In many European based Witchcraft traditions, the magick wand is a simple unadorned stick of natural wood, often with the bark still intact. The wand is typically six inches to two feet in length and a quarter inch to two inches in diameter, either straight or with bends (one slight bend is the most common). The wand can be cut, but usually it is uncut and kept exactly as it was found laying on the ground in nature.
Ask for permission from the tree before cutting a wand. Thank the tree for the gift of the wand. Possibly leave a small token of thanks, such as a pebble, ribbon (natural fibres and colours), or feather.
When picking up sticks for use as a wand, the Witch will pick a natural stick that looks right and feels good when held. A Witch will recognise the right stick because it “feels” right.
Various kinds of wood are associated with specific kinds of magick and the Witch will find a wand from the right kind of tree for the magick to be performed.
The most famous of these simple stick wands is the divining rod, used for locating water or lost items. The divining wand will have a fork (two short ends that come together into a longer single length, kind of like a “Y”) and is held loosely by the branched end (one branch in each hand). The wand will slightly twitch or vibrate to give the Witches hints on which direction to look.
In high ceremonial magick the wands are very elaborate, typically constructed of metal (or fine wood that has been covered with gold, a process called “gilding”) and encrusted with valuable gems. Magick runes or symbols are carved on the length of the wand and typically there is a valuable gemstone at the tip.
Many Witches craft a much less expensive ceremonial wand by wrapping a piece of wood with cloth, leather, twine, and other materials. Magick runes or symbols can be burned or carved into the wood or drawn on cloth or leather strips and wrapped onto the wand. Seashells, feathers, crystals, and other items from nature can be tied or glued to the wand.
With these kinds of homemade wands, the personal expression of the individual Witch is important. Often the choice of items attached to the wand will be based on the Goddess or God the Witch honours (for example, a wand dedicated to Aphrodite might have seashells while a wand dedicated to Diana might have small sterling silver trinkets). The important thing is to trust your heart and create a wand that matches your personality and beliefs.
A wand shouldn’t be longer than the length from your elbow to your fingertips.
For some rituals or spells, the wand might have something temporarily attached to it. For example, for a Full Moon ritual, a Witch might write down the goals and desires for the next month on a small piece of paper and then tie or wrap the piece of paper on the wand.
As in most of Witchcraft, it is important to figure out what works for you personally. Something may be great for everyone else but not work for you, while another thing that nobody else does might be perfect for you. Trust your heart.
Some traditions correspond wands with the element air. Some traditions correspond wands with the element fire. In some traditions, the element is determined by the materials and decorations, including runes and other magick writing.
The wand is considered to be a phallic tool and therefore of masculine element and male energy.
Wands are most commonly used to channel energy. The wand is matched with materials and decorations and magick writings to the kind of energy being channeled.
As I said, wands can be carved and decorated, painted, varnished, dipped in gold if you like, or they can simply be just a stick you pick up from the ground. I have seen some wonderfully decorated wands over the years where the owner has spent a great deal of time on them. The golden rule of wand use is 'does it feel right for the work I am about to do?' if it does, then it doesn't really matter what it looks like, so long as you're happy with it.
evergreen
oh thank you Raymond I had it in my mind to set aside the next few weeks to look for some wood to be my wand.. now I know just what to do excellent!
Samjaza
Here's a couple of my small wands;-
and my biggy thing, its a full Holly tree wand, she's not actually dressed completley like a maypole but she raises a good tempest. Also in the picture from left to right is the sword, the chalice mounted pon a four sprouted branch, the wand and the besom
Raymond
You've got some lovely stuff Sam.
Raymond
Evergreen!
If you're going to start making yourself some wands, you may find the followinf information useful:
Ash wands
In Celtic mythology, the Ash was sacred to Gwydion as a tree of enchantment, from whose twigs he made his wands. It links the three circles of existence - past, present and future - continual birth and rebirth.
The spiral arrangement of the buds on the ash reminds us of the ancient cycle of death and rebirth. It shows us our connection to the wheel and the wood may be used at rites of passage. It symbolizes a key to the understanding of how all things are linked and connected. Our thoughts and actions form an endless chain of events in the outer material world as well as in the inner spiritual realms.
A Druidic Ash wand was found in Angelsey dating from the first century AD featuring a spiral decoration. Excellent for absorbing illness and all healing work.
Alder wands
Known as the wood of witches or Battle Witch wood. It draws off the element of fire, but also water and earth. This wood is best used to summon and control the four winds, banishing and controlling elements.
