Lady of the Lake – Salix Alba – the origin of aspirin
White Willow (Salix Alba), the most powerful healing magic used by Druids is also called the witch’s aspirin and is brought into the house in March to provide powerful protection.
Salix alba is one of the most healing medicines from Antiquity.
It can be found in temperate regions, near waters.
The Celtic name“Salix” ‘ comes from the Celtic word ‘sal’ – meaning near, and “lis” – meaning water.
Druidic rituals with Salix Alba are related to the Moon and it is taught to bring blessings to the Moon.
With Salix alba or White Willow rituals and spells for love, protection and healing were made from ancient times until today.
Used in a bath helps the body, mind, and soul and gives a wonderful relaxation.
Hippocrates, the Father of Modern Medicine recommended it to be chewed but in small quantities. Its taste is very bitter but the effect is that it shoots off any pain. It remedies headache, toothache, and nervous restlessness.
It is said that was the prime source of aspirin because it contains salicin, a glycoside that it transforms into salicylic acid in the body through ingestion.
Sitting under the tree can help resolve any problem if the claimer explains it in small detail to the tree. He also has to make a knot in a branch and when his desire is fulfilled he has to come back, untie the knot, and give an offering to the tree.
Treatment of any inflammation White Willow helps heal joint pain associated with gout and rheumatoid arthritis and reduces severe migraines also providing a good night’s sleep.
Between the supernatural powers this sacred tree provides, it can even produce invisibility. It is supposed that the Druids had the formula for this transformation.
Salix alba has a strong connection with human emotions and therefore it can heal the nervous system.
Used by the North Americans in magic rituals for strength, love, and protection, the European Salix Alba is a tree of the Salicaceae family that reaches 20 m in height, easily found in the woods which border the rivers, preferring moist and sunny soils.
The Egyptians used it and Talmud mention it as medicine for fever and pulmonary ailments.
The substance extracted from the bark serves as a bronchial dilator.
Par excellence a tree totally dedicated to Moon Goddess, Willow is one of the most sacred trees of the Druids. They invented the term, Willow Man.
What in Scotland is called the Wicker Man festival is not a Pagan event, but alternative art and music celebration. On Beltane day a man-made from willow branches are burned as a symbolic sacrifice for fertility. It is also called King of the crops.
The rituals for fertility are supported by willow branches and also can be used in bringing love, joy, and friendship. The branches were used to create harp cords.
Also, a druidic legacy is the use of the Salix Alba as a facilitator in connecting with other worlds.
The main spiritual qualities of a man birthed under the sign of Willow are described in the Druid oracle as being rich imagination, melancholy, nervousness, and the ability to predict events and further situational development. Among the known celebrities, birthed in the Willow Sign were Freddy Mercury and Michelangelo. The druids also affirmed that such spirits will give warmth to others.
And that is the willow spirit. It can help someone be connected and creative, healing through joy.