is loving and kind, recognize loving and kind, through blessings and prayers, songs and cheer, inviting all to come near. We are relative in our spaces we share, thus we are relatives in related fields. Only when we trust or know how to receive, does true love accept others into the circle of stories ).
And if you listen to the winds, you will find that they are listening again. And when you send to thee, that is your family. We will be listening to the world, for all they work on to their thrills, love gains in hope. And now it's time, to share a heart and bring sublime (explode and shine like a sun). Notice how it is, comfort bliss, the heart of those who never ever miss. Because love finds you true, when you gift your heart in the blue (heavenly blue road, where the song of your heart shines forth), where the winds blow free over hundreds of seas, to gather around this sacred world, to find the worth, the sacred perth (Vision: little bag of money, like a purse/bursa/around a small bag or pouch, often made of soft leather, for carrying money, esp coins. Celtic name meaning Perth: From the thorn bush or thicket, all together in a round, to share in brotherhood, giving and receiving. Ultimately, the exchange of coins or metal, shows us that our strength lies in the exchange rate. Is it fair? We are learning to exchange fairly through the two sides, looking both ways. A skin of leather is what holds our spiritual space, like our buffalo robe, the sacred four directions in rainbow colors. Together with a fair exchange rate, equality, the fabric of space is melted together or interwoven through the Rainbow Clan. We literally belong to each other, in order for the dreamspace to align, gift and provide the greatest illusion of all time, our DREAMS. Let us awaken to gifting from the talking walk and the walking talk, the Great Spirit inside of you, has a great story and a great dream that needs to be shared, fairly, justly and in joy. Only will it be sown as the Dawning of Mankind, when Brotherhood Shines. Cheers for the Rainbow Clan, the Sacred Perth).
There is a place where all is full of loving grace. We must bow down to the sacred place, where all the children live. And as the story unfolds, all the sky is telling us told, of the days gone by, now part of the wind. It's time for us to take arms (hugs), to hold each other in our charms. It's time for us to reach inside, where our hearts feel alive. Come and share your heart with me, then we will know the eternal seas. Come and bear (humble star) a heart sow true, I will bow down to gift comfort to you.
And my children in the stars, down from heaven oh so far, to plant your seed, to watch them grow, now a tree of life explodes. All those willow branches told of every seed that knows it's fold (together we collide to open our eyes). We are learning to unravel, the sacred heart in the gravel (crystalline stone river where we live, the rainbow clan is fit. A gravel is both a scepter of an influential power and a stone, representing the sun. Light can transform. Look both ways, heavenly and earthly). Bang bang, I hit my head upon the tree (the law of love on the red road, another lesson in my sneeze or rainbow bridge, not again, I must learn to forgive, let the echo flow, validate that face). I say, bang bang. Now I fall down on my knees (I must pray to alleviate the sins displayed). I say bang bang, let the winds touch inside of me (let me feel God on the blue road, purify thee, which means "How will I know compassion, to hear the story that needs to relieve a broken heart with passion, just doesn't know how to start. Only blessings will serve this will, but only if they bow to kill or purify through blessing, the impure waves that live in them, to bring them back to life in the winds). I say bang bang (aim for a heart, send love out from me), let me heart explode light from within (crying) will set me free.
We are the chidlren of the dawning, now it's time for us not to be yawning (sleep walking, not awaken), but to take our place (awaken to the vision of brotherhood), show majesty and grace. We are leaning on love this day, to bring us forwards in the praise. And it's time for us to bee (impossible fulfilled dreams), a perfect revelatory breeze. There our hearts will show the ease of sharing all inside in the breeze (share your heart, I will hear you in the wind), heaven finally come to me (when I am listening to thee). And we will feel the winds of glory, the sign of faith, the willing hoary (crystalline frost or sublimation, skipping over lessons, into treasures, simply because we know the great bow of the Rainbow Clan, the arc of the covenant, the promise of freedom). We are the children of the dawning, where our songs, bring us to harmony, the sake of loving each in the breeze. Welcome home my family.
