Shuffling Gumshoe Blues

Dropping my false mustache and glasses
I stop blending into the scenery
and leap from hiding
Four undulating arms
Four sticky gumshoes
perambulating across
Poseidon's dancing floor
with an agile curious grace
I tip my hat

"Hello, Shweetheart
The jig is up
No one plays me for a sucker!
I have three hearts 
Two branchial
One systemic
all on my sleeve for you.
You're Magic
All legs,
staring at me with those
hypnotic eyes of yours

I'm sick of swimming
through dark alleys
shaking down every dank crevice
for a chance to grab a fin.
I put the I in Intelligence alright
Solving puzzles and 
Unraveling mysteries
Mysteries like
"Will the next dive cough up a meal? or
Is today the day I end up tanked,
or worse, as calamari?"

Shuffling off alone
at the end of every day
only to bonelessly tuck myself away
in some hole in the wall
We deserve better
than Illusion, Shweetheart

So lets wrap our mitts
around the future
pull it close
Leave behind
anything holding us back
We'll recoup
any petty losses
Let's dust!

Be my Main Squeeze
Come away with me  
to a tropical paradise
my hidden garden grotto
Where the sharks 
will never loan us a dime
We'll vanish without a trace
in a puff of smoke
Copacetic?

Bend, Dollface
Be flexible, creative and
We'll dine in style
Crab, lobster, eel juice, the works
Choice tidbits for a choice dame
My personal femme fatale"




For those new to the game, each poem is inspired by a Teacher found in Nature; a star, stone, animal, plant etc that holds lessons of Wisdom for us. Can you guess who is singing today?

Intuitive Conservation

Beneath the Moon's broad beams,
We careen, cartwheel, sidle, 
sashay, tap and jig across the shores
Thousands of us worldwide
Living oft unnoticed 
amid the humble sands 
creative fertile mud
tidal pools
Exploring amongst the algae 
foraging about the fungi,
shy or bold by turns as intuition dictates
Evolving in periods of solitude 
Molting through 
our internalized deliberations
Transforming to survive
Bringing messages of protection, cycles, of home
Heralding ancestral history, prosperity, or success
through deep meanings and shallow observations
since the Jurassic began.

Red, blue, and calico 
stone or snow, 
fiddler or spider
lady and king 
Calcium carbonate armor
never rusts 
sheltering our tender wisdom.
Though oft regarded as a churl
a moody grouch
crouched between helmet and shield;
a cast of curmudgeons
dodgy codgers.
We're sensitive souls
craving the safety of domestic harmony
where we can find comfort and safe harbor 
from all predators 
as well as the brewing storms 
of our own emotions, worries, doubts. 

We sing of the wisdom
of Trust, Community, Charity
Handsome is as handsome does.
Our paths seldom seems direct
Askew 
Akilter, 
arms akimbo as we traverse obstacles
Yet, We'll guide you true
Teach you 
how to be sensitive to every vibration
to thriftily calculate your risks
move with poise
Raising Awareness 
and environmental health

Even from our modest place among the stars
embodying the second labor of Herculean fame
we can set you straight
Enduring emblem of status
High society hermit
Should you catch sight 
of my skittering carapace
you'll know 
Protection and Trust
are the catches of the day.


For those new to the game, each poem is inspired by a Teacher found in Nature; a star, stone, animal, plant etc that holds lessons of Wisdom for us. Congrats to Jan and Sharonlee for naming this Teacher. Can you guess who is singing today?

Between oceans, fresh water and land, there are over 6000 species of crab separated into two categories. They can be found under the Antarctic, near under-sea volcanic vents, and one dominantly land species might even be found climb trees. True crabs, or brachyurans, which have a very short abdomen and use four pairs of long legs for walking. True crabs include blue crabs, spider crabs, and ghost crabs. 

Second are false crabs, or anomurans, which have a longer abdominal section and fewer walking legs. False crabs include hermit crabs, king crabs, and squat lobsters. Crabs, lobsters, prawn, shrimp, and crayfish are all decapods, crustaceans with ten limbs. They have compound eyes on stalks that can move in any direction needed.  