Beech wands
The beech is considered to be a feminine Goddess tree. It will help free the mind from its constrictions and to reconnect to the higher purpose. Beech wands are excellent for chanelling the feminine or 'Goddess' energy. Used in healing rituals but also love, friendship, peace, and romance spells.
Birch wands
Birch is associated with purification, protection, fertility and healing. It is also strongly connected with new beginnings, cleansing and new creativity. It makes effective healing or protective wands. A sacred wood best used for cleansing rituals and expelling evil spirits. Those interested in the practice of white magic will find this wood is a wonderful companion, exemplary in healing.
Blackthorn wands
The blackthorn is regarded as an increaser of secrets and the "rune of the great wheel". Its vicious black thorns make it impenetrable and it is a tree of great density and strength. A wand or staff made from this wood has great power. Blackthorn Wands are also known as "Blasting Rods" and are favoured among practicioners of the darker arts.
Twisted Blackthorn is a rare find making it all the more special.
Chestnut wands
Chestnut has the ability to deepen the experience of any ritual and aid the acceptance of one's own instincts.
Elm wands
A wood of femininity. Draws off the element of earh. A strong, neutral wood that can be used for protection or hexes. Seeks a companion of strength. Excellent for destructive spells, protection, and defensive magic.
Hawthorn wands
The Hawthorn tree is strongly associated with Faeries. It is said that when the Oak, Ash and (Haw)thorn grow close together it is a favourite haunt of the Fey people and that solitary Hawthorns growing on hills or near wells were considered to be markers to the world of Faeries.
The Hawthorn is a potently magickal tree. It long been associated with the festival of Beltaine and is perfectly suited to use as a tool for spells connected with love, fertility and Goddess rituals.
Hawthorn wands are also known as "Blessing Rods" as they allow the user to bestow blessings upon others.
Hazel wands
The Hazel has strong associations in mythology with knowledge and the gaining of wisdom. It was sacred to the Celts and associated with springs and wells.
Hazel makes a good all-purpose wand or staff. It is also known for its use in divination. It can help you to open yourself creatively as well as leading you to inspiration and inner guidance.
Holly wands
The holly represents life as it is green all year round. It is also a masculine tree of warrior magick and spiritual strength. It calls upon the seeker to recognise inner strengths. Along with Oak, Holly makes excellent wands for connecting with the masculine 'God' energy.
Oak wands
The Oak represents strength and protection. It teaches persistence and endurance. Known as the King of the Forest, the mighty Oak is traditionally associated with strength and courage. It grows to a huge size and great girth and is a very long-lived tree spanning centuries.
Offering its gifts of protection, strength and courage, Oak makes wonderful magickal tools to last a lifetime or even a special heirloom to be passed down for generations. Along with Holly, Oak makes excallent wands for connecting with the masculine 'God' energy.
Poplar wands
A neutral wood of many different shades of magic. Practical in all uses and intentions. Excellent for Divination.
Rowan wands
Rowan is a highly protective wood making it very powerful for use when casting, or within, a circle. It can be used for invoking spirits, familiars, spirit guides and elementals. It can also be used to banish undesirable entities.
Willow wands
A feminine tree of death and rebirth, Willow teaches us to take control of our destiny. It is strongly associated with water, the Underworld, poetry and Witches and it strengthens intuition and gives inspiration. Willow wands seek a companion with psychic energy. Excellent for Moon Magic.
Yew wands
The Yew represents direct contact with our past, and the old wisdom which we find deep within ourselves. It also speaks to us of fresh growth arising out of death, perhaps of our old selves, or old ways of thinking. It is a wonderful wood and can be used for contact with ancestors.
Raymond
How's your wand making going EG?
I know this a very delayed reply on this subject but it dawned on me the other day I should probably explain how you select the wood you're using for your wand.
A lot of people pick up bits of twigs from the ground for their wands. I've never understood this because if it's just lying around on the forest floor it's dead wood. There no energy in it, it won't conduct any energy it's a bit of dead wood. Even the tree didn't want it.
A wand that's just ripped from a tree will always work against you, so avoid that too.
First of all, find the tree. Approach it with respect and 'tune in' to it. Each tree has a different feeling towards humans.
Some trees are very open and friendly, some are closed and unhelpful while others are just plain hostile.
If a tree has had bad experiences with humans it will follow that it won't like us very much.
You can win a tree's friendship but frankly the time it will take, it's all too much effort just for a stick.
When you've found your tree and it's a nice friendly tree explain to it that you want to take one of it's sticks and explain to it what you want the stick for. Indicate which stick you want so the tree can remove it's life force for that particular branch while you remove the stick.
