Wands By: Staci Patterson
Uses:
While the wand is one of those magickal tools that are not a must have they do have a pretty important job for those who do wish to use them.
Wands have been used for thousands of years in both magickal and religious rites. Here are some ways it can be utilized:
-It is an instrument of invocation. It is used to call upon the God and Goddess to watch the ritual being performed.
-It is used to direct energy to a specific intent.
-It is used to draw magickal symbols or even just a circle on the ground for spells and rituals.
-And it is used to stir ingredients together within a cauldron.
Information:
The wand represents the element of Air and is considered to be very sacred to the God.
While wands can pretty much be made from whatever you desire there are also some that prefer the more traditional wands to use in their craft. (Scott Cunningham used a piece of licorice root as a wand for a while and says he had very good results with it).
The traditional woods used for wands are willow, elder, oak, apple, peach, hazel, cherry, and many more. Honestly any little stick or twig you find can be infused with energies and powers and will do just fine. You could even go to your local hardware store and purchase a wooden dowel and it work wonders.
Size also doesn't really matter either. Some crafters would rather their wand be small, no bigger than the length of their hand, while others prefer to cut it to traditional length. Traditional length of a wand is when it is cut by measuring from the crook of their elbow to the tip of their forefinger.
Some prefer to keep the wand plain and simple. No decorations added or even patterns carved into it. However, some prefer to take their wands to the next step by painting them certain colors, adding specific metals, crystals, stones, ribbons, or charms to them.
The point of the wand is not how thick or skinny it is. It's not how long or short it is. It's not even how plain or decorated it is. The point of the wand is to direct energy and power into a specific intent. It is to assist you with your spell/ritual work. It is to invoke the God and Goddess.
There are also a few ways you can charge your wand (put energy into it). Here are some ways below..
-You may put it in the light of a full moon overnight to charge.
-You may put it outside during a thunderstorm to use the lightning to charge it. (This makes it extremely powerful in my opinion).
-You may anoint it with full moon water.
-You may put the wand in your hands and put your own energies into your wand by visualizing your energy being transfered into it.
Keep in mind that once a wand has had energy put into it (the very first time) it very easily absorbs energies of anyone else that may touch it so make sure you actually want someone to touch your wand before you allow them to. If someone handles your wand that you didn't want them to remember to cleanse it and recharge it before you use it.
Cleansing can be done by putting your wand with a crystal quartz for a period of time. (until you feel the negative energies are gone) or selenite is good for cleansing wands as well. Or you may simply smudge your wand. Using cleansing water works wanders as well.(Recipe for cleansing water: Clear bowl of purified water and cleansing crystal of your choice. I personally use clear crystal quartz for this but you may also use diamond as well. Place crystal in water for 24 hours, at least, but longer if you so chose. Once the water is ready remove the crystal and place in a labeled container. I personally replace my cleansing water once a month. This water can be used to cleanse ANY of your magickal tools and sacred areas.)Also, remember that energies diminish over time so make sure you charge your wand on a regular basis. I cleanse and recharge mine after every 3 uses.
Cauldron
This tool is considered to be of the utmost importance to a witch.
The cauldron is something that has been used for centuries. Traditionally the cauldron is made of cast iron and rests on 3 legs with the opening being smaller than the bottom. They come in all sizes that range from just a few inches in diameter to huge monsters that you may see used inside fireplaces and can be up to 3-4 feet in diameter.
The Cauldron is seen as the symbol for the Goddess, for most, and is also symbolic of the element of water, reincarnation, immortality, and inspiration.
It is usually the focal point of rituals. During spring rites it is filled with fresh water and flowers; in winter it may be used to kindle a fire within it to represent the returning of heat and light of the sun.
It is also a vessel that is used for cooking and brew making. However, bear in mind that a large fire and lots of patience are required to make any liquids come to a boil within your cauldron. Today, for things like cooking and brew making, stoves and pots are the more popular choice.
Along with being used for rituals and cooking and brew making, the cauldron can also be used for scrying (gazing). This is done like you would with a crystal ball but instead you fill the cauldron with water and stare or gaze into the darkness of the water.
