A witch’s wand is used to invoke the element of air, as an extension of the arm used to project energy and also to designate a sacred space for magical work.
Choosing a Wiccan Wand
A wand is as unique as the witch who uses it, there are no hard and fast rules concerning the materials or construction of a Wiccan wand. Traditionally, the wand is usually made of wood, or alternatively of copper or silver.
Store Bought Wiccan Wand or Homemade?
Wiccans can choose between making their own wand and buying one from a Wiccan store. Again there are no hard and fast rules here, except to trust to instinct. When considering a store bought wand, be sure hold it to discover how it feels; it will become clear if it is the right one!
It's believed that a crystal tip on a wand can focus energy more intensely, and some wands are wrapped in a spiral of a long strip of soft leather, while other wands may clasp a rounded crystal in the handle.
Making a Simple Wiccan Wand from the Living Tree
Some Wiccan traditions encourage adherents to make their own wands, believing that a wand made oneself is be more effective in magical work. To craft a homemade wand:
- Cut a section of living wood from a tree. Always ask the permission of the tree beforehand, and thank it after the cutting is performed.
- Craft the wood carefully into a suitable length, all the while trusting to instinct to guide the choice of the section of wood to use along with the shape of the final wand.
- A simple wand has a gently pointed tip, with the other end is gently rounded.
- The bark may be left along the length of the wand, peeled off, or cut to give a spiral around the lengths of the wand.
A wood carving knife is a suitable tool for crafting a wand; though do take time to master its use as the blade must be sharp to be efficient.
Wand Magic: Using the Wiccan Wand
While the function of the wand is similar to that of the Wiccan athame, the wand is used more for magical work concerning communication, and material action and projects, in the physical world. Use a wand to communicate an intention to the universe as the culmination of a Wiccan spell, this is a more powerful and deliberate act than the gentler action of using candle magic to disseminate the outcome of a magic spell.
Whether sourced from a Wiccan store or homemade, the Wiccan wand is an essential tool for any Wiccan altar. The Wiccan wand is a potent tool in spells and rituals that carry the intent of projecting energy into tangible outcomes.
Sources:
To Ride a Silver Broomstick by Silver RavenWolf.
Simple Wicca by Michele Morgan.
The Wicca Bible by Ann-Marie Gallagher.