Crabs are invertebrates. Their shell is their skeleton which they molt as they outgrow. Most have flat bodies which allow them to squeeze into tight crevices. All crabs have two pincer claws and four pairs of walking legs. Their pincers can be used as a vise, scissors, or like chopsticks. Should they lose a limb in a narrow escape, they will eventually regrow it. Japanese Spider crabs are the largest species in the world measuring up to 13 feet across, and up to a 100 years in age! The smallest species, the Pea Crab, grows to the size of its namesake. 

Females can only mate when they molt, therefore when she is ready to shed her old shell she will excrete a pheromone attractive to males. Once the female chooses a mate from her fighting suitors, she typically attaches herself to his back where she remains until he has given her his sperm sac and her new shell has hardened. Most species molt up to 7 times their first year before settling into an annual or bi-annual routine.

Crabs lay thousands of eggs at one time. Typically females carry them beneath their abdomens for a period of days or weeks before hatching pin-head sized crab larvae. In some species the male is the egg carrier. Crabs communicate by moving or drumming their pincers, and a group of these crustaceans is known as a cast. 

True crabs can walk slowly in any direction, but their fastest pace is at a slant. As long as they can keep their gills moist they have few problems traveling on land. This Crab lesson reminds us of the advice that not all of our goals can be reached by a direct path, so attempt a different angle or perspective. to obtain that goal or solve your problem. No carbs or sugars and low calorie, so also a free food for diabetics; crab is an excellent source of protein. A tasty delicacy, crab meat is so high in vitamin b-12 that just 2-3 ounces will supply an adult with their daily requirement. 

Some species will use tools, like carrying stinging sea anemones for additional protection, or attaching them to their shells to camouflage their appearance. They may even work together to catch food or protect families. Community is a key Crab lesson with Co-operative effort and Conservation being important tools. 

Omnivorous, they are part of the Ocean's clean up crew eating detritus, dead plants and animals, algae, worms, insects smaller fish/amphibians/crustaceans. Predators included otters, octopuses, seagulls, osprey, larger fish with powerful jaws, turtles, seals, and humans. Crab not only relies on its environment, it is a willing partner and encourages us to become knowledgeable active Caretakers too. 

Crab reminds us that most often, the old and dead need to be cleared away to make room for the growth of new Life. Crab asks us to be mindful of what needs cleared away or recycled in our own lives so that our next cycle of learning/healing/transformation can begin.

Perhaps the easiest Crab lesson to spot is that of being mindful of our Emotions. This Teacher encourages us to explore and form understanding of all our emotions from joy to despair. Crabs are often used to depict anger, sensitivity, pugnaciousness, cynicism, grouchiness, sulkiness and stubbornness. Behaving like a "grouchy crab" is a sure sign that something is bothering us. This Teacher wants us to get in touch with that and address it with Awareness rather than take it out on those around us.

Feeling touchy? Taking things too seriously, over-reacting, or seeing insults where there are none are also warning signs. Bottling things up becomes a ticking time bomb, nor should we be carrying around a bunch of petty grievances in our emotional pocket book. Crab asks us to look after our emotions, responses, and general emotional well being diligently, honestly. Take time to examine your goals, reactions, choices, actions regularly. This Teacher excels at showing us how to protect our soft sensitive sides while taking action.

Target areas for improvement, recycle what does and get rid of whatever no longer works for you. If you think you have no room for improvement this Teacher will show you the error of your ways. Pride and Humility must be balanced to produce the best effect. Creating effective personal shields, armor, and when to use them are also key lessons for those studying Crab. A wonderful Singer for strongly empathetic people having difficulty in crowds. Crab says, "Trust in the Universe to provide for all your needs, yet work always to be worthy of that trust."  

Keywords: Trust, Protection/Vulnerability, Cycles/Transformation, Emotion, Regeneration/Recycling/Renewal, Community, Conservation, Status, Pride/Humility 

Associated with: water, oceans, rivers, sea and water creatures like Crios/Carcinus, mermaids and naiads. Deities of water and fishes like Mannon, Vedenemo, Vellamo, Poseidon/Neptune, Venus/Aphrodite, and Phorcys. The Cancer sign in Greek zodiac    

Potential Balancing Energies: Other crustaceans like shrimp or crayfish. Animals like fish, turtles, seals, seagulls, osprey, octopuses, otters, whales, jellyfish, frogs and other amphibians, algae, plants and fungi. Water/Ocean, the stars in the Cancer constellation.  

