Spring witch's ladder 2022
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I finished my witch’s ladder for the upcoming season—doesn’t it scream spring?🌷
I’d never worked with pussy willow but read recently that their branches are used in basket-making, so I thought I’d give them a try. I’m so glad I did—they were perfectly pliable. Here’s how I got them in a circle:
1. Lay three long branches parallel on a table.
2. Cut three same-size lengths of jute and knot one to the top of each branch.
3. Tape down all of the ends and gently braid the three branch + jute sets (it doesn’t have to be tight, I think I made a total of 5-6 braids)
4. When you reach the end, tie the ends of the jute to the tops of your original knots, forming a circle.
Next, I went through with the rest of my branches (I think there were 10 total), sticking each end individually into a random part of the braid, winding it a couple times around the wreath, and tucking the other end in wherever. I then stuck sprigs of wax flower and mini tulips randomly throughout.
Here are my correspondences:
- Willow is associated with water and the moon. Since it has so many medicinal and magical qualities, it was frequently sought out by folk healers and became known as the witch’s tree. The willow qualities I pulled for this ladder are love, femininity, divination, and protection.
- I used wax flower for the color correspondence—purple for royalty, self-improvement, and spiritual awareness.
- Tulips, another harbinger of spring, are also feminine and work well for love and protection. They add abundance and sun power.
- As always, my jute for stability and the hearth.
If this is your first time seeing one of my ladders, I channel the energy I need into each one and use it to power up my space. I try to replace them for each of the festivals. When they start to wilt and fade, I’ll either cleanse and reuse the materials, or remove any non-biodegradable charms/bits and bury them. If you don’t want to make a wreath, they can be draped across a table or hung down a wall.
Happy spring (typed the day after a freak blizzard in Pittsburgh)!