The Wand
by Blayze

The wand is placed upon the altar as a symbol of fire and the microcosmic spear. It is mainly used as a tool of summoning and invokation and is therefore not widely used in basic magic and ritual practice.

Fire represents passion and energy, change, light and wildness. It is an element that can heal and temper but is also easy to lose control of.

There are many kinds if wands. A basic wand consists of a stick of wood that is the length from fingertip to elbow. It can also be used in healing and decorated with crystals and wire to concentrate the energies. Some traditions use the wand in place of the athame for calling in the guardians of the quarters.

The wand is seen to be of a male aspect. This is mainly due to its phallic shape and fire being a male element. There are specifically phallic wands that are used in rituals to the God. These are usually a straight rod tipped with a carved phallus or pine cone. 

Ritual wands can also be painted with appropriate coloured bands - this is more in the ceremonial realm than basic wicca.