Hi, my loves and welcome to WiccaNow. Recently I’ve been covering an eclectic array of topics such as Ostara, candle magic, this abundance spell and most recently a topic many of you have expressed a keen interest in, namely witchy altars. I’ve written a post with tips on how to set your own witch’s altar up and also one about common altar decorations. While writing these posts, I realised that I hadn’t talked about one of the most commonly recognised witch tools, namely witch wands!
While this may seem like something popularised by movies (I’m looking at you Harry Potter), witch wands are a commonly used tool that many practitioners will choose to incorporate into their practice.
Today I want to answer some commonly asked questions about witch wands and their uses as well as giving you some tips on how to make your own witchy wand and what materials you might want to use. So, let’s get into it!
The History of Witch Wands
Wands are speculated to have been objects of power for a very long time with Stone Age paintings showing figures holding wand-like objects. The figures in these paintings are theorised to have been leaders, with the wands representing their position of power.
Fun fact: In certain formal ceremonies in Britan, specials officials are allowed to carry a “wand of office” which is a representation of the power that they hold.
Surprisingly, there are written records of witch wands as early as 1200AD when wands were mentioned in a Latin book called “The Oathbound Book of Honorius”. Many of the ideas in this book formed the basis of the more famous book “The Key of Solomon” which was written in the 1500s and has been a popular resource for occultists since then. The 1888 version (it was finally translated into English) is what inspired modern Wicca founder Gerald Gardner to incorporate wands into his own practice.
What Is A Witch Wand And How do Witches Use Them?
Witch wands are used to channel and direct magickal energy. They are thought to contain gentle power which is often used to invite and encourage rather than command. Witch wands represent both the air and fire elements and are often used to cast circles for rituals and spellwork.
If you read my previous post on altars, you’ll know that having a balance of the male and female on your altar is important. Due to its phallic nature, a witch’s wand is considered a masculine tool, along with the Anthame. These two tools have quite similar uses, the main difference being the force of their powers. Anthames command, wands encourage.
If you are incorporating either of these tools into your practice, consider what it is that you want to achieve and with how much force you want to achieve it. For example, witch wands are generally used if you’re trying to summon spirits because it’s best to invite them rather than to command them to attend.
What does a Wand Symbolise?
A wand is symbolic of a witch’s power, and is seen as an extension of the witch using it. It’s also symbolic of masculine power and the air and fire elements. Because of it’s stronger association with the air element, it’s symbolic of communication, logic and intellect.
What is a Witches Wand made of?
Witch wands can be made from any material that you feel drawn to. Traditionally they are made from wood, with different woods making wands that can be used for different aspects of magick. A willow wand, for example, is an excellent wand for healing magic.
Wands can also be made from crystal, plastic, metal, rock or anything else you feel drawn to.
A lot of people choose to make their own witch wands because it gives them a chance to decorate and form the wand into something that feels powerful for them. Making your own wand will also form a bond between you and the wand which will help you to cast more powerful spells. What you decorate your wand with can increase the power or intention of it so always make sure you do everything in an informed and intentional way. More on that below.
Which is the best wood for a Witch Wand?
Different woods hold different energies and this is something you should keep in mind when you select the wood to use in your wand. In saying this, however, I’ve found that going out and finding a branch or stick that draws me to it forms a stronger bond than simply going on wood type.
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