Wand Meaning and magickal uses
Also called Magick wand, Ritual wand
A slender stick of wood that gently directs energy and invites spirits and deities.
- Intentions
- Creativity, New Beginnings, Wisdom
- Element
- Air
- Planet
- Mercury
- Day
- Wednesday
- On the altar
- Right side, or the east if you lay out by direction
- Made of
- Wood, often with a crystal tip
How to use it
- Welcome, don't command
Use the wand when you invite the elements or a deity into your circle. Raise it gently toward each direction as you say your welcome; it is the softer partner of the athame.
- Charge your tools
Hold the wand over a crystal, herb jar or candle and slowly trace three clockwise circles above it while you speak your intention. Picture the wand's tip glowing as you do.
- Make your own
Find a fallen branch roughly the length from your elbow to your fingertip. Thank the tree, sand it smooth, and decorate it with ribbon, carving or a small stone.
Works well with
History and folklore
Wands and staffs show up in myths across Europe, from the rods of Greek gods to the hazel wands of Irish poets. In modern Wicca the wand is the gentler tool: the athame commands, the wand invites. Folklore favors woods such as hazel for wisdom, willow for the moon and intuition, and oak for strength. Many witches say a wand you find or make yourself serves better than one you buy.
A slender stick of wood that gently directs energy and invites spirits and deities.
- Intentions: Creativity, New Beginnings, Wisdom
- Element: Air
- Planet: Mercury
- Day: Wednesday
- On the altar: Right side, or the east if you lay out by direction
- Made of: Wood, often with a crystal tip
How to use it
- Welcome, don't command. Use the wand when you invite the elements or a deity into your circle. Raise it gently toward each direction as you say your welcome; it is the softer partner of the athame.
- Charge your tools. Hold the wand over a crystal, herb jar or candle and slowly trace three clockwise circles above it while you speak your intention. Picture the wand's tip glowing as you do.
- Make your own. Find a fallen branch roughly the length from your elbow to your fingertip. Thank the tree, sand it smooth, and decorate it with ribbon, carving or a small stone.
Works well with: Oak, Hazel, Willow, Clear Quartz, Yellow Candle
Folklore
Wands and staffs show up in myths across Europe, from the rods of Greek gods to the hazel wands of Irish poets. In modern Wicca the wand is the gentler tool: the athame commands, the wand invites. Folklore favors woods such as hazel for wisdom, willow for the moon and intuition, and oak for strength. Many witches say a wand you find or make yourself serves better than one you buy.
The Witch's Cabinet is a free reference for your practice. Correspondences are traditional associations, not medical advice. Always follow the safety notes, especially with herbs and essential oils around children, pets and during pregnancy.