All of Our Deeds Come Home to Roost

I crack the shell 

of unreasoning darkness 

with my audacious song.

Rousting you 

from the safe familiar nest 

of your dreams.

Awaken! 

Greet the dawning 

of a new illumination

and strive to see the Truth 

from the inside out,

for appearances 

are seldom what they seem!

Take heed!

Brooding over unhatched plans,

gossiping and clucking 

with self-righteous disapproval

or crowing over our accomplishments

will only get someone's hackles up,

breeding misery and strife.

Attentive observation, 

self-assurance and honest work

bring far better results.

Scratching for a living? 

Keep pecking away at your obstacles.

We all strut and fret our way through life.

To thine own self be true,

yet fight fiercely when you must

to establish your place 

within the order of the group.

There is safety in numbers

and a lightened load.

Alone, 

you may simply find yourself 

in hot soup!

Remember!

We can only reap 

that which we sow.

If you put no effort in,

you receive nothing,

and naught of value will grow.

For those new to the game, each singing poem is inspired by a Teacher found in Nature; an animal, plant, star, stone etc that holds lessons of Wisdom for those who listen. Can you guess who is singing today?

How many species of chicken are there in the world? Nobody is really sure as it seems like everyone has been keeping a different count. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations as of 2020 the global chicken population was estimated to be 33 billion birds, 46% being in Asia. More than 1,600 recognized breeds either egg before chick or other way around, the result of centuries of natural selection, cross-breeding and breeding within flocks ruffle feathers around our world. That is something to crow about! 

Commercial egg laying hens can produce as many as 300 eggs in a year, while most indigenous breeds maintain broods of 30-40 a year. Hens have a strong instinct to brood; to protect, sit consistently, hatch their eggs, and care for vulnerable chicks which increases rate of success. Hens begin communicating with their chicks while still in the egg using a combination of clucks, chirps, and purring noises. They are capable of at least 30 different vocalizations each with a separate meaning from calling the kids in for the night to letting them know the food is on the table. 

A rooster mates with and protects his flock of hens, warning of predators loudly, and often attacking outright with wicked spurs along their feet and sharp beak. Foxes, coyotes, weasels, raptors and raccoons are common predators to a chicken coop. If there is no rooster resident, a lead hen will step into the rooster's duties. 

Chickens can dream while they sleep, but like horses they sleep with half of their brain at a time. An evolutionary adaptation that let them watch out for predators while still resting, they can literally sleep with one eye open. Their color vision is better than ours having a well-organized eye with five types of light receptors giving them sensory capabilities like telescopic eyesight and almost 360 degree field of vision. They are also, like all birds, the closest living relative to dinosaurs. 

Recent studies show that chickens display complex problem-solving skills, understand cause and effect, can pass on their knowledge to others, and have exhibited behaviors like worry and self-control. Chicks as young as 2 days old show an understanding of object permanence which we don't develop until we are 6 months old. Not every animal even develops this concept. They have excellent memories, can recognize up to 100 faces as well as solve puzzles. Which means they have a sense of fun and like to play.

They are omnivorous. Chickens eat grains, various plants, insects, grubs, worms, small invertebrates and even mice or other small birds. They are tiny velociraptors, remember? There is always a pecking order, a hierarchy, established early on in which everyone knows their place. 

Symbolically speaking the Hen and her strutting companion the Rooster run the spectrum from ideally balanced couple who seem born to tango, communicate well on all levels and keep the perfect nest. All the way to the overly broody housewife with too many kids who is always pecking at the flashy no-good fella who always seems to be stepping out with some other chick. Unbalanced Chicken people can be gossipy, pick at things for no good purpose, start rumors and stir shit up sometimes just for the perceived goal of getting a higher spot in the pecking order. 