White Buffalo Calf Woman Sings and Holiness David Running Eagle Shooting Star Drums. A Sacred Song Blessing blowing in the winds. Below a little about the Willow Tree. We gift honor for it's bountiful wisdom and grace, to provide for each seed, when we remember the waters of heaven flow near.
Willow Tree
Meanings include magic, healing, inner vision and dreams. The leaves and bark of the willow tree have been mentioned in ancient texts from Assyria, Sumer and Egypt as a remedy for aches and fever. Native Americans across the continent relied on it as a staple of their medical treatments. This is because they contain acetylsalicylic acid, also known as asprin. The willow is a famous subject in many East Asian nations' cultures, and the image has been employed in a variety of Korean poetry. The willow as also part of mourning pieces created in the 19th century (and earlier) by women to commemorate the death of a loved one. These pieces always include one or more mourners in dark dresses bent over a burial vault, tombstone or urn with a willow tree - a symbol of death, tears, mourning, and reflection. Perhaps this is the origin of the term "weeping willow." http://livingartsoriginals.com/infoforests.htm
The Willow Tree of Mystery and Legend
The willow tree is famous for its being steeped in mystery and legend, with many cultures associating it with the supernatural. The tree’s beauty derives from its cascading leaves that reach almost to the ground, swaying gracefully whenever winds are blowing.
The willow is deciduous; together with its aerial roots and leaf-less slender branches, it presents a forbidding appearance in the winter. Sited carefully, though, a willow can provide a welcome touch of green and abundant shade during the summer season. A line of these majestic trees guarding along a quiet lane or stream is a popular motif in literature.
The willow tree is a very tenacious plant that easily grows from branch cuttings. Willows are often the preferred host plant of several moth larvae; most notably the gypsy moth. Because it is extremely needy of water, care should be taken not to site the tree near buildings, as its active roots would tunnel deep into underground waterworks and sewage systems, causing damage. It is a good idea to plant it next to a water source. http://www.varietybackyard.net/the-willow-tree-of-mystery-and-legend/
The Spiritual Meaning of 'Willow' by Matthew James 7/28/2009
Also known as White Willow, Tree of Enchantment and Witches' Asprin. Willow was one of the seven sacred trees of the Irish and also a Druid sacred Tree. The willow is the tree of enchantment, sacred to the a Moon tree and also sacred to the White Lady.
Its groves were considered so magickal that priests, priestesses and all types of artisans sat among these trees to gain eloquence, inspiration, skills and prophecies. For a wish to be granted, ask permission of the willow, explaining your desire. Select a pliable shoot and tie a loose knot in it while expressing what you want. When the wish is fulfilled. Return and untie the knot. Remember to thank the willow and leave a gift.
The words “willow (wicker)” and “Wicca” are thought to be derived from the same root meaning “to bend”, or “to be pliant.” The willow, as crone, is the third wood of the witch’s besom, being the flexible bark, which binds the maiden birch rods to the mother ash handle. (The flexibility of the willow means it can be either crone or maiden). The Willow wand can be used to banish long-held grief, It is also a favourite wand of poets and those seeking inspiration and vivid inspirational dreams. Used in all moon or water magic. It has a powerful feminine 'yin' energy. Willow can help a person get in touch with their subconscious feelings and desires.
Background Info, Celtic, mysticism, mythology, Occult, Popular Beliefs, Symbolism
http://mara-gamiel.blogspot.com/2009/07/spiritual-meaning-of-willow.html
Celtic Meaning of the Willow Tree
The Celtic meaning of willow has a long history of symbolism associated with metaphysical and ritual practices. Specifically, the willow wood has been (and still is) used in ceremonies intended for enhancement of psychic abilities, honoring the moon as well as increase the essence of love in our lives. Many uses and associations came be traced back to our Celtic ancestors' observations of the willow tree in their natural environment. Druid priests, dryads (priestesses), bards and ovates all recognized the willow's affinity to watery domains. Flora and fauna in close connection with water are considered dwellers of the psychic realm, and symbolic of inspired imagination.