Never take more than you actually need. Try to cleanly cut the branch away rather than snap or twist it off.
If you are a healer cover the cut with your hand and offer some healing to the tree.
At this point you should thank the tree for it's sacrifice and leave some kind of offering. The offering can be anything at all but it has to be something of value to you, not neccesarily monetry value but value to you. It's pointless to leave something that has no value to you because it's not what you leave for the tree but the personal value of the thing.
There are avaliable some coins called 'Fairy coins' that are designed for this purpose.
They are truly beautifully designed coins that have no value but they are so lovely to look at it's always a huge shame to have to part with one.
I hate leaving one in the roots of a tree because it's sad I'll never see it again but that's the whole point, I'm sacrificing something I like in thanks to the tree.
Anyway, that's it. Happy wand making.
david hobbs
I never realised that a dowsing rod was a wand. Very interesting topic this one.
Raymond it is all good book material!
Raymond
I suppose so, but it's all been written before.
david hobbs
Perhaps but not with your personal experiences written into the script.
I can't shout though.
I haven't worked on my own book in months.
Raymond
I've often kicked around the idea of writing a book on Witchcraft. I just don't want to write yet another "how to" book for people who need spoonfeeding.
I'm too young to write an autobiography. Although maybe I should start making notes at least because I'm sure to end up with memory loss and sitting in my own sh*t when I get old.
david hobbs
It's he people involved and their personal stories that are interesting.
I have always made a point of telling as much as I dare on here because I do feel that occultists need to be a little more open about their experiences.
Anyone can write a how to.
To me it is being able to put your own experiences and understandings down on paper. This passes the experience on to others and better prepares them for the results of their pursuits.
Also
People practise from books but do they realise how it can affect their lives.
Now I wonder what the title of your book might be.
Raymond
Any suggestions?
david hobbs
My Life as a City Witch. would do it as long as it was written as a life story and not a workshop manual
Raymond
Mmmmmm, maybe not.
That title sort of implies I exclusively do my Witchery in a city and that's not strictly true.
Anyway, it's already been done - 'Pagan in the City' by Cassandra Eason.
The book I write will certainly be about the life of a modern Witch but it will have heavy doses of humour and belly laughs as I don't think I could write something completely dead pan.
I was thinking, 'Confessions Of A He-Witch'?
Sounds a bit 'scandal in the suburbs' though. Sort of thing the News Of The World would do a feature on.
evergreen
Bitch of a Witch...
evergreen
Raymond wrote:
How's your wand making going EG?
I know this a very delayed reply on this subject but it dawned on me the other day I should probably explain how you select the wood you're using for your wand.
Raymond still picking the wood....
I was reading through this thread for ideas again and thought i should mention that I am now living in a house with a huge birch tree in the front yard... and a holly bush in the back
I'm not drawn to using the birch tree for a wand thou- I keep wanting willow
Raymond
I'm not surprised, Willow seeks out psychic people like bees to the honeypot!
If ever you have been working hard psychically, sit by a Willow tree and you will feel it literally re-charge you.
Willow is great for all moon magic as it's a feminine-energy tree.
Are you a Full moon person or a New Moon person?
evergreen
full moon Raymond... I can't sleep for the week coming up to it I have some trouble managing my energy at that time...
This info is fascinating Raymond... thanks I think I'll get a really big willow tree to sit under regularly
Raymond
I thought you might be a full moon person actually.
I'm new moon person. I get energy from the new moon and quite frankly around the Full Moon I just want to pull the covers up and stay in bed.
Have you ever noticed how the new moon makes you feel?
evergreen
yeah it makes me tired.... I want to go to bed i find it hard to get up and get motivated I really don't feel like me....... its probably way to much information but about 7 years back I noticed that my cycle follows the full moon too... I find the whole thing fascinating
Why do you think you want to retreat around full moon..... while I am the opposite ..... has it got to do with female energies of the moon??
Raymond
To be honest I'm not entirely sure. Over the years just from talking to people I have found that some are energised by the full moon and some by the new moon. Occasionally I have met people who are energised by both but normally most people find they prefer one or the other.
Another question for you: Are you a 'daytime' person or a 'nightime' person?
evergreen
I love the night Raymond.... I use to be a real morning person but I have changed with the years
Raymond
That's strange, I've also noticed that full moon people are usually 'daytime' people and now moon people are nightime people.
I don't know if anybody has ever done any serious reseach into full moon/new moon people but it is rather interesting.
Maybe one day when I have fewer distractions I might give it some serious thought.
excellent!
