Sally

The Whispering Willow has always been important in Ireland. Sally is one of the Seven Sacred Irish Trees. 

There are several varieties of willow. All grow in damp soil and have catkins or ‘pussy willows’ that produce seeds but grow best from cuttings. Willows are rich in insects and the birds love them.

Willow was used in the walls of houses, fencing, barrels, wicker baskets, furniture, beehives and lobster pots and medicine. The bark contains salicin which makes Aspirin. Willow branches are used for divining water and to find lost objects. Rags are tied to it to release a grief or nuture a love.

In the Druid stories, mankind was hatched from two scarlet eggs hidden within the willow tree, Easter sprung from this idea. Willow became associated with witches as people who worked with willow were called Wicca, coming from Wic (to bend).  

The willow arrives first and leaves last and is connected to the three female figures, maiden, mother and crone. Brigid's Fire festival, Imbolc, is during the Willow month of February. 

Willows with nesting cranes are a symbol of a happy home. The Celtic carving of the bull with three cranes in Paris has a willow over it. Midir also had three cranes and is a brother to Brigid. 

Willow is linked to Bóinn, the Dagda and Setanta. Brian Boru's harp is made from willow and the willow harp tells everyone of Labhraidh Loingseach's horse ears so be careful what you tell her!