====== Willow ======
<div #singlebox>
---- dataentry herbs----
latin_names: Salix alba
folk_names: Osier, Pussy Willow, Saille, Salicyn Willow, Saugh Tree, Tree of Enchantment, White Willow, Witches' Aspirin, Withe, Withy
gender_tags:  Feminine
planet_tags: Moon
element_tags: Water
deity_tags: Artemis, Ceres, Hecate, Persephone, Hera, Mercury, Belili, Belinus
effect_tags: Love, Love Divination, Protection, Healing
----
</div>
<ifauth @user>
===== Ritual Uses =====
Burial mounds in Britain which are sited near marshes and lakes were often lined with willows, probably for symbolic associations with death.
===== Magical Uses =====
Willow leaves are carried or used in mixtures to attract love, and the wood is used to fashion magical wands dedicated to Moon Magic. If you wish to know if you will be married in the new year, on New Year's Eve throw your shoe or boot into a willow tree. If it doesn't catch and stay in the branches the first time, you have eight more tries. If you succeed in trapping your shoe in the tree you will be wed within twelve months--but you'll also have to shake or climb the tree to retrieve your shoe.

All parts of the willow guard against evil and can be carried or placed in the home for this purpose. Knock on a willow tree ("knock on wood") to avert evil.

The leaves, bark and wood of the willow are also utilized in healing spells.

If you wish to conjure spirits, mix crushed willow bark with sandalwood and burn at the waning Moon outdoors.

Magical brooms, especially Witch's brooms, are traditionally bound with a willow branch.
</ifauth>