Pussywillows, used in Central and Eastern Europe instead of palms on Palm Sunday, are considered sacred to goddesses of the moon, death, and royal power.

Pussy willows are often used in Central and Eastern European churches on Palm Sunday instead of the nearly-impossible to obtain palms. They bloom in early spring and the branches are supple enough to use in the holiday decorations and festivities.

Pussy willows are also associated with the moon and water, often used when invoking Hecate, Artemis/Diana, Ceres, Persephone, Hera, or Mercury/Hermes for protection. All these are deities associated with the night and the dead, ex. Hermes leading the newly-departed to their abode in the Otherworld. Early British burial mounds, near marshes or lakes, are often lined with willow branches. It is said that if you plant a willow and it — or a cutting taken from it — is thriving when you die, you will be protected in your journey to the Otherworld and throughout the afterlife.

To conjure spirits, burn willow bark and sandalwood outdoors at night during the waning moon. “Knock on wood” (i.e willow trees or bark) to protect yourself from evil or attract good luck. Willow is also considered appropriate for a magical staff (the infamous “magic wand”) or to bind a broom to be used for magical purposes.