THE MAGIC WAND is one of the most recognized tools of the druid, magus, wizard, or witch. Usually consecrated to the Element of Fire, the wand is used to direct the user's Will or Intention. The power of enchantment is built up in the astral energy of the user like the pulling of a bowstring; when the energy is released, like an arrow leaving the bow, it is directed with the wand. Like a bow too, the magic wand acts as an amplifier of the magician's intention, giving strength as well as direction. Made in the Druid tradition, Bard Woodcraft wands are fashioned of wood that has been harvested from trees considered especially sacred. Wooden wands carry within them the life energy that is Elemental Fire, and this makes them especially effective as instruments of Will.
Trees understand that when a Druid takes their branches for the purpose of making a wand, it is a very special blessing, for in the wand, their being will be preserved and their tree-spirit bonded to the soul of the Druid. Most of my wands are made from found wood, that is, wood which has been dropped by trees in windstorms or accidents. Some wands have been taken through pruning, with the understanding of the trees. Each retains its bond to the living tree from which it came, and harbors some of the tree's dryad spirit.
Classic Holly Wand
Trees and Wood
The type of wood used in druid magic wands is largely a matter ofindividual preference, for while some types of wood lend themselves better to carving, all types are superb conductors of magic. Traditionally Hazel or Rowan are favored woods because of their particular protective and divinatory powers. Hazel, especially, is associated in Celtic myth with Wisdom. However, many of the sacred trees of the ancient Druid Tree Ogham can be adapted for wands. Some trees are associated with Elemental Fire, but every wooden wand carries the other elements as well -- some are especially watery, others earthy, still others airy.
Oak is, as you would expect, one of the most sacred trees associated with solar fire, but Birch is valued as the tree of inception and beginnings, Ash for its ability to span the Three Worlds of Manifestation. Elemental Fire is traditionally considered a "masculine" element associated with the White Stag and gods of war and the hunt. In Taoist terms it is yang, the ardor of assertive energy, growth, adventure, and creation.
Trees associated with this assertive Will are most appropriate for Fire Wands, but others associated with the Moon or Water can also make interesting magic wands, especially for those with lunar or watery affinities -- willow, for example, or apple. Some beautiful and powerful woods, such as linden, maple, cherry, and elm are not included in the ancient Celtic Tree Ogham but are honored by the Elvish ogham and make fine wands. Some, such as Hazel, a very traditional wand wood, are associated by the Elves with Elemental Air. In addition we make wands from exotic tropical woods such as ebony and purpleheart -- woods whose magical properties are still being researched. What is most important in choosing a tree for a magick wand is your own personal affinity toward the wand itself and your own associations with the type of tree used.
Ash Wand with Beehive and Bees
Enchanting Works of Art
Bard Woodcrafts wands are unique and original works of art, not only because the carving is always different, but because each branch used has its own peculiarities. Everything is painstakingly carved by hand, not made in a hurry. So, in choosing a wand or ordering a custom wand, there are many variables to consider.
The size and shape of a wand, like the type of wood, are also a matter of personal preference. In some traditions, the magician is measured from elbow to fingertips and the wand is tailored to this length, which helps to bind the wand to its user and gives it a nice balance. The important thing is that the wand feels good in the hand and appeals to the inner vision of the user. A short wand has the advantage of portability. A slender wand has an elegance and spring that many wizards prefer. A stout wand, especially if endowed with an acorn at its end, boldly evokes the sacred phallos, symbol of the life force, the God Pan, and the assertive qualities of the magical Will. This phallic symbolism is also linked to the trees themselves, for trees are likewise symbols and exemplars of the life force striving upward, willfully asserting itself toward the sun, which is the source of all light.
Many symbols or runes can be carved into or painted onto a wand to enhance its magic and bond it more closely to the user. Most of my wands are adorned with oak leaves, acorns, vines, flames, and spirals -- all symbols of the sun and the life power of elemental Fire. The user's name also may be carved or written in runes on the wand along with other Fire symbols. (See: Runelore)
Bardwood wands are stained and sealed with many coats of finish. Some are finished only with oil and beeswax to preserve the natural coloring of the wood and the more slender wands are often left without carving for the user who prefers to enjoy the natural curves and idiosyncrasies of the wood branch. Very few of my wands are perfectly straight; one of the pleasures of the art of wandmaking is to let the branch itself emerge in its own, gnarly, knotty personality. These odd curves represent the stubborn will of the tree itself, and so can only enhance the Fire qualities of the finished wand. And the curved ones are really useful for casting spells around corners!
Cherrywood Goddess Wand
Magical Cores
Magical cores are also included in every Bard Woodcrafts wand. Cores are enchanted into the wand to add focus, store, and amplify etheric energy. They add extra dimensions of magical power to a wand, creating subtle interplay between the spirits of mythical beasts, stones, and crystals. J. K. Rowling introduced this technique to the world at large in her Harry Potter books, and I have found that it is a delightful addition to the enchantment of a wand, giving the wand the character of a mythical beast as well as the character of its wood spirit. Choose from among Phoenix feather, Dragonscale shard, Unicorn hair, Griffin feather, and many others (see Mythical Beasts for more information about the various beasties). You may also ask that a physical bit of hair or feather or other object be inclosed in the wand. This is done not through enchantment but with a drill making a small chamber underneath the pommel stone of the wand. To have this sort of physical inclusion, you must order your wand with a stone reservoir.
Stones & Crystals
Stones or crystals are often added to the receptive end of the wand (the end you hold in your hand). Reservoir stones on the receptive end are rounded or ovate and are chosen for their energetic qualities and their ability to hold a magical charge. A stone reservoir is not necessary, but does enhance the beauty, balance, and power of a wand. If a crystal point is included on the transmitting end of the wand, it is usually clear quartz crystal which is regarded as the best of all amplifiers of ethereal power. Amethyst, citrine, and other points are also possible. (See: Magical Stones for more information about the astral and aetheric properties of stones.)
All of these details make for a finely crafted and unique magical instrument. But remember, the magic is in you, not in the wand. A magic wand only acts as a focus of the user's own magical power or intention and some practical training will be required before you should expect reliable results.
©2006 The Bardic Institute
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