The willow gets its moon associations (another powerful symbol of psychic and intuitive energy) because of its relationship to water. We see this when we recognize the moon's influence over the waters of the earth - it moves the tides, pulling fluids to and fro with her own wax and wane. Recognizing these natural unions, ancient Celtic spiritual leaders considered the willow a container for water/moon attributes and thus utilized its wood and branches to invoke deeper connections to their intuitive purposes. The Celts understood that the willow was instrumental in bringing about psychic visions that produced a clearer understanding of the world in which they lived.
Other valuable traits of the willow include its flexibility. The willow is one of the few trees that can bend in outrageous poses without snapping. This is a powerful metaphor for those of us on a spiritual path. The message here is to adjust with life rather than fight it. Further testimony to its adaptability, is the willow's ability to not only survive, but thrive in some of the most challenging conditions. The willow is a prolific grower, often taking root from a single branch that has fallen into some marshy bog.
In all, the willow reminds us to take heed of this lesson: Keep growing and reaching higher no matter where you are planted.http://www.whats-your-sign.com/celtic-meaning-willow-tree.html
The Wisdom of the Willow Tree, an Osage Legend
Although he was young, those questions troubled the mind of Little One. He asked the elders about them, but their answers did not satisfy him. At last he knew there was only one thing to do. He would have to seek the answers in his dreams.
Little One rose early in the morning and prayed to Wah-Kon-Tah for help. Then he walked away from the village, across the prairie and toward the hills. He took nothing with him, no food or water. He was looking for a place where none of his people would see him, a place where a vision could come to him.
Little One walked a long way. Each night he camped in a different place, hoping that it would be the right one to give him a dream that could answer his questions. But no such dream came to him.
At last he came to a hill that rose above the land like the breast of a turkey. A spring burst from the rocks near the base of a great elm tree. It was such a beautiful place that it seemed to be filled with the power of Wah-Kon-Tah. Little One sat down by the base of that elm tree and waited as the sun set. But though he slept, again no sign was given to him.
Old Willow Tree |
When he woke the next morning, he was weak with hunger. I must go back home, he thought. He was filled with despair, but his thoughts were of his parents. He had been gone a long time. Even though it was expected that a young man would seek guidance alone in this fashion, Little One knew they would be worried. "If I do not return while I still have the strength to walk," he said, "I will die here and my family may never find my body."
So Little One began to follow the small stream that was fed by the spring. It flowed out of the hills in the direction of his village, and he trusted it to lead him home. He walked and walked until he was not far from his village. But as he walked along that stream, he stumbled and fell among the roots of an old willow tree. Little One clung to the roots of the willow tree. Although he tried to rise, his legs were too weak.
"Grandfather," he said to the willow tree, "It is not possible for me to go on."
Then the ancient willow spoke to him. "Little One," it said, "all the Little Ones always cling to me for support as they walk along the great path of life. See the base of my trunk, which sends forth those roots that hold me firm in the earth. They are the sign of my old age. They are darkened and wrinkled with age, but they are still strong. Their strength comes from relying on the earth. When the Little Ones use me as a symbol, they will not fail to see old age as they travel along the path of life."
Little Ones |
"Look upon me," the old man said. "What do you see?"
"I see an old man whose face is wrinkled with age," Little One said.
"Look upon me again," the old man said.
Then Little One looked, and as he looked, the lesson shown him by the willow tree filled his heart. "I see an aged man in sacred clothing," Little One said, "The fluttering down of the eagle adorns his head. I see you, my grandfather. I see an aged man with the stem of the pipe between his lips. I see you, my grandfather. Your are firm and rooted to the earth like the ancient willow. I see you standing among the days that are peaceful and beautiful. I see you, my grandfather. I see you standing as you will stand in your lodge, my grandfather."
The ancient man smiled. Little One had seen truly. "My young brother," the old man said, "your mind is fixed upon the days that are peaceful and beautiful." And then he was gone.
Now Little One's heart was filled with peace, and as he walked into the village, his mind was troubled no longer with those questions about the meaning of life. For he knew that the old man he had seen was himself. The ancient man was Little One as he would be when he became an elder, filled with that great peace and wisdom which would give strength to all of the people.
