Magic and meaning from alder to zebra wood – –

Welcome to the world of the forest! As a wand maker (or wand buyer) you may want to learn more about the different woods that give your magical tools their character.

This list is alphabetical and includes many of the most common wand woods. The woods on this list fall into three broad categories: the traditional Celtic (Ogham) trees, native trees more commonly found in American parks and backyards, and the exotic imported woods favored by luxury wand makers. It’s not a complete list, but it’s a start. I’ve included an overview of each tree, personal notes on each wood’s energy, and some comments on its availability to the buyer (or scavenger).

Many wood properties and meanings have been incorporated into the lore of the Harry Potter universe. That’s fine for imaginative play, of course – and JK Rowling was clearly inspired by some of the occult traditions surrounding various trees. Still, for the serious practitioner, Potterania leaves something to be desired. For this article, we travel back in time to learn the ancient meanings of each tree, and into the present to revisit the experiences of “real” magicians.

Obtain Wand Wood

There are many traditions (and superstitions) surrounding gathering wood for wands. Some say that wands should only be made from fallen branches. Others claim that the most powerful wands are cut from living twigs (after observing the appropriate permits and offerings to the tree spirit, of course). Each tree spirit has its own customs/prohibitions and preferred offerings.

Many witches prefer to use wood from a tree they visit often, or even from a tree under their care. Many also prefer to sculpt their own wand by hand – in fact, this is a beginner’s practice required by some magical traditions.

Making your own wand from a native tree is an excellent way to bond with your tools, but it’s not strictly necessary. follow your will There is no shame in using other ways to get the wand of your dreams. Unless you live in the tropics, you can’t go back and prune a mahogany branch for your charms. Unless you have extensive woodworking experience and access to specialized tools, you may not be able to make a wand that matches your inner idea of ​​what the wand should be.

Here are my (admittedly simple and animistic) thoughts on buying wand wood: Two spirits hang from each tree. It has an individual spirit (i.e. the spirit of the oak tree) that dies when the plant dies and is primarily concerned with the health and survival of that individual plant. It also has a dominant spirit (the spirit of “Capital-O” Oak). The ruling spirit does not die, but lives through every oak tree in existence and is busy manifesting its greater purpose in the world.

Ideally, the magician would create a wand in communion with both spirits. However, depending on the type of wood desired, this may not always be practical.

If you cannot make contact with the individual tree that provided your wand wood, at least take the time to study and meditate on the governing spirit of that tree species. Be creative with your offerings: A gift of energy or money for distant conservation efforts could replace the more traditional offering of blood, milk and honey or fertilizer.

Some of the wand woods listed here are rare or threatened in their natural habitats. Some trees should only be trimmed of branches at certain times of the year (or not at all). These wood descriptions are for informational purposes only. It’s not an endorsement of using rare or endangered trees for your wand. Find the most up-to-date information on these forests and use your best witch ethical judgment.

And now we hit some trees!

alder

The alder has a gentle appearance, but possesses legendary strength. Alders are associated with struggle and steadfast survival. When cut, the white wood releases red-orange sap that gives the appearance of bleeding. Alder wood is rot resistant and hardens when immersed in water, making it very valuable to European builders before the invention of concrete.

The alder is a sacred tree in Germanic, Druidic and Celtic traditions and is said to be a gateway to the otherworld. It supports and protects humanity and is associated with human goals. In Irish mythology, the first man sprang from an alder tree. The brave alder led the charge in the saga known as the Battle of Trees.

Alder wands carry a fiery energy that is great for protective, motivating, and action spells. Working with the wood increases courage and determination. Alder wands are complex and somewhat unpredictable – you could say the alder wand is poised to change and evolve with its user.

Physically, alder is a relatively soft, evenly structured wood with a nice honey tone. It is not considered a fine craft timber, but has established itself as an inexpensive source of lumber. The fast-growing alder is common in North America and Europe, where it is often planted for reforestation and to stabilize wet soil.

