The Museful Mind

The Willow Beckons

Willows reflecting on the water

We have now entered into the fifth month of the Celtic lunar calendar, known as Saille (sail).  Of all the trees in the forest, it is the willow which best defines this time of year due to its affinity for water.  If as the saying goes, ‘April showers bring May flowers, it is also true that ‘willows which by the water stand, ease us into the summerlands’.   For the willow is unique, in that it flourishes upon the margins where land and water meet, blending all together in harmony. 

Legend has it that at the beginning of time the willow tree cradled two scarlet eggs.  One hatched into the earth, and the other into the sun.  Eons later, come the Christian era, this would manifest in the tradition of colouring eggs at Eastertime.

Scarlet eggs in a willow nest

 The willow is also symbolic of immortality.  For if a small twig is broken off and placed in moist soil, it will take root and with time become a full grown tree.
A
gain, we have yet another instance whereby nature mirrors the religious… or is it the other way round?  For this is when the Christian calendar celebrates the Resurrection of Christ. 

Looking back underneath the surface, one can discern a thread of rhyme and reason winding its way through time.  There is a distinct continuity between nature and present custom.  And this connection conveys a sense of certainty and security, which events of today cannot provide… however much that might be needed.    

Low hanging willow branches above still waters

The Willow month, with all its signs of new and incipient growth, has become a season of rebirth; filling the spirit with optimism and hope.  A time of healing as Nature bursts through winter’s frozen crust, and blossoms once more into the warmth of colour; a rejuvenation of life abundant.  How can we not help but respond accordingly?  And feel ourselves renewed as well?

An ancient Celtic Liturgy known as the ‘Song of Amergin’ defines the month of April thusly, “I am a hawk on the cliffside.”  The bird scans the landscape below; watching, waiting for opportunity… for inspiration.  And within that inspiration are the seeds of creativity, which when planted, will flower and enrich our lives.

White bird nesting on a cliffside surrounded by a bed of green moss and yellow flowers

The days of the Willow: a season of rebirth and healing.  New creation awaits on the horizon.  Hope and optimism fill the air, beckoning us to flow along within its swirling current.

Flowering desert willow

It’s time to let go of winter… and anything else which might be holding us back from the delight of new growth.  For something beautiful wants to grow in its place!  Reach out a hand and grasp the hope of spring with all its opportunities for personal renewal and creation.  Go ahead, take a chance.  You may be pleasantly surprised at that which awaits…

What creative endeavors are stirring deep inside? 
Ideas eager to come forth and take shape for all around to see and share.
That your life might be enriched and filled with joy!



Read of the Oak Tree – the 7th month in the Celtc lunar calender…
https://themusefulmind.com/celtic-wisdom/mid-summer-and-the-oak-tree-rules/

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