Faery Craft: Weaving Connections with the Enchanted Realm by Carding, Emily (sad books to read .TXT) 📗

decorate or personalize your wand, perhaps with ribbons or paint. Consider whether you wish to add symbols of power, whittle or carve it to change its shape, or whether it is perfect just as you have found it.

Do not worry too much if you are unable to identify what tree your wand or staff comes from, but if you are able to discover it, then there may be some meaning and special qualities for you to be aware of. I would recommend a good tree identification guide and a couple good books on tree lore that relate to the kind of trees you may have growing in your part of the world. As a starting point, here is a very brief look at some trees traditionally associated with Faery that may be suitable:

Alder

The alder has very strong associations with Faery and must be treated with much respect. It is a very protective wood in a very warriorlike way and would be a good wand for a strong will.

Apple

Apple is sacred to the divine feminine, especially to many ancient wisdom goddesses. This tree of Avalon brings visions of the otherworld and connection with the healing powers of the inner earth.

Ash

Another warrior tree, ash is seen as possessing qualities of strength, endurance, and protection. Yggdrasil, the world tree of Norse culture, is an ash. This tree also has strong associations with masculine energy and the Horned God.

Beech

Beech is a powerful gateway tree for seekers in the quest for knowledge and wisdom. It is often associated in ancient British lore with the power of the serpent.

Birch

Birch is traditionally associated with beginnings and rebirth. It is a feminine energy and aids in travelling between the worlds. It is one of several trees associated with protection.

Blackthorn

Blackthorn is used for what is known as a “blasting rod”—a specialized wand with the power to bless or curse. Strongly connected with deep magick and the darker side of Faery, blackthorn is a powerful choice for a wand or staff and is not for the faint-hearted.

Elder

This tree is connected with powers of transformation and shapeshifting. It is seen as possessing or often being a feminine spirit capable of changing forms. However, a wand or staff made of elder may not last long.

Hawthorn

Deeply rooted in Faery lore, hawthorn is associated with spring and marriage rites. Its energy is not wholly dissimilar to its sister tree, blackthorn, only more connected with spirits and gods of fire and light than with darkness.

Hazel

A popular choice for wands and also water-dowsing rods, hazel is said to bring the gifts of eloquence and the power of divination. Deeply associated in folklore with ancient wisdom, it is one of several trees seen as being particularly potent gateways to Faery when growing in a pair.

Holly

Holly has a fiery and passionate energy that, when well managed, can be an excellent choice as a wand or staff to aid with energy building and as a focus for magickal work.

Oak

As one of the most revered and sacred trees in many cultures, oak is a sturdy choice for a wand or staff. Connected to the Green Man, Horned God, and the Dagda of Irish lore, oak is known for its magickal qualities of protection, particularly against fire or lightning.

Rowan

Rowan is said to protect against negative influence, so it would be a good choice if you do a lot of work clearing energy in troubled areas. It is connected to many solar and fire deities as well as having strong ties with Faery.

Willow

Willow is a traditional choice for wands, being a good balance of light and dark and having many magickal qualities. Connected to the moon and the element of water, willow enables communication with spirits and also has powers of healing.

Yew

With its associations with death, war, and poison, yew may not be everyone’s first choice as a companion tool. However, if you are willing to walk the deeper path and connect to the inner drumbeat of the earth, yew has the power to bring the deep transformations needed.

Swords and Daggers

Those who are used to working in ceremonial magick groups may wish to use a sword or dagger in their work. However, it must be remembered that it offensive to most Faery beings to use iron in your work. Bronze, silver, or even wood can be a viable alternative. In most cases, the sword or dagger performs much the same functions as a wand. In ceremonial work they are used to command spirits (amongst other functions), but this is not a technique I recommend when trying to build a trusting connection with the realms of Faery! A sword or dagger may prove most distinctly useful when having to cut old connections or unwanted attachments that may form during the work. You also may wish to have a weapon of this kind made from traditional material (including iron) for use in the unlikely event of encountering unwanted attention from harmful Faery beings or other spirits. This should not be kept on your person or in any area of your living space where you hope to attract or work with Faery.

Enchantress Sorita D’Este wields her

ritual sword with the grace and power

befitting a Faery queen!

(photo courtesy of David Rankine)

Stones, Pebbles, and Crystals

Our friends from the mineral kingdom are more akin to allies than they are to simply being tools. They have an energy, a spirit, and (to an extent) a will and personality of their own, and this must be accepted before you can truly work with them. Expanding your awareness in order to be able to embrace and connect with a consciousness so different from your own is a valuable exercise that will certainly strengthen your work with and connection to the Faery realm. Pebbles may not appear to be as glamorous or enticing as crystals, but, again, a pebble found in a special place may hold more power than the shiniest crystal bought from a faceless shop.

Stones and pebbles have many uses, and as your awareness and connection