Balanced Chicken people are usually the exemplary of Mother or Father leader figures. The Mother Hens of the group regardless of age or setting who make sure everyone is accounted for and safe. Worrying too much or behaving in too controlling a manner in this area turns that kind Mother Hen into clucking mess though. There are parents and people who fancy themselves parental figures who are Broody Hens, Cocky Roosters. These folk think they know best and have put themselves in charge. They do not communicate; they tell you how they want things done. They usually don't do any of the work in making the bread when in the workplace either, they just do a lot of strutting, clucking and crowing. 

Wise, brave, loyal, humble communicative is how we see this Nature Teacher when Balanced. Foolish, cowardly, treacherous, brash and a babbling gossip when Unbalanced. Always asking us who do you think came first? They are the symbol of self-cultivation and awareness. Isolation, self-negligence (we can hen-peck ourselves too), aggressiveness, arrogance are all signs that you may benefit from communication with this Nature Teacher. 

Keywords: Community, Communication, Renewal, Humility, Nourishment, Courage, Sacrifice, Responsibility, Honor/Respect/Reputation, Fertility, Parenting, Dedication, Resilience, Vigilance

Associated with: Sunrise/dawn, awakening, protection against evil, Asclepius, Minerva, Mars, Apollo, Alechtryon, Aditi, Wele Xalaba, Lugus, 

Potential Balancing energies: plants like chickweed, wheat, amaranth, corn, strawberries, lavender, mint, parsley, marigold, nasturtium, clover, daisies, chicory, or thyme. worms and insects like ticks, ants, caterpillars, flies, crickets, grasshoppers, moths, butterflies, and beetles. Other birds and animals like hawks, owls, foxes, stoats, weasels, turkeys, ducks, raccoons, crows, cats, frogs, lizards, snakes, and mice. 

Beauty Within

Scarlet and gold cover the land

warm spicy scents fill the air,

mountain laurel and rich earth,

as Bounty spills forth 
filling waiting hands.

Singing, 
her bassoon voice  
drifts like morning mist,

ripe with meaning…

full of choice…

“We cradle creation

within our souls!

In harmony,

we dance in silence…

unseen…

unheard

by the watchful hunters,

Graceful we pass through thickest wild.

We appear,

Caught by someone's roving eye,
nibbling twigs and leaves

Ungainly and awkward
water lilies dripping from our lips

A face only Mother could love

is just as beautiful to a loving heart,

and every woman is Mother to someone

if only herself.

A brave crown adorns Father’s brow

but Mother's intuition needs

nothing more than

“hear!” and “now!”

Born with open eyes,

we see with an open heart

we will teach you how to start

when to cling and when to part..

when to be gentle

when to be bold

when to be silent and

do as you’re told!

Find within

thy endless grace,

Be proud!

Be humble!

And with steady pace

thou shalt never stumble.

Strength unguessed you carry

run to yourself and do not tarry!"

Wisdom shining from every brow…

Who sings now?

For those new to the game, each singing poem is inspired by a Teacher found in Nature; a star, stone, animal, plant etc that holds lessons of Wisdom for us. Can you guess who is singing today?

“Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Eleanor Roosevelt

“Gracefulness has been defined to be the outward expression of the inward harmony of the soul.” William Hazlitt

“Of all the wonders of nature, a tree in summer is perhaps the most remarkable; with the possible exception of a moose singing “Embraceable You” in spats." Woody Allen

Moose is one of the most ancient Totems, and the Wisdom she carries is equally as vital today for women and men. Moose is the largest member of the Deer family, so they share a lot of the same lessons. Rapid healing, Universal Love, Kindness, and Compassion for self and others are all Deer lessons shared by Moose, along with being careful how you move through life as our actions and reactions affect more than just ourselves. Moose, however, speaks most often about reaching a state of perfect understanding of self, a blossoming of confidence, so that we may move through life as the best example of a nurturing and compassionate individual. Every member of this family should be examined by those who feel called by Moose as they are inter-related. Confidence in all it’s facets is the Wisdom of Moose.

Adult Moose cows weigh 800 to 1,300 pounds and bulls weigh 1,200 to 1,600 pounds. Larger even than their cousins Ek, a small adult Moose can easily stand about 6 feet at the shoulder. When you add the impressive rack of antlers of the bulls that can stretch five feet across, it is instantly apparent what powerful creatures Moose are, and yet they can move with such uncanny grace and self-assurance that they can pass right by you in the forest and you might never know they were there! Antlers are a Totem’s reminder that we have unseen “antennas” that act as conduits between ourselves and Divine energy. Listen to your intuition and keep a dream journal to better understand your abilities.

