Directly across the wheel of the year from Samhain, Beltane is another time when the veil between the worlds is thin. However, while the world of the spirits merges with our world during Samhain, it is the realm of the faeries that bleeds over into our realm during Beltane. Faeries then infuse us with their unique brand of magic, which includes whimsy, mischief, playfulness, nature wisdom, and the quickening energy of spring.
Of course, faeries are nature spirits, and nature is not all sweetness and light. Those of us who walk the path of nature-based spirituality know that there is darkness and danger lurking in nature, just as it also lurks in the realm of the faerie. Embracing it all—cultivating an awareness and respect of the dark as well as the light—is what keeps our eyes open, our minds clear, and our power strong.
Faerie Wand
Constructing a faerie wand in the manner outlined below is a potent method for aligning with nature and the realm of the Fae. As you choose the wood, crystal, and colors that present themselves and feel right to you, you’ll also find that the process of making your wand will help you tune into your unique magical essence, and to embody your very own dynamic dance of duality. Not to mention, once you complete it and consecrate it, your wand will be a powerful tool for directing energy, casting a circle, and instantly accessing that powerful magical place between the worlds.
Time to complete: 1 to 2 hours
Cost: $10.00 to $20.00 (more or less, according to how elaborate you want to make it, as well as many basic craft supplies you have on hand)
Supplies
A relatively straight stick, roughly the length of your elbow to the tip of your index finger (advice on how to obtain it below)
Sand paper
A crystal point that is close in thickness to the end of the stick (this will be attached to the end of the stick, so keep this in mind as you select it: for example, if its base is slanted, it’s ideal if the end of the stick is slanted in a complementary way)
A glue gun with glue
Jute twine
Lace or cloth trim, a needle with matching thread and one or two pins (or, optionally, glitter tape)
Scissors
Small rhinestones, in one or more colors that feel right to you
Elmer’s glue
Optional Supplies
Pocketknife or athame (this might be necessary, depending on the stick you find)
Essential oil of cedar
Reclaimed or remnant silk
Broken or upcycled crystal jewelry
Find Your Wand
Finding the stick for your wand is likely the most important part of the wand-making process, and it’s important to approach it with the proper mindset. Begin with the awareness that you’re not going on a shopping trip or a hunting expedition. Rather, you’re respectfully opening yourself up to receive a sacred gift from nature, the trees, and the realm of the Fae.
It’s best if you’re on a camping trip or otherwise spending some quality time in a forest or serene natural setting containing trees, although you can also find a stick from the trees in your own backyard, or even an outdoor arboreal setting in your neighborhood such as a park or a tree-lined street. Don’t over think it, but do tune into your intuition and choose the place that feels just right.
Once you’ve arrived in the outdoor setting, take a moment to relax. Feel your weight on the earth, and notice your breath as it goes in and out. State your intention inwardly to discover, recognize, and receive a naturally fallen stick (ideally without bark on it) that will serve you well as your wand. Broadcast this intention energetically to the earth and trees by silently thinking and feeling it. Continue to relax and breathe consciously. Do your best to remain in a receptive and open state as you hold your intention loosely in your mind and spirit. Go walking, gazing respectfully and lovingly at the trees and earth. In time, you’ll find the stick that is right for you. Trust that you cannot choose incorrectly: whatever stick you discover is divinely designed precisely for you. You may find your wand as part of a larger branch, in which case you can cut or break it off at the appropriate length, or you might find it at the desired length.
Please note that while it’s excellent if the stick you find is relatively straight, it’s great if it has slight waves or undulations along its length, as this is how energy naturally flows anyway. If you’re not sure if it’s going to help you direct energy in an ideal way, you can test it out by holding it in your dominant hand and pointing it out at a straight line. See if you can naturally feel your personal energy extending out along the length of the stick.
Craft Your Wand
Now that you’ve located your stick (and cut it to the desired length if necessary), remove any knots, twigs, or remaining bark with a pocketknife or athame. (Or you could just scrape off the knot, twig, or bark with a sturdy corner, such as on a doorstep, brick, or curb.)
Moving the sandpaper lengthwise along the stick, rub it gently until it’s smooth.
Optional step: Anoint the entire surface of the stick with a light layer of essential oil of cedar, and allow it to absorb for at least 15 minutes.
After cleansing the crystal point in sunlight or visualized bright white light, affix it to the end of the stick with the glue gun. Then affix it even more tightly by wrapping jute twine generously around the meeting place of the crystal and stick. Tie it tightly and use the glue gun to hold the knot in place. Then wrap the lace or trim around the jute, hiding the knot. Pin in place and sew tightly.
(Optionally, affix the crystal with glitter tape and tie a little jute twine around it.)
Decorate the length of the wand (or just the end of the wand, closer to the crystal) with rhinestones, in any way that feels right to you, attaching them with Elmer’s glue and allowing dry time as necessary before gluing on additional sides.
(Optionally, tie the handle with strips of silk, and drape the crystal jewelry around the end.)
Of course, you can also decorate in any other way that feels good to you, such as by painting runes along the length or attaching naturally shed feathers to the handle.