The Wand is among the most recognizable symbols and altar tools in Wicca.
Wands serve purposes such as divination, channeling, and directing magickal energy.
Unlike the broom and similar to the athame, the wand is practical and portable. While the athame stands for the mind’s capacity to comprehend, the wand signifies the ability to reach realms beyond the confines of the mind. It represents Divine wisdom.
One thing is certain, the wand is a personal tool potent enough to bring about transformation.
Symbol, Direction, and Element
The wand’s orientation is South and East. Like the athame, it is considered a masculine implement.
As per Gerald Gardner, the wand signifies the element of Air. Representing Air, the wand is connected with communication, intellect, logical thinking, and telepathy. There are traditions that consider it to also symbolize Fire.
Using The Wand
The wand is employed to invoke spirits. In his Book of Shadows, Gerald Gardner mentions that the wand is “used to summon certain spirits with whom it would not be appropriate to use the athame.” The term certain spirits refers to elemental spirits that have an aversion to iron and steel.
Utilize the wand for divination, to call forth the guardians of the four directions, to invoke deities, and to cast a ritual circle.
Additionally, the wand is used to create a hole in the soil before planting seeds during the Spring Equinox. The seeds represent the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of individuals.
Materials
Wands can be crafted from various materials such as wood, metal, or stone. However, the most sought-after wands are made from Ash, Oak, and Willow, as wands crafted from these sacred woods hold great power.
A majority of Wiccans prefer to create their own wand. This is a natural approach to possessing and using a wand. They typically find the most suitable branch in the forest and shape it into wand form. They may embellish their wands with carvings and adorn the tips with gemstones or crystals.
Some Wiccans are satisfied with just a chalice and a wand, representing one feminine and one masculine tool.