Especially as calves, Moose have an out-of-proportion ungainly look that belies their surety of movement. They are known for being a curious and rather amusing blend of awkwardness and grace, beauty and homeliness, strength and gentleness. Through this, Moose teaches us that we all have moments where we feel hopelessly unattractive, clumsy and gauche. And yet, the truth is that we are also powerful beings that become graceful, inside and out, when we truly know our strengths and weakness, relax into a state of confidence, and can then finally allow ourselves to move through life without hesitation or doubt exactly as Creator intended us to be; joyous and compassionate worker’s for Divine will. Imagine for a moment how wonderful life would be if we all had the confidence to be who we are and allow others the same right freely!

Moose people either get this concept while still quite young, or struggle with finding their balance here from an early age. So, a Moose person could be one of those rare supremely confident, self-assured people who are at perfect peace with who they are, or they one of the many who wrestle with their own self-worth. Vanity or low self esteem can both be signs of an unbalanced Moose person. If you find yourself repetitively dealing with strange rashes, pimples, or other conditions that make you feel self-conscious or overly-worried about your appearance, Moose may be sending you a message. Look beyond the surface, stop getting caught up by your own shallow reflection and get busy living!

I’ve known several Moose people in the course of my life who are so concerned with appearances that they are convinced that they are “ugly” or “unlovable”. This is a highly destructive notion that will eventually destroy who you really are, and tear apart your entire life, most likely hurting others in the process! Appearances really don’t count for much in the long run. In fact, no matter how plain or marred our exterior, the Beauty of a serene, balanced and compassionate soul will shine through our shell and we will become inexplicably attractive to those around us.

Moose reminds us that it is unkind and unwise to judge, whether we are coming down on someone else or ourselves. Their hanging mobile lips enable them to skillfully remove food from a thorny source, but also serve to remind us to be especially mindful about how we speak as we shape our worlds through our words and actions. Moose’s attractiveness and charisma are powerful forces, and like cousin Elk, it is believed that once such a person sets their sites on you they are virtually irresistible! One can hear Moose’s song of love for approximately 6 miles, and you better get out of the way as the potential mates charge single-mindedly towards their siren call. Bulls have been known to charge cars that have gotten between them and a potential mate!

Moose are excellent swimmers, and can swim as fast as six miles an hour in the water. They can most often be found standing in water browsing on water lilies or other aquatic plants. “Moose” is an Algonquin term which translates as “twig-eater”, a sound observation of Moose’s eating habits as they eat the leaves, twigs and buds of hardwood and softwood trees and shrubs. In winter months they also like the twigs and bark of willow, balsam, birch, aspen and dogwood trees. Like Polar Bear, Moose hairs are hollow, giving them an exceptionally insulating and protective hide.

In fact, Moose are found in only Northern climates because of this and can’t really survive well anywhere that temperatures normally exceed about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Through this, Moose reminds us to have a thick hide, and not be so concerned with the words and opinions of others. Neither praise nor blame should have a place in our lives. Moose also teaches us that our emotions and emotional situations should be approached like a leisurely swim across a river. We should be refreshed and cleansed through the outlet of emotions as much of what feeds our souls in life will grow there. Most importantly, keep cool! We are at our most dangerous when we loose our cool.

Childhood can often be difficult for Moose people, but with proper nurturing they can blossom into the most interesting and effective adults. They need to develop a strong sense of self, confidence, and self-reliance in order to prosper in life. Because of this early start to extra-sensory abilities, Moose people should not be surprised that they don’t “awaken” or “come into their own” as adults. In a sense the lights are already on, they just need to learn to recognize that fact rather than looking for some great revelation. Autumn is the time of Moose and regardless of age, Moose people will experience a similar bounty in their lives whenever they become confident, and ripen into this Totem aspect of themselves.

