 
A
wand is a magical tool most often used to direct
energy. Wands may be used for blessing, casting
circles and spells and calling upon the gods
and goddess’. They are commonly utilized
during ceremonies and rites of passage and are
especially popular for use during hand fasting
ceremonies. In many classic occult texts wands
are often referred to when the topic of transfiguration/transformation
is discussed as well as for use in the ‘dark
arts’.
Here
are some examples of wands and related artifacts:
The
Magic Wand: Usually made of wood these
are used to direct energy when casting circles
and spells. Some witches prefer to use a wand
in place of an Athame.
 The
Druid Rod: Serves the same purpose
as a Magic Wand but may be made of different
types of wood (Hazel and Oak are popular Druid
wand woods). It is also said by some that the
rod must touch the item that it being transformed,
blessed or cursed which is not entirely true
of the Magic Wand.
The
Staff: May be used in a similar way
to a wand directing energy, marking quarters
or calling upon the deities. Very important
to some traditions.
Natural
Crystal Wands: These small wands are
most often used for healing.
Divining
Rods: Often made of metal (such as
copper) or willow, these are used to locate
lost items, water or even pinpoint spiritual
activity.
The
Talking Stick: Used by Native Americans
to designate who had the right the speak during
important discussions. Whomever holds the talking
stick has within his hands holds the sacred
power of words. Only the member holding the
stick may speak when finished he passes the
item to another until all people have their
turn.
Selecting
a Wand
Wands
come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials.
There are several things to consider when choosing
a wand. What types of magic you will be performing?
What magical influences are important to you?
What tradition/s do you practice?
As
with a pen or sword, a wand is only as powerful
as the person who yields it. It is the combination
of a comfortable wand in the hands of a confident
caster that makes for powerful magic Choosing
a tool that is appealing to you and that you
are comfortable with is of the utmost importance.
If you purchase an ornate wand but are afraid
of damaging it then that is not the right wand
for you. Likewise, if you purchase a simple
wand and do not care for it, it will do you
no favours. Think about it’s purpose,
your priorities and tastes. Remember, a wand
is an extension of yourself.
SIZE: The most popular belief for ‘fitting’
a wand that I have come across is that a wand
should be the same length as from the tip of
your fingers to the point of your elbow. I have
also found texts that state 19 inches to be
the ideal length. The internet is filled with
wands of all sizes.
VIRGIN
WOOD: In a single day of searching
I came across several variations of the term
‘virgin wood’. According to the
sources that I read ‘virgin wood’
could mean: wood from a tree no older than 1
year, wood from a tree that has never borne
fruit, a branch that has no offshoots, a tree
that has never been cut, a branch that has been
freely given (fallen from and not cut from the
tree). If any of these are important to you,
be sure to ask your wand maker what ‘virgin
wood’ means to him/her.
MATERIAL: Wood is the most common and traditional
material for wand making though you will come
across wands made of all manner of things. Different
types of woods have varying magical properties
and this is something you may want to consider
when selecting a wand. If you are a Druid you
may feel strongly about the power of the Oak
tree, someone who follows the Faerie Faith may
prefer to use a wand made of Elder.
If
you are a traditional witch you might prefer
a simple wooden wand, inscribing it with runes
or symbols important to you. Perhaps you seek
something a little more ornate and find gem
topped wands appealing. You might even stumble
across a perfect wand as you take a hike in
the woods. Try to keep in mind what is important
to you, and keep your eyes open … the
right wand will find you eventually.
 About
Our Wands
My husband started to craft wands because
I couldn't find one that fit me. All of the wands I found in shops
and on-line were covered with feathers or gems or too ornate for my tastes. I wanted
the wand equivalent to the “little black
dress” a simple, natural, beauty.
We put a great deal of love and
work into our wands, making each one a handcrafted
one-of-a-kind item. We begin by seeking out wood
with character and charm. If the wood is still
on the tree we ask permission to harvest it. Thanks are given and an appropriate offering
is left as a token of our appreciation. The bark is removed
and the wood is worked to a fine, smooth finish.
The natural bumps and bends that reveal themselves
are embraced and respected and not removed.
The raw wand is then treated with a beeswax
polish we make from scratch
and finished with a leather grip.
Check out our shop to see if we currently have any wands available.
You might also be interested in our Spoon Wands
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