From that day on, Little One began to spend more time listening to the words his elders spoke, and of all the young men in the village, he was the happiest and the most content. http://www.firstpeople.us/FP-Html-Legends/TheWisdomOfTheWillowTree-Osage.html
Relatives of the Rainbow (you),
Many Native American revere the medicinal use of the Willow Bark. Still today many smoke the bark in the sacred pipe. It's a heavy and dense smoke, that fills all the spaces. Best used outside with extended usage. This tree is how we (all of us) discovered aspirin in the Willow's bark. Today, the formula has changed to increase it's potency, however, the story of the Willow Tree continues to be known.
Many trees tell stories, but there are few with red bark, like the Willow and the Redwood Trees, who can boast that each seed that falls, sprouts a new tree. With the many seeds, even millions, few actually take root in the sailing winds. And this is very difficult for the orange child who represents the seed embraced in the darkness until we see their face, looking for the light, bending at every fright (duck down low, crouch like a tiger).
However, the GREAT WILLOW TREE, shows us, if we stay near the heavenly body of tears, the waters of the blue road, we remember to find our way. We are together connected with the fire of the red road "the light" (rainbow colors) and the water of the blue road, the sounds "tears of joy or tears of sadness". The Willow Tree helps us recall and claim our inner soul, to guide us along the path of tears. We learn to greet and cross over the blue and red roads, where light and sound collide, where our hearts and our minds collide, to bring us to new heights in our evolutionary stage of development, the GREAT DREAM.
The Willow Tree offers to us wisdom (yellow road), intelligence (red road) to stay connected to heaven and it's tears of suffering (blue road), in order to cleanse the pain of suffering. Here we learn about spiritual evolution by extending both up for the light in the sky and down for the waters of the urn. The greeting of heaven and earth touch each other and a sacred remembering comes over you. Often gifting our reflections, waters near, tell us to not fear, but wash away with tears. This alleviates our pain, to gain once more.
Sending blessings of the sacred nine directions for all the Willow Trees on this Mother Earth, for sharing her heart with this girth and bringing our Father Sky near the birth, where the sun greets the sky, heaven helps us realize. The Willow Tree teaches us to go to the Holy Alter, the BOW.
I kneel down at the water's edge to pray, continues to say, "Heaven help me all the way!" I leave you with this thought Holiness David Running Eagle Shooting Star says, "Give me some shade and give me a breeze". On hot days (on fire), there is relief (water/tears).
your devoted servant, White Buffalo Calf Woman your Twin Deer Mother, elder crystal child, alightfromwithin.org, Rainbow Warriors of Prophecy Hoops www.iamasundance.info
The Power of the Willow Tree
By Glennie Kindred (Originally Published at Imbolc 1997)
The Willow is the tree most associated with the moon, water, the Goddess and all that is feminine. It is the tree of dreaming, intuition and deep emotions. Symbolically it belongs to the beginning of spring, when all of life is stirring in the depths and begins to shoot outwards once again. In the ogham alphabet, the willow is Saille which became anglicised to "sally" which means a sudden outburst of emotions, action or expression (to "sally forth"). The Old French "saille" also means to rush out suddenly and the Latin "salire" means to leap. This is the underlying energy of the willow, and the key to understanding the powerful spirit of this beautiful tree.
The early spring festival of Imbolc, Oimelc or Imolg is one of the two great female fire festivals among the yearly cycle of four. Imbolc is celebrated at the beginning of February and, like the willow, is sacred to Brigit, Brigantia, Bride, being the maiden aspect of the triple Goddess. It celebrates her re-emergence as a young virgin from the mountain fastness of her mother Cailleach - she who is of winter, the burial mounds and dark places. Cailleach, the crone aspect of the triple Goddess, drinks from the well of youth and is transformed into Bride/Brigit who is her other self. This is the Celtic version of the Demeter/Kore story, representing the mysteries of life, death and rebirth. Imbolc is sacred to women and the power of the feminine principles of inspiration, illumination and seership. In Ireland, Bride is the Goddess of healing and smithcraft. The church transformed this festival into Candlemass and kept much of the pagan symbolism. It is a time of initiation and of beginnings and celebrates the renewal of the potency of the Earth Mother and the union with the male principle of the returning light.
