Willow . . . .
(Salix alba) Also known as White Willow, European Willow, Tree of Enchantment, and Witches Aspirin. One of the Seven Sacred Trees of the Irish. A Druid sacred tree, the willow is a Moon tree sacred to the White Lady. It's groves were considered so magical that priests, priestesses and all types of artisans sat among these trees to gain eloquence, inspiration, skills, and prophecies.
	Parts Used: Bark, collected in the Spring. Magical Uses: Willows are commonly found near ancient British burial sites. The willow is a guardian tree, said to protect from evil influences. The willow tree has a healing aura that blesses all it touches. All parts of the willow guard against evil and can be carried or placed in the home for this purpose. Magical brooms, especially Witch's brooms, are traditionally bound with a willow branch.
The old phrase "knock on wood" comes from the custom of knocking on the wood of the willow to advert evil. The wood is also used for wands that are dedicated to Moon magick. The leaves and bark are used in spells designed for love, healing and necromancy. Mix crushed willow bark and sandalwood and burn under the waning Moon for necromancy rites. It is said that to know whether you will be married within the new year, the willow tree can tell you. On New Years Eve throw your shoe into the tree (you have nine throws total). If it gets caught on any of those nine throws then you will be married within the next twelve months. As a funeral herbe, planting a Willow during your lifetime is said to protect you when you take final leave of your body. The Willow (or a direct descendant through a cutting) must be thriving at your death. The Pussy Willow (a different variety) was deemed ideal by the Druids for charms and protection. Even today there are some that believe a branch of the pussy willow is the best for ritual wands. There are indeed many types of willow and they all make excellent magickal wands. Pussy Willow cuttings are often included as altar decorations at Candlemas or Eostara, depending on the climate. Willow is the herbe to use with rock crystal to charge the stone and give it protective and healing virtues.
Witch Hazel . . . .
(Hammamelis virginiana) Also known as Spotted Alder, and Winter Bloom, Parts Used: Leaf and young twigs Magical Uses: Witch hazel has long been used to fashion divining rods, hence the common name. The bark and twigs are also used to protect against evil influences. If carried, witch hazel helps to mend a broken heart and cool the passions.
Witch Grass . . . .
	(Agropyron repens) Also known as Couch Grass, Dog Grass, Quick Grass, Witches Grass Magickal Uses: This herb can be an important ingredient in all types of uncrossing rituals. Use the infusion to dispel negative entities or depression. The plant itself may be carried or sprinkled under the bed to draw new lovers.
Wormwood . . . .
(Artemisia absinthium) Also known as Absinthe. A Druid sacred herb, Wormwood is very magical and sacred to Moon deities.
Warning: Wormwood should not be taken internally, except under the guidance of a professional. Parts Used: Leaf and flower Magical Uses: The scent of wormwood is said to increase psychic powers. Burned with sandalwood in the graveyard, it is used to summon the spirits of the departed. Ancient tradition also tells of it being used as an antidote for poisoning by hemlock and toadstools. Carried it protects from bewitchment and supposedly sea serpents. Especially good when combined with Mugwort. Hung from a rear-view mirror, wormwood protects vehicles from accidents on treacherous roads.
Wormwood was once made into a very addictive liqueur called Absinthe. It is now banned in most countries because of its addictive and dangerous qualities. Wormwood may be used to remove anger. Although such practices require a thorough analysis of one's underlying motives, we learn that "for those who seek to vent their anger in a peaceful, creative means" this herbe is indeed appropriate to use. It is also used in group magick to stop war or inhibit the enemy.
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