This is supposed to be a hands-on lesson, so doesn't translate well intoprint.Many Wiccans prefer to make their own tools, rather than buy them. Bydoing this, you add your own personal energy to the tool. In essence, alittle piece of you lives in the tool, thus making the tool an extensionof yourself.
Probably the easiest tool to make is the wand.You'll need to start with a stick. Many traditions say that the length ofthe wand should be the same as the distance from your elbow to the tip ofyour middle finger (a cubit). If you feel this is too big (or too small)adjust accordingly.I am of the opinion that one should always use deadfall. This way no harmis done to the tree and it has already "discarded" the unwanted branch.
If you must cut from a tree, explain why you are doing it, thank the treeand leave an offering.Peeling the bark and sanding or leaving the bark on is a matter ofpersonal preference. Do what you prefer. Try to identify the wood you areusing so as to understand it's magickal properties. Even better, pick awood that fits what you're trying to do. Ash is a traditional wood for wands, as is oak. A little research herecouldn't hurt.
When you have sanded the branch, decide how you will decorate it. Westart with two stones, one for the tip and one for the butt of the wand.For the tip we use a projective, high energy stone, such as clear quartz.For the butt, we use a good grounding stone, like obsidian or hematite. This helps promote the flow of energyin the direction desired, from butt to tip and out.For attaching the stones, a natural epoxy is best. You can use a glue gunor a synthetic epoxy, but you should definitely wrap the stone and wandwith copper wire. This will help "bridge the gap" and allow the energy toflow properly.
Decorate your wand with other things as well. We've discussed runes,symbols, and colors previously. Perhaps putting a personal rune orsymbol, or Goddess and God symbols on your wand. (Carved or burned in.)Use ribbon or paint of a particular color. Decorate it with other stones, seashells, feathers, beads, and so on. It'sYOUR wand...decorate it how you like.Before use, your wand should be consecrated. (We'll discuss that in thenext lesson.) You can also make other tools as well. "Buckland's CompleteBook of Witchcraft" has an entire section on tool-making. Other books onthe market also have directions for making your own tools.
It is recommended that you read "Wicca: A Guide for the SolitaryPractitioner" by Scott Cunningham chapter 3.
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