The Cailleach's Last Weave
Willow New Moon / New Moon Cocktail Club / At its core, Willow is powered by watery places - a reminder that we too are creatures of emotion and subconscious feeling.
New moons are always a sign and time of re-birth and re-activation.
They’re the beginning of a new lunar cycle.
Celtic tree astrology and the Celtic tree Calendar are modern constructs, dreamed up by Robert Graves, a poet and mythologist - Thirteen trees, one for each lunar cycle in the year.
Where astrology believes the effect of each new moon takes on the characteristics of astrological transits also occurring at the same time and of the archetypal sign it’s placed in. The tree calendar was developed so that each moon cycle took on the characteristics and archetypes of the tree it was placed in.
Archetypes of planets, the cosmos and nature offer us reflections of consciousness, they reinforce our inter-connective totality to all known and unknown things.
W I L L O W
Common Name: Willow
Scientific Name: Salix
Irish Name: Saileach
Family: Salicaceae
Planet: Moon
Element: Water
Diety: Brigid
Symbolism: Harmony, enchantment, retrieval, femininity and flow.
Colour: Silver
Willow is the fifth consonant of the Ogham alphabet Saille
This Willow new moon is the fifth month of the Celtic Tree calendar, April 15 - May 12th.
Right now as I look out of my window, the landscape is adorned with Willow, Birch and Hawthorn in bright green leaf. I saw the first butterfly of the year today, maybe a Brimstone, delicately hovering on the breeze, a thing of ethereal beauty.
The symbolism behind this stunning creature did not elude me either – according to google, a green butterfly represents feminine energy imbued with love and compassion akin to what Willow embodies too (although some, including myself if i’m brutally honest, may argue if such links hold any merit). Nevertheless, it's hard not to marvel at nature's way of imparting meaningful messages!
The weather today has been remarkably balmy at 16 degrees Celsius, marking it as the warmest day so far this year.
Thursday’s Willow new moon represents a time of growth and renewal, with the lush greenery of the surrounding trees signalling this change.
As we enter the season of the Willow, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate nature's beauty and reflect on its symbolism.
The Willow tree is linked to intuitive powers, making this new moon an opportune time for introspection and self-discovery, a time of rejuvenation and inner growth, to connect with one's spiritual side and enhance intuitive powers.
Willows are trees that thrive in damp environments - a tree of wet places, it’s why they’re so ubiquitous around here. They also possess a deeply mystical quality and seem attuned to the music of the surrounding waters, as if their very essence were intertwined with the liquid rhythmic ebb and flow.
The Willow New Moon marks the transition into Bealtaine and the bright half of the year. It strikes me that Willow is the Cailleach’s final bow, encouraging us to bend into shape - weaving the final strands of winter's long dark night and emerging as vibrant new life.
Weaving with willow is not just a traditional art, but an ancient practice that has been prevalent for centuries. It highlights the significant role plants like willow have played in human history and their relevance even today. A few years ago, I had the incredible opportunity to visit my neighbour Joe Hogan who happens to be one of the best basket makers and weavers in the country. As someone deeply passionate about this craft, it was fascinating to observe how he skillfully intertwined each strand of willow with intricate precision and ease.
Last summer, I got a chance to weave with Sarah Jenkinson myself - another masterful artist well-known for her proficiency in weaving baskets using natural materials such as willow. While learning from her techniques, what struck me most was how much joy she derived from working on these pieces - every gesture performed effortlessly yet intentionally.
It's clear that both Joe Hogan and Sarah Jenkinson possess more than mere technical prowess; they are passionate ambassadors advocating for this timeless art form woven into nature.
However, willow has uses beyond traditional basket weaving. In modern times, willow is also being used in architecture and furniture design, with its natural properties proving to be a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to other materials.
As we move into the bright half of the year, let us take a lesson from Willow and embrace change with flexibility and grace.
New Moon Insights
This New Moon enters Aries on Thursday 20th April at 5.12am, the second new moon in Aries this year in conjunction with a solar eclipse.
It’s the fifth moon cycle of 2023.
As a symbol of new beginnings and inspiration, Willow has long been associated with feminine energy and lunar rhythms. Its ability to bend and weave represents the fluidity of life's journey, adapting to change while remaining grounded in its essence.
At its core, Willow is powered by watery places - a reminder that we too are creatures of emotion and subconscious feeling. As this half of the year draws to an end, let us embrace the flowing river-like nature of this season as it encourages us to express our deepest buried feelings. Let us allow ourselves to unleash our emotions just like how Cailleach unleashes herself in one last surge of energy before surrendering to change.
In doing so, we surrender ourselves fully into the world's ebbs and flows; allowing them to wash away old habits or thought patterns which may have weighed heavily on our souls. It reminds us that sometimes letting go can be just as transformative as taking action.
In these turbulent times where healing seems crucial both at an individual level for human spirit as well global transformations aimed at rejuvenating mother earth's soul - embracing changes brought forth by fluidity becomes more essential than ever.
New Moon Cocktail Club (NMCC)
For those who subscribe to the NMCC you will now find your recipes, plant insights and dark moon meditation here direct to your inbox rather than on the private website page… and for those who don’t, you can subscribe here if you’d like to receive a new moon mixer to your door each month.
This Month’s New Moon Mixer - Flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum) Cuirín Syrup & Distillate.
Flowering currant is a deciduous shrub that is native to western North America. It was introduced to Europe in the 19th century and has since become a favorite among gardeners due to its attractive pink flowers, which are also loved by bees, birds and insects. In addition to their ornamental qualities, flowering currants also have a range of medicinal uses.
The flowering currant possesses a scent and flavour that closely resembles that of the blackcurrant, making it an ideal ingredient for creating jams, syrups, liquids and infusions. With its delicate yet captivating aroma, I decided to experiment with this springtime wonder in my latest concoction. By carefully extracting its essence through steam distillation (I had only previously vacuum distilled this plant and was amazed by the results of steam distillation) and crafting a syrup from its fragrant blooms, I was able to craft this month’s mixer, so you can infuse your favourite cocktails and mocktails with layers of depth.
Whether you're looking to add a touch of sophistication to your next garden party or simply want to enjoy a refreshing drink on a warm spring day, be sure to give flowering currant a try in your next mixology adventure.
Cocktail Recipe
35ml Gin
25ml Flowering Currant New Moon Mixer
105ml Champagne / Or other sparkling wine
15ml lemon juice
Garnish: Lemon twist
Add the gin, lemon juice and mixer to a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.
Strain into a Champagne flute.
Top with the Champagne.
Garnish with a lemon twist.
Mocktail Recipe
50ml Flowering Currant New Moon Mixer
60ml almond milk
Garnish: Grated lemon zest and ground cumin
Add the mixer and almond milk to a shaker with ice and shake until chilled.
Strain into a glass with cubed ice.
Garnish with a lemon zest and pinch of ground cumin.
E N J O Y x