Clichéd as it may sound, the wand is one of the most popular magical tools in Wicca, as well as in some ceremonial magic traditions.
It has a number of magical purposes:
- A wand is used for the directing of energy during a ritual;
- Because it’s a phallic symbol it is used to represent male energy, power, and virility;
- Representative of the element of Air (although in a few traditions it symbolizes Fire), the wand can be used to consecrate a sacred space, or invoke deity.
Wands are traditionally made from willow, elder or oak, though almost any material can be used to create a wand. Sometimes crystals are added to the tips of wands, since crystals amplify the energy sent through the wand.
How to make your own wand
You’ll need:
- Stick from a tree: this should be approx. 8"-12" long, or whatever feels most comfortable to you. (I get mine off of the ground, there isn’t any need to harm the tree);
- Glue: Tacky, Super, or Epoxy (read bottle for best application);
- Decorations: such as crystal points, stones, feathers, ribbon, paint to draw runes or symbols.
Wood you can choose from for your wand:
- Balsa: Psychic awareness
- Cedar: Healing, purification, protection
- Cherry: Love
- Ebony: Protection, magickal energy
- Elder: Spirituality, protection
- Eucalyptus: Healing
- Maple: Love, money
- Oak: Strength, health
- Pine: Money, healing, exorcism
- Walnut: Health
- Willow: Psychic awareness, blessings of the Moon
Take a branch from a tree that is fairly straight and the right length for a wand. Preferably this should be one you find, but it can also be taken from a living tree if you psychically “ask the tree’s permission”. But if you get a strong feeling this is wrong and that you shouldn’t cut that tree, don’t do it. Either way, leave an offering of thanks: if you are in Wicca/NeoPaganism traditions, a libation of apple juice is appropriate or some home-baked cakes (unfrosted plain cupcakes, corn muffins, oatmeals or cornmeal, cookies or cornbread, a loaf of all-natural whole where bread) but please no twinkles and junkfood.
Remember: this should be done on the Waxing Moon.
Now that you have cut the branch, you’ll need to smooth down the wand: make sure all the splintered areas are smoothed out nicely, even on each end, so not to poke you while you work with it or use it afterwards.
After that, you can begin decorating it if you wish. I like to use a woodburner and burn my magickal name into it, along with a pentagram, or pentacle, celtic cross, triquetra, whatever your heart desires. I’ve seen some that actually had some beautiful pictures on them. Whatever you decide to do to it, just remember that you are putting your energy into it. Use your imagination, paint something onto it, or carve something into it, or add crystals or gemstones to it in some decorative way. And don’t say “I have no imagination,” because we all have an imagination.
Now that you have it decorated to your liking, the next and final step is to seal it and make it weather resistant you might say. I prefer to use a polyurethane stain on mine, especially the lighter woods. I usually don’t use anything any darker than a pecan colored stain, but I have been known to use a cherry stain, which turned out real pretty. Of course you can also use a clear stain as well. But the whole point to this step is to seal the wood so that it will last longer. I usually put at least two coats of the polyurethane stain on mine. I will put more depending on how dry the wood is.
Now this is just one way of making the wand and staff. I know there are many other ways and methods of doing this out there, I just know that this is how I do it. It is not a difficult method to use and your wand and staff still serve for the same purpose. They are merely an extension of yourself, but when properly made and designed, they can not only be your extension but an amplification as well.
How to consecrate:
You’ll need:
- a small bowl of salt —> north/earth;
- incense —> east/air;
- a white candle —> south/fire;
- a cup of water —> west/water.
If your tradition requires you to cast a circle, do so now.
Light the candle and the incense. Take the wand in your hands, and face north. Pass it over the salt and say:
Powers of the North,
Guardians of the Earth,
I consecrate this wand of (name of the wood),
and charge it with your energies.
I purify it this night, and make this tool sacred.
Now, turn to the east and, holding the tool in the smoke of the incense, say:
Powers of the East,
Guardians of the Air,
I consecrate this wand of (name of the wood),
and charge it with your energies.
I purify it this night, and make this tool sacred.
Next, face the south and pass the tool over the flame of the candle and repeat the process, saying:
Powers of the South,
Guardians of Fire,
I consecrate this wand of (name of the wood),
and charge it with your energies.
I purify it this night, and make this tool sacred.
Finally, turn to the west, and pass your ritual tool over the cup of water. Say:
Powers of the West,
Guardians of Water,
I consecrate this wand of (name of the wood),
and charge it with your energies.
I purify it this night, and make this tool sacred.
Face your altar, hold the wand to the sky, and say:
I charge this wand in the name of Old Ones,
the Ancients, the Sun and the Moon and the Stars.
By the powers of the Earth, of Air, of Fire and of Water
I banish the energies of any previous owners,
and make it new and fresh.
I consecrate this wand,
and it is mine.
Now you’ve not only consecrated the tool, you’ve claimed ownership. In many Pagan traditions, including some forms of Wicca, it’s considered a good idea to put the item to use immediately to bind the consecration and strengthen the energy of the tool. If you’ve consecrated a wand you can use it in a ceremony to consecrate another tool.