The willow has much to teach us in its associations with our feminine aspects. By spending time with willows, or using the wood to make a talisman or wand, by taking it herbally or as a Bach flower remedy, we can deepen this connection. Spending time with willow trees at the full moon can only increase the potency of the insights and understanding to be gained. Working with the willow in the early spring, when the willow energy and the Earth's energy are aligned, is also a particularly potent time to explore its aspects.
The willow has always been known as a tree of dreaming and enchantment, and it was associated in Celtic legend with poets and with spells of fascination and binding. This is the willow moon energy, which puts us in touch with our feelings and deep emotions, and it is the ability of the willow to help us to express these, let them out, own them and charge them in fantastical leaps of inspired eloquence and understanding. Our deep unconscious thoughts speak to us through our dreams. If you have lost touch with your dreams or wish to increase their potency, make yourself a willow wand and sleep with it under your pillow. You will find your dreams will immediately become more vivid and meaningful. Studying your dreams, writing them down, opening your intuition to interpreting them can lead to healing emotional problems and releasing tensions in your life.
This movement on the emotional level, of allowing the emotions to come through to the surface, is the power of the willow's essential energy. Deep emotional pain blocks the energy of the body and can cause many illnesses. The willow will allow the person to move through the many levels of sadness, express the pain though tears and grief, and, by moving through these emotions, facilitate healing. The Bach flower remedy Willow is to be taken by those who have suffered adversity or misfortune in life and remain embittered by it. Willow will help the movement out of this negative state to a greater interest and involvement in the present.
When you are either over-stimulated by your feelings or cut off from them, connecting with a tree with a water attunement will greatly help. If you are attracted to a particular tree, then follow this and reach out to the tree with an openness and a willingness to accept your intuitive responses. Physical contact with a tree will help balance your body's energy, and as you stand or sit with a tree you might receive some insights and inspirational thoughts. If you feel you have made a deep connection with a tree and want to end that communication, move slowly out of it and focus some love-light around the tree. It has been proven that the plant world is greatly enhanced by this. An attitude of thanks and gratitude for nature is also a sure way of opening up the channels of communication with trees and plants.
On a herbal level, willow bark has been used for its pain-relieving qualities for at least 2,000 years. The Salix alba (white willow, withe, withy) contains salicin, which is converted to salicylic acid in the body. Salicylic acid is closely related to aspirin, the synthetic drug that has displaced willow bark from popular use. Willow bark reduces fever and relieves rheumatism, a common ailment in these damp isles. A decoction can be used for gum and tonsil inflammations and as a footbath for sweaty feet. The bark is collected in the spring time, being careful not to ring the tree or it will die. The decoction is made by soaking 3 teaspoons (15ml) of the bark in a cup of cold water for 2 - 5 hours. Then bring to the boil. Strain and take a wineglassful each day, a mouthful at a time. The bark can be dried, powdered and stored in an airtight container.
Black willow (Salix nigra) is the pussy willow and has black bark as opposed to the light greens of the white willow. Its properties are much the same, but herbally it was used in the past as an aphrodisiac and sexual sedative.
Goat willow or sallow willow (Salix caprea) is used in very much the same way as the white willow, but sallow bark tea is recommended for indigestion, whooping cough and catarrh. It can also be used as an antiseptic and disinfectant.
Culpeper says in his Complete Herbal "The moon owns the willow" and it was known as the witches' tree and the tree of enchantment. Robert Graves suggests that witch, wicker and wicked are all derived from willow. Willow rods are certainly used for binding magical and sacred objects and the popular witches' broom is traditionally made with an ash handle and birch twigs bound with willow.
Willow wands are used for any ritual associated with the moon and as a protection on deep journeys into the underworld and the unconscious. The willow will always enhance inspired leaps of the imagination and is recommended to be used when seeking to assimilate the teachings of a wise woman or master, because understanding another person's enlightened place is made easier. Also when seeking to understand ancient ways, so that you can assimilate these past levels of information, and quickly move through the underlying emotions, to appreciate humankind's patterns and utilise this information for change.
