Description According to an old Polish legend, many springtimes ago a mother cat was crying at the bank of the river. Her kittens had fallen into the river while chasing butterflies, and were drowning. The willows at the river’s edge longed to help her. So they swept their long graceful branches into the waters to rescue the tiny kittens. The kittens gripped on tightly to their branches and were safely brought to shore. Each springtime the willow branches sprout tiny fur-like buds at their tips where the tiny kittens once clung. The Pussy Willow Reliquary is alleged to give strength and health. Catkins were thought to heal from infertility, protect against fever, restore mental and physical strength, and make it easier to endure separation from a loved one. Gathered willow bunches were believed to increase in power after consecration in church and were used in the same way as Blessed Palms. Wildcrafted Alberta Pussy Willows
