A little context
Few magical tools have as much discussion as magic wands or wands.
The use of the wand, something that almost everyone agrees, comes from Ceremonial Magic, which has been using it for hundreds of years, therefore, it is not exclusive to witchcraft in its multiple branches, nor to Wiccans in their different traditions.
Several branches of witchcraft and some Wiccan traditions do not use it in their art practices. In this regard, Raymond Buckland refers to the issue, indicating that we are Wiccans, not ceremonial magicians, so we are not tied to making them from a certain wood or with a certain length. Furthermore, he proposes that even the Athame can be used in its place.
On the other hand, Scott Cunningham, an exponent of solitary practitioners, adopts it as another tool of the Wiccans, one of the most important; although it agrees that it can be made of any type of wood and any length.
As solitary practitioners, many of us choose to use it, although it will always depend on whether we are more or less oriented to a certain tradition.
Use of the wand
The wand has a double functionality, it is a tool of invocation as well as a tool that allows us to direct energy.
As a tool of invocation, it is used to invoke the gods and goddesses, raising it in our right hand and reciting the desired invocation in front of the altar.
In its function of helping us direct energy, we can use it to draw the circle of protection, to draw symbols both on the ground and in the air, to point towards where there is danger and to point/touch some magical preparation with its tip.
Cunningham further suggests that it can be used to stir the cauldron. In my experience, I do not share this point, since we can ruin the wand or worse, contaminate the content that is being prepared.
Wand Types
Both the authors that I named in this article, as well as many witches I know, and even I, are clear that the wand comes into our lives at the moment, with whatever shape and wood it may be. Thanks to J. K. Rowling there is a phrase that resonates with new generations, and that, although it comes from a work of fiction, a wonderful work by the way, contains a great truth for our art: “The wand chooses the wizard.”
It is true that we cannot spend our lives waiting for THAT wand to arrive, so below are the most frequently used woods. If the wood of your wand is not on the list, don't worry, the important thing is to always feel that we are connected to it.
Willow: used for wands dedicated to moon magic. Its wood protects from negative energies and promotes concentration and mental clarity as well as attracting good fortune and prosperity.
Elder: for Celtic culture, the elder was the abode of the gods, so it was forbidden to cut or pluck it, and one was exposed to strong punishment. Despite this, legend has it that Merlin's wand was made of elder wood. Its wood is used for protection and undoing enchantments and spells.
Oak: also widely used in Celtic culture, associated with the druids and celebrations under these trees. Its wood serves for strength, power and protection
Apple Tree: its wood is used for wands dedicated to love magic and healing.
Peach: Its wood helps contact with other planes, clairvoyance, fidelity and development.
Hazel Tree: For the Celts the hazel tree was another sacred tree and symbolized wisdom. It was also used for prosperity and fertility. It is part of the legend, because there are no records, that the druids used hazel wands for divination and to discover what was lost or what was hidden.
Cherry Tree: The cherry tree and its fruits have always been associated with love, so the wands made from this tree have properties to stimulate or attract love, as well as to attract friends or followers and some also say it have a certain power for divination
Wands size
We cannot stop repeating that the one you find or make and there is a special connection is the appropriate one, but some references are listed below if you want to follow those measures.
Option 1: Take the length from the bend of the elbow to the tip of the forefinger.
Option 2: Exactly 20 inches (or 50.8 cms)