By working with the moon and the cycles of the moon, we reconnect to the duality of the light (waxing) and the dark (waning) and the tides, the seas, water and the qualities of water which include flowing, surrender, harmonising and accepting. Moon magic puts us in touch with our emotions and unconscious, which balances out our solar rational conscious views. The moon represents the Goddess and everything which reflects and suggests the power of women.
Willow is used for charms of fascination and binding, and during the spring moon we have the power of the Spring Maiden who fascinates and binds the power of the young King. Aphrodite is associated with the spring and the bright half of the moon, courtship and the union which blesses the land with fertility. British and Irish mythology is also rich with legends of the beguiling, Willowy Spring Maiden who is called Olwen, Niwalen, Gwenhyver, Cordelia, Blodeuwedd and many others, who initiate the young King into a deeply sexual experience.
Tree magic generally falls into the class of sympathetic magic which operates through the doctrine of signatures. This states that a plant will act on that part of the body which it most resembles. This can be sub-divided into homeopathic magic (the Law of Similarity) and contagious magic (the Law of Contact, using a magically charged object).
Homeopathic magic words on the principle that "like begets like", and by using willow wood for a wand or talisman it will be charged with the properties of the willow. The flexibility of the willow's twigs inspires us to move with life, rather than resist what we are feeling, and can also help you to let go of conditioned responses to life's experiences and to move towards a greater acceptance of self and others.
Willow's weeping stance reflects its association with grief. By wearing a piece of willow (as in the popular song "All around my hat I will wear the green willow") a person will be able to access all the levels of grief connected with a loss, and be able to move through all these different levels, expressing the whole deep emotional experience, to gain healing and inner strength.
When one of the willow's branches or twigs becomes disconnected, it will easily grow into a new tree if it finds some soil and water, teaching us that contained within a loss, or a new direction, is the capacity for growth and healing. Willow is one of the best water-divining woods, along with hazel and birch.
Homeopathic magic and contagious magic can be combined in the making of wands, talismans and any other objects made for personal or ritual use. Making a wand from willow means that all the willow's qualities are naturally contained within the wood, although you may want to charge or empower certain aspects for specific use. Willow wands are used whenever there is a need to connect with intuition, dreams, seership, visions, poetic and inspired writing or images, and whenever there is either an emotional numbness or emotional excess, or where there are negative emotional feelings which need to be worked through. Use a piece of fresh willow, cut from the tree with appropriate reverence and ritual, or a newly fallen piece which the tree has recently shed. You may like to take the bark, or some of the bark, off and carve it with magical symbols or anything else you may wish to use to energise your wand. It is easier to carve fresh wood and then let it dry out. Small twigs will dry out quickly without cracking in a house, but it is better to let larger pieces of wood dry slowly in an outhouse or shed, or under a hedge. When it is dry, it may be polished with several layers of beeswax to protect the wood, or left natural.
Talismans may be made in the same way, perhaps using the natural shape of the wood to suggest and inspire a carving. Talismans may be worn round the neck or as a brooch, or carried within a pouch and kept close. They may be magically carved with symbols relevant to their use.
Symbolism is not fixed, there are no correct versions of anything, and the willow particularly stimulates our ability to follow our intuitions and find out own meanings behind the symbols. It is true there are traditional meanings associated with things, but traditions must evolve and include new insights and ways of working. We may evolve a new set of symbols, particularly relevant to ourselves, which others may adopt and integrate into a new system. What was meaningful to people in one part of our evolution or history may no longer apply. Interpretations may no longer speak to the conscious or the unconscious. The patterns which a seer can unfold need to be potent and meaningful to our present spiritual evolution. We have been taught to regard our intuition as unreliable but we know that this isn't true and we must use it more in order to develop our ability to use it to the full. The power of the willow can enhance this resolve. http://www.whitedragon.org.uk/articles/willow.htm
Ghost Walk (Sing, Dance, Gather) with us (where you are) each New Moon.
From the darkness we arise a heavenly child.
(2014, solar and lunar calender align, January 1, a cycle of renewal)
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