There is a 132 year old cemetery in my neighborhood that has become my favorite place in the city. I spent a good part of 2009 (the parts when i was actually home) on the steps of a memorial erected in 1939.
In October of the same year, I became spellbound by a Willow Tree a few acres away.
Willows are known for their healing properties and have been written about for centuries by people like The Western Father of Medicine, Hippocrates, in 5th century BC. The sap is rich in salicylic acid which is similar to the active component of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) and is known for its ability to ease aches and pains and reduce fever. It is probably best known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which is why we find it in all those anti-acne treatments out there.
In religion, willow is one of the "Four Species" used in a ceremony on the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. In Buddhism, a willow branch is one of the chief attributes of Kwan Yin, the bodhisattva of compassion. Willow is also one of the "nine sacred trees" mentioned in Wicca and witchcraft, with several magical uses. In the Wiccan Rede, it is described as growing by water, guiding the dead to "The Summerland", a commonly used term in Wicca to refer to the afterlife. Christian churches in northwestern Europe often used willow branches in place of palms in the ceremonies on Palm Sunday.
My point is... that willow has inspired me! I was sitting under it's canopy one afternoon, trying to clear my chaotic mind. When I returned to reality, I realized I had made a bracelet. The next time I was there, I made another. I realized it was sort of a meditative thing I was doing... and I created quite a few of them.
During a recent snow storm, I brought out my visionary art as well as my box of vintage findings... and I embellished my bracelets.
This is the first to be added to
::MY ETSY STORE::
Look for more in the future.
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