Tree of Enchantment, April 15th – May 12th

To the ancient Celts, the Willow was the Tree of Enchantment, a feminine tree ruled by the moon. It has long been associated with the culture of the arts. Orpheus, poet of the ancient Greeks received his eloquence carrying willow branches through the underworld. Many ancient goddesses are associated with willows, Belili, presided over all trees and willows in particular as well as the moon, love and the Underworld. Her consort was called Bel and was honoured by European Celts as the Sun God, Belin. Great fires were lit in his honour at Beltane, April 30th and May 1st. Wells and springs are also honoured at this festival.

In Britain, sprays of willow were carried on Palm Sunday in remembrance of Jesus entering Jerusalem. Saint Georges Day also has strong associations with trees and through the Willow and the water spirits Green George blesses livestock, pregnant women and heals the young and the old. It was also used by healers & wise women of the Celts.

Willow leaves were used to attract love & wishes were granted by the tree if asked in the correct manner. The Celts believed that after death the spirit rose into the young tree and it retained the essence of the departed person, hence the planting of willows on graves.

The Willow , is a water loving tree characteristic of lakesides, fens and rivers. They are often gown on riverbanks to prevent soil erosion. The Tree of Enchantment, it was also
Known as the Tree of Immortality for the ease with which it will grow from a fallen branch or twig stuck into moist ground. They are one of the earliest trees to flower, producing soft velvety silver buds which burst open to sprays of golden stamens loved by bees. Dark green leaves open after the catkins fall.

Colour Silver, Planet The Moon, Stone Moonstone, Element Water, Polarity Feminine,
Deities Persephone, Hecate, Belili, Artemis, Seline, Diana, Luna, Athena, Cerridwen, Orpheus, Bel, Berlin , Jehovah
Dreams Intuitions, Prophecy Divination, Healing Enchantment, Love