Through these examples, Moose teaches us that romantic Love, while a wonderfully life-enhancing emotion, should not be taken to any great extremes either. Moose people have a tendency to give their whole hearts, to love with abandon and expect the same deep devotion and tender emotion from their mates. Moose people definitely wear their hearts on their sleeves and are typically forthright individuals. It is important for Moose people to remember to take time to be alone in comfortable silence though and allow themselves to re-charge. It is especially important that those whose “still waters run deep” choose their mates wisely, to behave reasonably even when we feel swept away by the power of our love and emotions. In cases where we have not chosen well, it is best to remember not to give in to feelings of vengeance, spite, or anger no matter the provocation. Accept that you simply have not found your true mate yet and send out your irresistible call a little wiser for the wear. We should accept no less than our equal when it comes to a life mate.

Moose’s shoulder hump reminds us of Buffalo’s lesson to put our dreams into action through hard work. We have the reserves necessary for the effort. All of these things combined make Moose a powerful and versatile Totem whose lessons are especially important to those who feel called by this Teacher. Perhaps the most vital of all Moose’s lessons for us though is simply to love and respect ourselves. Only when these things well and fill our own being can we truly give this gift to others. How does noble Moose appear in your life?

“Always act like you’re wearing an invisible crown.”Unknown

Bullwinkle: I’d like to apply for a job as an usher?

Boris: What experience have you had?

Bullwinkle: I’ve been in the dark for most of my life!

Potential Balancing Energies: Trees of all kinds like Pine, Elderberry, Willow, Cottonwood, or Alder, Birds like sparrow, vulture, crow, snowy owl, pine martin, and goose. other antlered Teachers like Deer or Elk, Animals like Bear, Wolf, squirrel, snowshoe hare, cougar, raccoon, otter, weasel, snake, seal, mouse, or bobcat. various Plants like Cranberry, Blueberry, Currant, Sedge, Alaskan Wild Rose, Reeds, Grasses, Lichens, Moss, and various Fungi, elements like Water or Earth. Sun, Moon, Stars, and the Northern Lights.

Key Concepts: Primal Feminine energy, nurturing self, Self Esteem (especially not looking beyond self for approval), Fruition/Harvest, the Power of Presence, Balanced Power (knowing when to be gentle, when to be forceful), Shape-shifting, Courage, Creation/Destruction, Receptivity

Associations, Gods/Goddesses, Mythic or Popular figures: Bullwinkle the Moose, Rutt and Took from Disney’s Brother Bear, Thidwich the Big-hearted Moose (Dr. Seuss), Autumn, Crown chakra, North and Grandmother energy

Dreaming of Moonlight on Water

“Wash away your woes

in my healing embrace.

I will teach you how to bend,

through any storm with grace.

Dream bone-deep and true,

as my moonsweet tears

command pain to subside,

drown your fevers,

balance your tides,

 bringing to fruition the best within you.

My blood inspires new roots,

teaching how to quickly ground.

Emblem of the Goddess merciful,

I ward away evil, and guide the dead

with compassion renowned.

I weep for those 

who cannot shed a tear

Sorrowing at water's edge

slender fingers trailing,

long toes deep in mud,

my song a soulful lament.

I gifted Orpheus with bardic grace,

gave voice to ancient harps,

and make clear every mystic portent."

For those new to the game, each poem is inspired by a Teacher found in Nature; a star, stone, animal, plant, etc that holds lessons of Wisdom for us. Can you guess who is singing today? 

"Flexibility and adaptability do not happen just by reacting fast to new information. They arise from mental and emotional balance, the lack of attachment to specific outcomes, and putting care for self and others as a prime operating principle. Flexible attitudes build flexible physiology. Flexible physiology means more resilience in times of challenge or strain. Staying open—emotionally—insures internal flexibility."

Doc Childre and Bruce Cryer, From Chaos to Coherence




Let's not forget that the little emotions are the great captains of our lives and we obey them without realizing it.  ~Vincent Van Gogh, 1889

"Leaders establish the vision for the future and set the strategy for getting there; they cause change. They motivate and inspire others to go in the right direction and they, along with everyone else, sacrifice to get there." John Kotter

Willows, sallows and osiers form the Genus Salix; around 400 different species of deciduous trees and shrubs found throughout the Northern Hemisphere. About 170 0f these are Willow trees which are often associated with deep emotion, flexibility, dreams, fertility, the Moon, intuition, and healing due to their strong connection with Water. Other associations include: sorrow, tragic romance, cycles, witches, beauty, fidelity, initiation, wishes, beginnings, femininity, and adding vital energy to the elderly and the sick.



