In my old coven I would make creation guides for varies tools and such. Here is an example of one of these guides. I would love to make more if there is interest in that. If you have anything you would like to see please post it below
A Wand and Staff Creation Guide.
For this post ill walk you through the creation of a Wand. A staff can be made the virtually the same process. As a general note this is only one method. There are many methods that are used and another may work better for you.
Before you create a wand it is important to understand its use. A wand is ultimately used to direct and manipulate energy. This can be used to focus energy to one point or to radiate energy in all directions. I sometimes hold my staff in both hands with the base on the ground and use to just to feel the vibrations of energy around me better. In many beliefs it is also used as a focus increase energy. It is usually associated with either air or fire. It is not used for all beliefs and some practitioners simply use a finger instead of a wand.
Finding the material for the wand is the first step. Wands are most often made of wood but stone and metal wands have also seen use. Since wood is both the simplest and most common material used ill focus on the for this Creation Guide. The type of wood can be a difficult decision for most. There are two methods for this. You can look up the properties of varies woods and build a wand suited for a particular purpose, or if for general needs I usually go for a wood that I feel a connection with. An easy way to find a wood you connect well with is to simply touch the tree and allow your energy to flow through it. If it feels easy to move your energy through or just has a sensation of feeling "right" then your good.
Once you find the wood your going to use its time to harvest it. I recommend giving thanks to the tree and leave an offering if you wish. With this done You can go about harvesting the wood. Some people prefer to do this during certain times to maximize the effect of the wand. I recommend researching your own sets of beliefs to find the best time for harvesting. The length and thickness requirement is fairly subjective. Pick what looks comfortable to use and sturdy. I recommend a length at least from your wrist to your elbow. A thickness of at least half an inch is fairly durable. It should be fairly straight to ease the flow of energy but slightly curved and gnarled wood are usually fine. I like for the wood to taper at one end but this really isn't necessary. Some people attach a stone to the wand to aid it in various ways. If you do this you should pick a stone that amplifies energy and doesn't hold it back.
Now for some choices. Bark some love it, Others hate it. I have never minded bark so I usually leave it but some feel it is better to remove it. Ultimately this is up to you. If you plan to carve runes or paint it removing the bark would make that easier. Its possible to go all out at this point if you have the time and the skill. Carving it to your specifications and staining or polishing the wood.
Once the general cosmetic work is done its time to bless and tie the wand to yourself. There are multiple ways to bless a wand. Ill list a few here. One way is to place it on an alter to your deity(s) and say a prayer and blessing to the deity while giving an offering. You can carve runes into the knife while empowering them with your own energy. If you use blood magic a drop of your blood could be used here to strengthen your bond to the wand (Please look at the sidenote below if your planning to use blood magic). If you plan to paint the wand you could infuse the paint with something connected to yourself (such as blood or saliva) before painting to connect it to you.
As a sidenote im going to take a second to talk about safe blood magic. Its important to remember that you don't need much to see an effect and you don't gain more effect with more blood. I would never use a knife to cut yourself to gain blood as you can easily go to deep. If this is something you want to use then please consider getting a finger pricker (forgive me if there is another name im drawing a blank) used by diabetes patients to test blood sugar. These are possible the safest means of getting blood and as long as they are kept clean they will stay that way.
However you plan to do this once you are finished the wand will essentially be done. As you use it, it should build a better connection to you becoming easier to use. If you have no crafting skills you can bless a store bought wand. You should still test these to make sure your compatible.
A Staff is essentially the same thing. The main benefit a staff has over a wand is it makes group rituals a little easier. Getting a proper piece of wood for a staff can also be difficult and extra care should be taken not to hurt the tree.
Please feel free to ask any questions below. or if you want to add something please feel free.
Wand and Staff (CG)
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