Ogham June 1: Saille
This week's Ogham with Druid Foxx is Saille, the Celtic word for willow.
Welcome back to another edition of Ogham with Druid Foxx! In the last few editions we went over what Ogham is, some of the history of it and the different versions and how they are used. With that foundation in mind let's jump right in to our next Ogham, Saille.
Saille is traditionally the fourth letter of the Ogham alphabet and is formed by four horizontal lines coming out to the right of a vertical center line. Saille is the Celtic word for willow and is commonly associated with the willow tree, water, the feminine, intuition, creativity, and flexibility.
Willow trees because of their tendency to grow near lakes and streams are associated with water and willow branches were traditionally used to make wands and as tools for finding underground water sources by dowsing or water witching. Willow is also associated with healing, the bark of the willow tree contains a natural painkiller and fever reducer which is the original source for our modern aspirin.
Willow is also associated with the goddess Bridgid and bees, which inspire thoughts of community and cooperation, as well as with doves and a desire for peace. Its easily bendable branches inspire us to be spiritually flexible.
White willow, which is native to Britain is the tree from which harps were traditionally made. The weeping willow which is native to China is associated with expressions of sadness and grief and allowing oneself to fully experience emotions.
Saille: Willow
Quatrain by C. Matthews
The swarming bees make bright the summer day
With drowsy songs, throwing their cares away.
Kindle a candle when honey flowers appear:
Let blessings quell the stubborness of fear.
Once you have had a chance to move through sadness, it is time take a deep breath and feel the sun on your face once again. Fear has its place, but things are actually going much better than expected, and there is more community support available than you think. If you keep going, tomorrow will take care of itself. You have time to stop and smell the flowers.