| The wand is not an optional tool in Witchcraft. It is | | | | spells that can be cast. |
| one of the must have tools. The reason for this is | | | | Let us dwell for a moment on two of these woods - |
| that the wand is used for two important functions | | | | the Elder and the Hawthorn - to explore their |
| during ritual, namely invocation and directing energy. | | | | magickal aspects and how these can be influential |
| When casting a circle, the witch uses invocation to | | | | during magickal rituals. |
| call the quarters (North, East, South and West) and | | | | Elder |
| to invite the Goddess and God to be present at the | | | | The Elder tree is one of the sacred trees of both |
| rite. Additionally, when performing magick, the energy | | | | Wicca/Witchcraft and Druidism. It is strongly |
| that is raised during the ritual is collected in the wand | | | | associated with Litha (Summer Solstice) and the |
| and then directed to the "item" to be charged with | | | | White Goddess. In the Wiccan Rede, Witches/ |
| the spell's power and intent. | | | | Wiccans are cautioned not to set fire to an Elder: |
| Wood, in most traditions, is the prescribed material | | | | "Elder be ye Lady's tree, burn it not or cursed ye'll |
| out of which a wand should be fashioned. The type | | | | be." Many Witches/Wiccans prefer not cutting a |
| of wood from which the wand is made is also | | | | branch off the Elder to create a wand. They look for |
| important as different types of woods bestow | | | | a fallen branch instead. |
| different powers on a wand. Here are some | | | | A Wand fashioned from Elder can be used to |
| examples: | | | | enhance the results of the following types of spells: |
| Apple - Love, healing and immortality | | | | 1. Protection and banishing |
| Ash - Protection, prosperity, health and the sea | | | | Its association with both Litha, which is the Summer |
| Birch - Protection, banishing and purification | | | | Solstice, and the White Goddess, imbues the Elder |
| Cherry - Divination and love | | | | with very strong protective powers. Because light |
| Chestnut - Love, strength, money and healing | | | | rules over darkness during Litha, Elder is an excellent |
| Elder - Prosperity, protection and banishing | | | | wood for banishing negativity. Use the wand both |
| Elm - Love | | | | during circle casting and magick work when |
| Hawthorn - Fertility and love | | | | protection or banishment is required for highly |
| Maple - Love, money and longevity | | | | positive results. |
| Oak - All purpose (Many "standard" staffs are made | | | | 2. Prosperity |
| from Oak or Rowan) | | | | As strongly as the Elder dispels negativity, it attracts |
| Poplar - Money, success and personal riches | | | | positive energy. The power of light afforded to Elder |
| Walnut - Health, mental powers and riches | | | | makes a wand fashioned from this wood highly |
| Willow - Divination, love, protection and healing | | | | effective in spells to attract Love, Luck and |
| As a result, witches end up with a large variety of | | | | Prosperity. |
| different wands over time suited for the various | | | | |