Staff or Wand

So what many people inquire about are the tools of the craft. 2 tools I get many questions about are the Staff and the Wand.

Some common questions concerning these 2 tools are:
"Which is better?" (in the sense of functionality)
"Do I have to buy one or can I make one?"
"How do I make one?"
"Where can I buy one?"

Well let's start with the basics first.

Depending upon the tradition you learn from, or what feels right to you the Wand is usually the representation of the element of Air and the Eastern Direction, but will sometimes be a tool of Fire as well. The wand is a phallic symbol of masculinity.The wand is usually 13 inches or shorter. The common length to work with is from your wrist to your elbow. Wands are commonly used for infusing energy into objects such as candles, stones, or herbs. It can however be used to cast the circle. Again this will vary from tradition to tradition. If you are lacking in a wand you can always use your index finger of your casting hand to symbolize the wand. The wand is also easy to use indoors or outdoors.

The Staff is a longer extension of the Wand as the Sword is to the Athame. It has a lot of the same properties and characteristics of the Wand. The Staff's height however, is usually either equal to or a few inches shorter than your own height. The staff is used for all the same purposes of the wand, but due to it's height, it's best used outdoors. The Staff can be used to aid you in a spiritual walk, as a sign of status (such as in the reenactment of the battle of the Holly King and Oak King at Litha and Yule, though it's more common to just use long branches, some traditions will use plain staffs made of oak and one of holly to represent the two times of the year and the two kings).

So which one is better? That depends on you. If you like simple functionality and easy storage, the Wand is a great choice. If you like being in nature and taking long hikes, or just like that feeling of being a great witch from time to time ^_~ the Staff is the way to go.

So where can I buy a Wand or Staff? There are many places on the internet that offer decent prices and customization. Remember, Google is your friend. You can also check your local pagan and witchy based shops. They may not offer customization but they usually have gorgeous wands and staffs of many varieties.

Do I have to buy one of these? Nope, nature provides her students with everything they need. Go outside and find a lovely length of branch from a tree. Remember it's not wise to harvest from a living tree unless you ask the tree for it's help, and make sure to leave it an offering of water, or a crystal to help it stay healthy! Trees have feelings too!!!!

Are Wand's limited to just being made of wood? Absolutely NOT! Wands range from wood to copper, and even stone. You can find wand making kits for the copper and crystal kinds on the internet from different shops. For those interested in the copper wands, please remember that the oils on your skin and being exposed to air will cause the copper to oxidize, meaning it will turn green (kinda like the Statue of Liberty). Copper wands are usually used for healing, which is also one of the greatest things about the crystal wands as well. Crystals are directly from the earth so they will have a wonderful vibration to them and are great for healers. If you are looking for something more traditional, a simple wood wand made from Holly, Oak, Birch, or something of the like is a great way to go to. Wood wands are easy to take care of, easy to store and highly multipurpose if you personalize them with herbs and crystals, as well as little charms to make them your own.

How do I make a Wand?
Watch this short video for quick tips and tricks for making a wand.
Wand making 101

Instructions for general wand/staff making:

1.) Harvest your wand or staff on the Waxing Moon. Some prefer to do this when the waxing moon is on a wednesday (this varies from tradition to tradition and person to person).  Make sure the size works for you. If you plan to shave it and trim it up a bit, do an extra inch or two longer to be on the safe side.

 *Note* There is a little ceremony to this, which you can find on the internet but it is usually done by speaking to the tree from your heart.

2.) Let the wood dry for about a month and then soak in tea for about an hour then let dry again for approx 8 hours. (This is to kill bugs and other pests in the wood that you don't want in your home.)

3.) Shave the bark if you are choosing to.

4.) Decorate to your specifications (do your wrappings, crystal mounting, etc...)

5.) Let it sit in the full moon for 1 night.

6.) Consecrate your wand or staff during a ritual to awaken it's energies and program it to you. Remember that the more you handle your wand or staff the more of your energy it contains.

7.) You are now ready to start your magic :)

Most importantly here, have fun and instill love in your wand or staff. Use it as frequently as you need to, and always show respect to it :)


Brightest Blessings!

Lady SilverVixen


The pictures are of my wand that a very dear friend who is like family to me, made me for my birthday. This is a more detailed wand example, but it's a beautiful one.