Wands
The Tarot suit of Wands represents the Wand in its traditional guise – but also in other manifestations such as the Stang or Staff.
As a magickal tool, the Wand is used as an extension of its owner for the purpose of directing energy. It is the elemental weapon associated with the element of Fire – and consequently with daring, enterprise, sexuality, dynamism, anger, risk-taking, impatience, glory and passion.
Of course, the athame is also used to direct energy – so what is there difference? As a general rule of thumb it may be said that the athame is used to command, whilst the wand is used to invite.
In the First Degree Initiation Ceremony in the published Gardnerian Book of Shadows, the use of the wand is explained as being “..to call up and control certain angels and geniuses [genii] to whom it would not be mete to use the Magic Sword.”
Certainly there are circumstances in which it would be inappropriate to use an athame. In the Northern Hemisphere, for example, iron is reknowned for being offensive and repugnant to the Fey (hence the use of horseshoes nailed above doorways to ward them off). However, if you were seeking to work with the Fey in this hemisphere, the wand – as a wooden, non-metallic tool – would be far more appropriate.
It is worth noting that in New Zealand, pounamu is considered repellant to local Fey – so you may wish to choose a wand which doesn’t incorporate greenstone if you are wishing to establish a relationship with them.
Mildred & Myrtle currently have the following wands available for sale:
