How Different Woods Effect Magick Wands
The wand is not an optional tool in Witchcraft. It is one of the must have tools. The reason for this is that the wand is used for two important functions during ritual, namely invocation and directing energy. When casting a circle, the witch uses invocation to call the quarters (North, East, South and West) and to invite the Goddess and God to be present at the rite. Additionally, when performing magick, the energy that is raised during the ritual is collected in the wand and then directed to the “item” to be charged with the spell’s power and intent.
Wood, in most traditions, is the prescribed material out of which a wand should be fashioned. The type of wood from which the wand is made is also important as different types of woods bestow different powers on a wand. Here are some examples:
Apple – Love, healing and immortality
Ash – Protection, prosperity, health and the sea
Birch – Protection, banishing and purification
Cherry – Divination and love
Chestnut – Love, strength, money and healing
Elder – Prosperity, protection and banishing
Elm – Love
Hawthorn – Fertility and love
Maple – Love, money and longevity
Oak – All purpose (Many “standard” staffs are made from Oak or Rowan)
Poplar – Money, success and personal riches
Walnut – Health, mental powers and riches
Willow – Divination, love, protection and healing
As a result, witches end up with a large variety of different wands over time suited for the various spells that can be cast.
Let us dwell for a moment on two of these woods – the Elder and the Hawthorn – to explore their
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