Willow Fairy

Different trees are associated with different kinds of fairy, some good, some bad. Even more spooky are willow trees. There’s many a tale of willows, enchanted by bad fairies, freeing themselves from the soil and scuttling along riverbanks, preying on passing humans. Willow is a reflection of the regal and magical tree after which she is named. If we are very quiet, she speaks to humans like willow leaves whispering in the wind. Willow is said to be the keeper of the knowledge of Fairy Wand Making and its use. Willow is dressed in a skirt of softly glittering mossy green silk leaves, each ending with a delicate dewdrop crystal as do her leafy sleeves. The willow fairy can be grumpy and tricky. The Hobbits in The Lord of the Rings were lulled to sleep and almost killed by Old Man Willow, and while fairies are rarely so ill- intentioned, the willow fairy is not always kindly.


The willow fairy may leave the tree at night and follow travelers, muttering and mumbling, which can be rather frightening to those who do not understand. Willow has profound wisdom to offer, which humans rarely appreciate. It is deeply mystical and in tune with the music of the waters, all around the globe. Willow trees have many practical uses in the modern world. Their bark supplied the formula for pain relieving and fever reducing aspirin. An alternative name for the tree is even Witches’ Aspirin. Merely being in a grove of willow trees was thought to be a way to receive divine inspiration, skills, or even prophecies. Priests, priestesses, and even artisans would sit under these trees (especially under the light of a full moon) to receive these gifts which were part of the atmosphere of the willow. Nighttime is best to commune with this spirit in meaningful dreams.
( The Truth About Fairies by A Philip and Enchanted Forest Author: Brooke Windsor)