Celtic Month of Willow: April 15 - May 12

A unique and eye-catching tree, the willow has hanging branches that are graceful and fluid. The Celtic Month Willow celebrates the powers of harmony and resilience that this mystical plant embodies.

In Gaelic, the month of Willow is referred to as Saille, (pronounced Sahl-yeh) and it is the fifth month in the Ogham tree calendar. The willow is often associated with the Triple Goddess and Brigid as well as moon goddesses Morrigan and Danu.

Willows are trees found near water and represent the ability to “go with the flow” with a relaxed earthy attitude.

But don’t let it fool you! Willow's personality is quick to stand up for the rights of others.

History of the Month of Willow

Celtic

Celtic druids loved the willow tree and made great use of it. Not only did the tree host their sacred mistletoe, but its bark and branches were also woven into baskets to carry druidic sacrifices.

Commoners used the tree as well. Young suitors and artists would carry a twig of willow to pay respects to the Crone goddess.

In Celtic creation myth, the willow tree is associated with two eggs that hatch from the willow, representing the sun and earth. Eggs are a symbol of life and rebirth. One of the ways Beltane was honored was to paint eggs to commemorate the event, which Christians later adopted for Easter.

Read my article DO PAGANS CELEBRATE EASTER?

Greek

 In ancient Greece, the willow was closely associated with the Oracle of Delphi. It bestowed the gift of eloquence on the poet Orpheus when he visited it.

Additionally, this is where one of its connections to the goddess Persephone comes from. Orpheus visited her sacred grove as well as Delphi for his gift.

Norse

Among Norse pagans, the willow tree is associated with wisdom, divination, and protection. It is believed that the goddess Frigg wept for her lost son Baldur under a willow tree, giving it the reputation of being a tree of mourning and resilience.

Slavic

In Slavic pagan folklore, the willow tree is connected to rituals of divination and protection. It was thought that hanging ribbons or sacred objects on a willow tree could bring about good luck and ward off evil spirits.

Willows majestically protecting a community garden. Photo by Ame Vanorio

Related Elements

Planets – Moon

Element – Water

Stone – Moonstone

Animals – Snowy Owl, Hawk, Hare, and Cat

Herbs - Moonwort, Primrose and Mistletoe

Color – Silver

Deities – Cerridwen, Persephone, Hecate, Selene, Diana, Artemis

Sabbat – Beltane

Symbolism – Resonance, Harmony

Willow Personality Traits

Willow people are laid back resourceful, and strong-willed, always willing to defend themselves and others. They are known to be good listeners and empaths.

Born in the first half of the month are the New Moon Willows. Like a babbling brook, they respond quickly to changes and have the energy to do so. While some might accuse them of being unreliable, they really just value their spontaneity and freedom.

Born in the second half of the month are people we call Full Moon Willows. These Willows are a tad stubborn but often use that trait to help others. If you were born in this time, you might just be resourceful and have an excellent memory.

A Willow is an awesome friend. Their ties to the Moon give them extraordinary wisdom and imagination. For these reasons, Willows get along with Alders and Oaks especially.

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Conservation and Ecology

 Willow trees play an important role in their ecological communities. In addition to providing habitats for various land mammals and birds, their roots prevent erosion and maintain the stability of water systems.

Their leaves play another role in the ecosystem too. Willow leaves and sap feed butterflies, ants, and even wasps. 

This is not to say that all is well. Although willow trees aren't endangered, they're still vulnerable to aphids, infestations rust fungi, and parasitic bugs like corythucha elegans 

Unfortunately, deforestation has destroyed numerous willow forests, which has significantly destabilized the ecology of those regions and destroyed the lifestyle of the indigenous peoples who harvested from the trees.

Willow Magic

In this month, magic is lunar, strongly water-aligned, and feminine. Willow is, after all, the Tree of the Moon, and it's the Moon that controls the tides and determines our months. 

As such, Willow month is a great time for healing magic. With traditions stretching all the way back to the ancient Celts, this month is the ideal time to restore your energy, release your problems, and practice self-care.

What also stands out about Willow magic is its connection to the feminine. This is a great help if you're trying to cast a love spell or working with creativity, fertility, or just emotions in general.

To prepare for a love spell cut three long (12 inches) thin branches from a willow. Remember to give the willow thanks and her dyads a small gift such as ribbons. Braid the willow branches and shape them into a circle. Place on your altar with a red candle inside the circle.

We have several articles on altars to help you create the perfect magical space!

Willows are also closely connected to shadow magic. Contrary to the name, this isn't working with literal darkness. Not always. Rather, shadow magic is about confronting your own inner darkness. 

Shadow magic helps you to embrace your flaws, confront your fears, and address the roots of your behaviors. Essentially, it's magical self-therapy.

Because of its correspondence with the Moon and with emotion, the month of Willow is an excellent time to get into shadow magic. Moonlight does cast long shadows, after all.

Tools

Willow Wands

 Willow wood makes for excellent wands. Their inherent connection to Lunar energy is incredibly useful when working with dreams and emotions. They can also help when dealing with the underworld. 

Try sleeping with your willow wand under your pillow for fantastic, vivid dreams. In this way, the wand can serve as a source of inspiration. The full moon is the best time to do this.

A willow wand can also be useful for specific rituals, such as drawing down the moon. Similarly, its connection to feminine energy and water can't be understated either. If you're doing magic in either of these areas, we recommend a willow wand for it.

 Healing

The willow is renowned for its healing properties. Not only is its identifying month a period of great magical healing and restoration, but the physical tree is used worldwide in natural medicine.

First of all, willow is renowned as a natural headache remedy. The bark contains salicin a compound that is similar to aspirin. Historically some people referred to it as witch's aspirin.

Willow is also a great way to manage heavy periods. Its connection to feminine energy helps again here and the tree can soothe your menstrual cramps and other pains you might be suffering.

Its for these reasons that willow is often made into a tea. Not only is this soothing and healthy, but it also tastes great. You can do this by boiling a few pieces of bark in water.

Why not make your willow tea with ice to cool down after a hot day. In fact, this can often soothe a fever too. Even if you don't want to drink the tea, soaking a cloth in willow-infused water can also help.

You can even use willow on your skin where it is invigorating and helps to clear acne and excess skin oil.

Take Away

Willows are found throughout the USA and Europe in wetlands and along waterways. Get to know the willow trees in your area and enjoy their beauty while you enhance your magic.

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Author, Ame Vanorio, likes to joke that she is 1/2 pagan and 1/2 Catholic due to her Native (Cree) and Italian heritage. She is an environmental educator and licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Ame writes about honoring nature and animal spirit guides. She also does our social media pages.