Tools of the Trade - Wand

Wand by Skye AlexanderThe best known of all magic tools, the wand has gained even greater recognition through the Harry Potter stories. But while the scene in which Harry receives his wand is amusing, it's not accurate — the magician selects the wand, not the other way around. Until you imbue your wand with power, it's just an ordinary rod. Another misconception is that magicians use wands to turn people into toads or make them invisible.

A wand's real purpose is to direct energy. Aim it at the heavens to draw down cosmic power. Point it toward a person, place, or thing to which you intend to send energy. Use your wand to draw a protective circle around a place where you'll perform a spell or ritual.

The wand represents the fire element. A symbol of masculine power, it appears as the suit of wands (sometimes called rods or staves) in the tarot. In astrology, it's linked with the zodiac signs Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius.

Store your wand — and all your magic tools — in a safe place, such as an altar, trunk, or chest when you're not using it. Wrap it in a silk cloth or put it in a wooden box to protect it from dust, dirt, and ambient vibrations. You can purchase a wand or make one yourself. Traditionally, wands were made from wood, but if you're skilled at metalsmithing you could fabricate one from iron, brass, or gold. The Druids preferred hazel or yew, but apple, ash, and oak are good choices, too. Rather than cut a wand from a living tree, find a branch that's fallen off. Cut it to a length of more than six inches, peel away the bark, and shape the tip into a point (it needn't be sharp). You can also visit your local hardware home improvement store and buy a wooden dowl to use instead. Decorate your wand with red or golden gemstones, ribbons, feathers, or objects that hold special significance for you. Affix a single-terminated quartz crystal at the pointed end. You may wish to paint or carve symbols on your wand, too.

Charging your wand transforms it from a stick of wood to a magical tool. Choose a day when the sun and moon are in fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagit-tarius). Anoint your wand with one of the following essential oils: cinnamon, sandalwood, clove, musk, or almond. Then hold it in the smoke of a ritual fire for a few moments. Place it in the sun for a day to let it soak up solar rays. Speak to it and direct it to perform your will. Then wrap it in a piece of red silk and store it in a safe place until you're ready to use it.

For this swap you will create for your partner a wand that can be used in magical spells as one of the Tools of the Trade. You should do your best work. This is not a kids toy, it's a work of art and something you would enjoy receiving.

Please no flaking or you'll be banned from the group. I've given plenty of time to create your work of art and mail to your partner. Make it your best effort and most of all have fun. Any recent 1's or 3's must have pre-approval before signing up for the swap. I'll judge it on a case by case basis.

This will be the first in a series of Tools of the Trade swaps. Although you don't really need any tools to perform spells and rituals, most magicians employ several special pieces of equipment as aids in their magical work.

Each of these tools has its own, unique purpose. The four primary tools — the wand, pentagram, chalice, and athame — relate to the four elements. They're also pictured as the four suits of the tarot. Consider your tools sacred and don't let anyone else handle them or use them to practice magic.