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CRACK WILLOW (Salix fragilis)
Key: Spiritual sun
Just about a quarter of the native species of British trees are willows. Whether native or introduced, all species interbreed freely often making precise identification difficult. Crack willow is one of the largest species growing to between 30 and 40 ft. It has a wide, open crown, often with several trunks spreading outwards from the base, and a rough, thick-ridged bark. It can be identified from its leaves which are long, thin blades with fine serrated edges ending in a long point. When touched or bent this willow’s small twigs will easily break with an audible crack – hence the tree’s name. This quality allows twigs to float downstream where they can easily root in mud and form new colonies.
Crack willow essence increases communication with the Higher Self, often by stimulating the functions of the throat chakra. The area of the throat and upper chest is also energised particularly in respect of the immune system functions of the thyroid and thymus glands.
Muscle tone can improve, particularly affecting the diaphragm. Breathing may become deeper and conditions such as hiatus hernia may ease.
There is an increased flexibility on mental and spiritual levels. This allows the individual to be content to let things be, for things to happen in their own good time, to let go. With this comes the ability to look at oneself and accept what is seen.
A connection is created with compassionate energies at fine levels of consciousness, and this brings a sense of oneness with the world and all beings in it. Also there is created a stronger link to the planet itself, and through this, to the place from which Earth receives its sustaining energies – that is, the sun. Crack willow particularly links to the higher vibrations of the sun’s energies that have been personified as the Solar Logos, which is, as it were, the parent and creator of the whole solar system.
This essence can be used to stimulate and awaken physical vitality as it begins to flag throughout the day.
Signature: The ability to let go of parts of oneself (the twigs) in the knowledge that they will find a home elsewhere.
Comment: Willows are often associated with water, the moon and the dark aspects of the Goddess but they carry as many solar characteristics as lunar. Firstly they have a great force of growth. In winter and early spring willows stand out with their bright orange-yellow twigs and yellow male catkins – especially in bright sunlight.
Essences made from different species of willow all have a common, solar, theme. They all, in one way or another, work at revealing and expressing the true nature of the self.