Wand

The wand is an instrument of invocation. It is sometimes used to direct energy or to draw magical symbols on the ground. To some, the wand represents the element of air, and it is sacred to the Gods.

The size of the wand is up to you, whatever size feels comfortable in your hand - your wand should feel like an extension of your own arm. Traditionally, it has been fashioned from the wood of a willow, elder, cherry, oak or peach tree. Any reasonably straight piece of wood can be used, even one you buy from a hardware shop!

The wand must be consecrated like any other tool. By consecrating a tool, you are declaring to the God and the Goddess that it is sacred and will only be used for magical work. It only touches the air.

You don't have to own the 'perfect' wand at first; you may use a stick until you stumble upon the right wand for you. Whatever you choose to use at first will be infused with your energy and power.

Some Wiccans engrave their wands with magical symbols, runes and/or words but this isn't absolutely necessary, as it becomes magical with your touch and use.

All tools are ritually cleansed and purified before use to remove any negativity; they are then personally charged and consecrated. Consecration only needs to be done once.

A Consecration Ritual For Your Wand
Hold your wand high in salute and say: "Lord and Lady, Father and Mother of all life. Here I present my personal wand for your approval. From now on may it serve me as a tool and a weapon in they service."

Place it on your altar and bow your head, thinking of it. Dip your fingers into the salted water and sprinkle it on the wand, on all sides. Now pick it up and hold it in the smoke of the incense, making sure all parts get thoroughly censed. Say: "May the sacred water and smoke drive out any impurities in this wand, that it be pure and cleansed, ready to serve me and my gods in any way I desire. So mote it be."

Hold it between the palms of your hands and concentrate all your energy into the wand. Then say: "I charge this wand through me with the wisdom of the God and the Goddess. May it serve us well, keeping me from harm and acting in their service in all things. So mote it be."

Keep the wand on your person for 24 hours and sleep with it under your pillow for three consecutive nights. It is your own personal tool. It is fine to let other people handle your wand, but never let another use it for anything, inside or outside the Circle. It is considered bad manners to handle another person's tools without permission. Your tools are your personal symbol of witchhood and deserved careful choice and treatment.

A Wand Dedication Ritual
Finally, a suggestion for dedicating your wand before you first use it. Perform this with visualization.

If the wand is made of wood, take it outside at sunset and rub it with fresh lavender, eucalyptus or mint leaves. Raise it towards the east and invoke the Goddess. In the morning, at sunrise, take it outside again and invoke the Goddess by rubbing it with more fresh leaves and holding it up again to the east.