WILLOW BRANCHES FROM TEMPLE GROUNDS

My sifu told me to get some willow branches to be used to cleanse my mother's house and also for her to take a bath.  He said that the willow would help to rid my house and my mum of the presence of unwanted spirits and evil beings.  That was why I went to the Tua Pek Kong Temple in Pasir Panjang to get a few branches of the willow planted all around the temple ground.  Before I broke off the branches, I prayed to the deities first and asked for permission from Tua Pek Kong.
It is the willow branch that Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, uses to sprinkle the divine nectar of life on Her devotees.  Willow branches are believed by the Taoists to have the magical power to ward off evil spirits.  Kuan Yin also uses this branch to sprinkle the holy water in her vase to put demons to flight.