Ritual tools: Wand

This is the first of the ritual tools info pieces, as always with my work, your quite welcome to ask questions or add any extra information you deem worthy of noting. I hope eventually to also have sections on creating your own tools.

What is it? A wand is a hand held rod, usually straight and measuring from the crook of the owner's arm to the tip of thier middle finger (or around 30cm).

What is it made of? Usually made of wood, metal or crystal, they have also been known to in varieties of ivory and bone. In addition many wands are decorated with symbols or patterns, or decorated with items such as feathers, leather, gems, rocks, or paint.

What is it used for? Wiccan wands are most commonly used to aid in the channeling of energy during rituals and magic rites, but can also be used as an extension of the arm when casting the circle.

Symbolism and Associations: Being phallic in nature, it is usually asociated with the gods. It is also usually linked with the element of air. Wands are also asociated with the tarot and are a suit of the minor arcana,which links it with the element air and the direction of south. The materials from which a wand are made, however, have great effect on it's symbolism and can connect it with different elements and gods/goddesses, and even determine which ritual it is best suited to.

Where to find them: Often wands are cut from trees by thier owners, however, if this does not seem suitable for you, or if you are looking for something of the crystal or metal variety then shopping around through pagan stores and/or websites is a convenient and often affordable solution.