Working with your wand
You are beginning an exciting journey, one that will take you deep within and expand your universe at the same time. Working with a fine metaphysical tool is a powerful way of connecting with the forces of the cosmos and your place in it.
What should I do first?
Before working with your new wand, it is important to fill it with your positive intentions and personal power. Begin by sitting quietly with your wand and meditate on what drew you to this particular wand. Examine it, let your fingers flow over the detail and absorb its feel. Notice the different textures and patterns. Relax and enjoy this “getting acquainted” time. When the wand begins to feel familiar in your hands, you are ready to dedicate and consecrate it.
Consecrating your wand
To make a wand truly yours, it should be dedicated and consecrated. This is especially true if you are using your wand in your spiritual practices and as a personal power tool.
Creating a space between worlds
You will want to “set the stage” for this small personal ritual. It is best performed outdoors in a quiet place, or in a quiet space in your home. Assemble the things you will need:
- incense
- several candles
- a small bowl of water and one of salt (these represent the elements and help you connect with universal essence and bring your blessing into balance)
- a small mirror, to reflect the light of the candle
- soft, healing music, to help you relax and focus
- a beautiful piece of cloth to keep your wand wrapped in when you are not using it; it will be blessed as part of the dedication. Many people favor natural materials, others choose by color, pattern and the energy they feel; both are fine. It should be heavy enough to give your wand a snug place to nestle.
The dedication
Sit comfortably on the floor, or at a table or altar. Place the mirror in front of you, with the incense just behind it. Place the bowls of water and salt on either side of the incense; you can also put some crystals or stones around the bowls. Place candles on either side of the mirror, with an equal number on each side.
Take a deep breath in and slowly release it through your mouth. Repeat this several times until you feel your heart and breathing flow into calmness. Visualize yourself becoming a part of all that is around you: a part of nature, of the earth, of all living things. Picture a vibrant beam of energy that begins above your head, passes down through your body and into the earth like tree roots. Continue to breathe slowly and see this shaft of energy grounding and cleansing you. Release all care, stress, worry and negativity, and let it transform these into clear energy as it carries them deep into the earth from which we all came.
Light the candles and incense. Gaze down into the mirror and see yourself as the miracle you are, a human who is connected to the universe. Breathe in slowly and accept all the gifts available to you: the scent of incense, the slight subtle scent of wax as the candles burn. Be mindful of the importance of the ritual you are about to perform.
Place your new wand in the center of the mirror and watch the candlelight play across its surface. Begin to chant softly: “I am Life, celebrating itself.” Repeat this several times. When you are ready, pick up your wand in both hands and raise it above your head, chanting: “This wand is my tool to pierce the veils of mystery and bring the magic through.” Focus on the wand and open your heart and spirit to accept this simple truth. Continue to breathe deeply and slowly.
Lower your wand and hold it in front of you over the mirror, saying: “By the power of the Elements I consecrate this wand.”
Air
Pick up the incense and pass it around your wand; let the smoky energy seep into it. As you do this, say: “By the powers of Air, I dedicate this wand to the powers of inspiration and vision.” Then put the incense down.
Earth
Pick up a pinch of salt from the bowl and sprinkle it over your wand, saying: “By the powers of Earth, I dedicate this wand to the powers of manifestation.”
Fire
Circle your wand around the candle and pass it above the flame, first going left, then right, saying: “By the power of Fire, I dedicate this wand to the powers of creativity, cleansing, passion, vision and dynamic action.” Continue to breathe slowly.
Water
Hold your wand above the mirror again and dip your hand into the water. Sprinkle your wand with water, saying: “By the powers of Water, I dedicate this wand to the powers of healing, blessing, flow and new beginnings.”
Pick up the wand cloth, place it in the center of the mirror and bless it with the elements, saying: “By the powers of the Universe I dedicate this cloth as a healing blanket.” Place your wand in the center of the cloth and wrap it up. Visualize your wand living within the cloth of protection. When you are ready, unwrap your wand.
Hold your wand above your head again and say: “By the power of the Elements, I dedicate this wand to the creative forces of Life.” Lower your wand, place it on the mirror, and take a moment to absorb the ritual and the feeling inside of you. When you are ready, thank the universe for the power of the elements and the blessings of your own life.
Your wand is now ready to be used. The more you work with your wand, the more comfortable you will be with each other.
Working with your wand from now on
Whenever you work with your wand, you will want to create a sacred space. The way you set up for your wand dedication is also a good way to set up for working with your wand. Adding other items to your sacred space is fine. Popular items many people add are seashells, leaves, a pentacle, crystals, rocks, an athame, and Goddess or God statues.