Homemade Wands
Wands have figured in the religion, folklore and magical and ritual practices of many cultures throughout human history. The wand is a battery, absorbing the magical intent and energies of the wielder, storing and concentrating them, and releasing them at his direction. You can find ready-made wands for purchase from a number of outlets catering to the delver into the arcane arts. But the most powerful magic wand will be one that you create yourself. Creating wands can be a lifetime endeavor and a complex undertaking. Here are some tips on create a simple, basic magic wand.
Deciding on the Purpose
First, decide for what purpose you want to create a wand. Is this for general use? Healing? Blessing? Attracting? Banishing? You can create a wand for general magical or ritual usage or for a specific purpose. Many people have a variety of wands created for specific ends. Focusing at the beginning on what the wand is to be used for will make it easier to make certain later decisions.
Choosing the Materials
Wands can be made from any number of substances but are traditionally crafted from wood. For the beginner it is perhaps best to purchase a dowel of hard wood from a hardware outlet. This should between 12 and 20 inches or so in length, and about 3/8 to ¾ of an inch in diameter. You will also need something with which to write or inscribe any symbols you wish to incorporate, as well as any crystals, stones or minerals that you want to use. Color can be added with acrylic paints, colored markers or other permanent coloring materials. Copper or silver wire can be used to attach talismans or be practical and decorative in its own right when wrapped around the wand.
Constructing the Wand
This will be a highly individual and personal endeavor. Symbolism that speaks to you or your tradition may be very different from elements that speak to another. The symbolism that you incorporate speaks to the unconscious, the deep mind. This is of prime importance in magical practice. So decorate your wand with symbolic elements that resonate with its purpose and your own background or tradition. Draw or inscribe runes, sigils, words of power or images. These can be simple, elaborate or a combination. Once you have done this, give the wood a coat of wax, shellac or varnish to seal and protect it. At this point you can attach metals, gemstones or crystals that symbolically reflect the purpose of the wand. Use epoxy or wax for this, or you can use copper or silver wire. Give your magical imagination and creativity free rein. Remember, this is your personal tool and it must speak to you to be effective.
Consecrating and Charging the Wand
Again, this will be a deeply personal exercise, in accordance with your background, tradition or spiritual and magical practice. This is not a one-size-fits-all exercise. Using whatever ritual you like or are familiar with, consecrate and bless the wand and charge it by filling it with magical energy, being sure to hold the purpose of the wand firmly in your consciousness. After this is completed store the wand, wrapped in silk, in a safe and private place.
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