Apple

The apple tree symbolizes immortality and true love. Its wood is durable and smells sweet – an ideal wand for the loyal and heart-centered witch. Applewood embodies the feminine aspects of the divine and is traditionally used for healing and love magic. (Pear wood has very similar physical and metaphysical properties.)

The bountiful apple tree provides fruit, shade, ornaments and excellent wood for the smoker and fireplace. Cured applewood is widely available and fresh branches can often be found for free, especially if you know a landscaper or arborist.

ash

The ash grows abundantly in North America and Europe. The druids believed it to be the most magical of all trees. Some people also say that Yggdrasil, the world tree of Norse cosmology, is an ash tree. It has long been associated with wisdom and noble sacrifice.

Ash wood is quite hard but also resilient as it bends to resist breaking. The wood is light beige to medium brown with a wavy grain somewhat reminiscent of oak. An ash wand will amplify and enhance just about any type of magic: protection, power, knowledge, love, justice, wisdom, and prosperity.

Ash is common in many regions and the wood can be obtained either commercially or from the wild. Ash is strong and less expensive than oak, making it a popular choice for furniture, tool handles, kitchen utensils, and sports equipment. (And wands, of course.) White Ash produces the finest ash wood – it’s an attractive light wood that’s odorless and gives an even finish.

birch

Known to pagans as the White Lady of the Forest, the birch represents rebirth and fertility. A fast-growing, upright tree, the birch is an ideal wand for the beginner magician. (Read our in-depth article on birch here.) Other magical properties of birch include adaptability, inspiration, and fearlessness.

Birch wood is easy to work with, sustainable and inexpensive. Due to its even grain and light color, it takes on wood stains particularly well. Birch can be finished in any color from blonde to ebony. Birch wood is most commonly used as plywood/veneer, but thicker logs and branches can also be obtained by the woodworker.

Bubinga

An exotic hardwood native to Equatorial Africa, Bubinga is a heavily magical and luxurious choice. It is reddish and heavy, with a prominent dark brown grain that can be wavy or straight. Bubinga veneers are popular in the construction of fine stringed instruments, making the wood an attractive choice for the bard magician.

Bubinga carries the energy of the Moon and Jupiter with a touch of fiery Mars. A Bubinga wand is excellent for bringing about positive change, especially in emotional matters. His attributes are passion, courage, intuition, creativity, charisma and influence.

cedar

The cedar is the grandfather of trees – one of the oldest creatures on earth, almost unchanged since the primeval forests. Magically, cedar equals wisdom, protection, and longevity. Wands made from cedar wood are ideal for purification and repelling, creating a sacred space in which learning can flourish.

Cedar has a reputation for being a difficult wood to work with, especially on a lathe. Its irregular grain and variable hardness make it react unpredictably to the woodworker’s tools. However, the wood is still prized for its swirly patterns and spicy scent. A cedar staff, when patiently crafted, is a beautiful and unique tool that showcases the unique character of this ancient tree.

cherry

Cherry, also called “New England Mahogany”, is one of the finest woods North America has to offer. It has a characteristic light reddish color and a beautifully grained grain. (Much “Cherry” furniture is made from maple that has been stained to resemble this elegant wood.)

All fruitwoods are sacred to the goddess. Cherry has a particularly harmonious, feminine energy and is good for healing, love magic, unity and community. A Cherry Wand doesn’t respond badly to being shared, so it’s a good choice for teachers and covens. Divination, mediumship, and detecting magic are also characteristics of Cherry.

ebony

Ebony is a dense black hardwood native to India and West Africa and synonymous with luxury. Ebony carvings have been prized for thousands of years, with some specimens found in Egyptian tombs. The small tree results in a silky, densely grained wood that rewards fine craftsmanship and a high gloss.

Ebony is considered the wood of pure power. It is attributed to water and the receptive feminine energy. Ebony amplifies without discriminating. This is a wood that does not lead but lends its power to what the wearer intends. His amoral nature means that Ebony…