How does one go about creating a wand?

Quote from: Lyikos on January 22, 2008, 08:22:06 pm

I've read a few articles on tree association and which ones are good for wands or other thing. Most of them just gave me the idea that I should find a tree associated with what the purpose of the wand is and leave an offering. None of those however, told me what the offering should be, or how to ask for permission. Or what to do with the branch afterwards. So, can someone point me to a guide, or give an account of their own methods?

Any help appreciated, thanks in advance.

I have been working on one for several months now. First I decided on a tree. I picked apple. It seemed to fit in with some things I have going on and I had one which needed pruning. I made an offering of organic fertilizer which I sprinkled onto the circle I had drawn around the tree. Then I brought it into the house and set it somewhere to dry for 5 or 6 weeks. Then I debarked it. I sanded it smooth with sand paper. It even worked well where the tiny branches had been attached to my surprise.

I've got to say this has been one of the most enjoyable things I have made in a long time. Everything I have done to it came to me sooo easily. Almost scarily so for me. At times I spend a great amount of time trying to figure what I am going to do with something but ideas for this were coming right and left.

I decided I wanted it to be a bit darker which is strange for me as I like all things natural. So I figured there must be a reason and stained it red oak and sanded and stained and sanded and again stained and sanded.

I decided to carve things which mean a lot to me into it. Lets see,I'll grab it. OH yeah, I have a tree first, then a pentacle, a crescent moon, a mountain, a horse head,a nice spider web,a raven,a teepee,the symbol for Jupiter, my own personal symbol,and a small broom. I know, some will wonder how i came up with all that but these are things which have great meaning for me and just popped right into my head.

I made a depression into the top of it trying to replicate the shape of a rough amethyst I have and then glued it in there. I think I may have done something I now wish I hadn't by putting a clear coat over it thinking it may protect the carvings some. It has made it shinier than I had wanted.

I am not yet done with it. There is about 1/3 of it which has nothing on it where I plan on wrapping some colored leather(purple I think) and I am still just a bit undecided what if anything more. I seem to be at the first hint of indecision here. I do have a couple of very special feathers which will be attached to the handle section along with a couple of special gemstones.

This is coming out way better than I had anticipated. Actually I am quite proud of it and if you knew me you would know that is something that is very rare for me. I have created many very nice painting and drawings which have never brought about this feeling of pride in what I have made. This has been a once in a lifetime experience for me. Even non pagan ppl in my home who have seen it are just silly impressed with it. My daughters wife has even asked if I would make her one for her B-day which was a bit surprising and something that I dont feel right about and am not planning on. I may make her something else we'll see.

I think you should give it a shot and hope that it turns into the enriching experience for you that it has for me. Good Luck with it.