Willow bark contains Salicin which is used in the treatment of rheumatic fever, various damp diseases like rheumatism, and a decoction can be used for gum and tonsil inflammations. Willow is often referred to as “witches aspirin” as it was used for all the same purposes as modern synthetic aspirin for over 2,000 years. White willow or sallow bark tea is recommended for indigestion, whooping cough and catarrh. It can also be used as an antiseptic and disinfectant.



This tree is notorious for pushing roots over amazing distances in order to find enough water, often bursting water pipes in the process. Just the normal growth of a willow can be six to eight feet or more a year! They are also known for their ability to spread or clone themselves through their stoloniferous roots, or even fallen and broken branches! Willow is loaded with auxin, a hormone that encourages the growth of roots, and this allows any woody part of this Teacher to put down roots and become it’s own tree in the right conditions.

Willow Tree

In fact even today, gardeners around the world still make Willow Water to encourage root growth in other plant cuttings! This potent aspect of this Teacher implies great strength as a healer as well as lessons on how to properly sustain oneself, how to remain strongly grounded through life’s adversities, how to adapt to meet adversity, how and when to recreate one’s self, how to establish healthy new roots and rapidly ground one’s self in emergency situations, and how to quickly reconnect one’s self with All Our Relations.



In the ogham alphabet, the willow is known as “Saille” which became Anglicized to “sally” which means a sudden outburst of emotions, action or expression (to “sally forth”). The Old French “saille” also means to rush out suddenly and the Latin “salire” means to leap. To me, there always seems to be some sense of great emotion just trembling in anticipation of being unlocked, of tremendous and eternal potential, encased within the Willow’s silently dreaming bark.




Willow was a favored wood for the making of dreamcatchers and lapharps, and is an excellent friend for anyone needing to relieve grief, heighten intuitions and dreams, strip away illusions, and those seeking healing! Willow forms the Sacred Hoop of Life. Willow was also a favored wood for creating the voice box of Celtic lap harps. Although simply sitting within a Willow’s energy field is beneficial to us, I have found that Willows often require more time spent in our company before taking notice of us, and deciding whether or not to engage with us on more than a superficial level. Vibrant with rich emotion, branches blooming with portentous dreams, the Willow teaches us to be as flexible, healing and deep as Water. How does she appear in your life?



“Trees serve as homes for visiting devas who do not manifest in earthly bodies, but live in the fibers of the trunks and larger branches of the trees, feed from the leaves and communicate through the tree itself. Some are permanently stationed as guardians of sacred places.” ~Deva Shastra




Feelings are much like waves, we can't stop them from coming but we can choose which one to surf.  ~Jonatan Mårtensson

"Dreaming is an act of pure imagination, attesting in all men a creative power, which if it were available in waking, would make every man a Dante or Shakespeare."  ~H.F. Hedge

Spider, ant, earthworm, oriole, owl, squirrel, sparrow, swallow, goldfinch, river otter, muskrat, beaver, moose, swan and other waterfowl, cattails and other reeds, deer, elk, caribou, the Moon, aphid, webworm, gypsy moth, luna moth and other lepidoptera, dog/wolf/coyote/fox, bear, bison/buffalo, cattle, and willow shoot sawfly are just a few potential balancing energies.



Key concepts: Water, Emotion, Dreams, Grief, Flexibility, Moon/Lunar energy, Feminine energy/power/intuition/bond, Prophetic Dreams, Music, Intuition, Rebirth, Magic, Divination, Inspiration




Associated Gods, Goddesses or Mythic figures: Venus, Hecate, Brigid, Demeter, Rusalkas and Faeries, Osiris, Crone aspects of triple goddesses as well as muses, seers, and oracles of all sorts, especially feminine ones. The Willow forms the Hoop of Life in some Native Traditions, and is often used to make Dreamcatchers as well as beautiful baskets. Orpheus, Kwan Yin, Circe, Belenus, Artemis, Mercury, .