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Magick Wands 101What are they, where did they come from, and how are they used?Learn how to make your own with Magick Wands 101 
Here's a bit of history straight from Wikipedia. Symbolism In ecclesiastical and formal government ceremonial, special officials may carry a wand of office or staff of office representing their power. Compare in this context the function of the ceremonial mace, the sceptre, and the staff of office. This is a practice of long standing; in Ancient Egypt, priests were depicted with rods. Its age may be even greater, as Stone Age cave paintings show figures holding sticks, which may be symbolic representations of their power. Religious Usage In Pharaonic Egypt, toilette articles, weapons against possible enemies, amulets against serpents, were also left in the tomb, together with magic texts and a magic wand which enabled the ka (soul) to use them. The rod of Moses was a hazel wand. In catacomb frescoes of the third and fourth centuries. In classical Greco-Roman mythology, the god Hermes/Mercury has a special wand called a caduceus.
Six to eight foot long staves with metal tips adorning them are carried traditionally in Freemasonry during rituals of the Craft. Ceremonial uses may have several wands for different purposes, such as the Fire Wand and the Lotus Wand in the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. In Zoroastrianism, there is a similar ritual implement called a barsom. In Wicca and Ceremonial magic, practitioners use several magical tools including wands for the channeling of energy—they serve a similar purpose to the athame although the two have their distinct uses. While an athame is generally used to command, a wand is seen as more gentle and is used to invite or encourage. Though traditionally made of wood, they can also consist of metal or crystal. Practitioners usually prune a branch from an Oak, Hazel, or other tree, or may even buy wood from a hardware store, and then carve it and add decorations to personalize it; however, one can also purchase ready-made wands. In Wicca the wand usually represents the element fire, or sometimes air. There is some scholarly opinion that the magic wand may have its roots in the drumstick of a shaman, especially in Central Asia and Siberia, as when using it to bang on his drum or point, to perform religious, healing, and magical ceremonies. Wands in fiction Magic wands commonly feature in works of fantasy fiction as spell-casting tools. Few other common denominators exist, so the capabilities of wands vary wildly. Note that wands fill basically the same role as wizards' staffs, though staffs generally convey a more 'serious' image; a fairy godmother would definitely use a wand, possibly with a star on the end, while Gandalf would most often not (however, in The Hobbit, he is seen using a wand to fight the goblins of the Misty Mountains and their Wargs). In dramatic fiction, wands can serve as weapons in magical duels. Wands are also common in the fictional fantasy world of J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. The first magical wand featured in the Odyssey: that of Circe, who used it to transform Odysseus's men into animals. Italian fairy tales put them into the hands of the powerful fairies by the late Middle Ages. In the ballads such as Allison Gross and The Laily Worm and the Machrel of the Sea, the villainesses use silver wands to transform their victims. In The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the White Witch's most feared tool is her wand, whose magic (not necessarily by touch, as in the film) is capable of turning people into stone.
Many believe, the person that will be using the wand should be the one to make it with their own hands. Keep in mind that only one person should use that wand. There must be just one sole owner. Hand making it puts a deep personal "touch" on the wand. Nowadays, many people just go out and purchase one pre-made. That is alright as a special dedication ritual should be performed no matter if you purchase one or make your own. Click here to take a look at some pre-made magick wands. Or to give you an idea or two for what you may want to do. Making a wand If you want to make your own wand, there are some things to keep in mind.
You may want to wrap your wand in cloth, leather, or twine. Many times a wand will be decorated with a crystal or some other gem at its tip. There is not a right or wrong. What ever you feel is "you" will be good. You may want to dedicate your wand to a Goddess or God you honor. Decorate the wand with symbols that would represent that god/goddess. The sky is the limit. You do it the way you want. What may work for others, may not be the best choice for you, and vise versa. Some rituals may call for you to add something to the wand such as a piece of parchment paper with something you have written on it. Attach it to the wand and then remove it after the ritual What is it for? I'm sure by now, if you've read this far, you do know, or at least have a good idea. It is for "MAGICK". First, as I mentioned earlier you'll need to perform a special dedication ritual to help get your wand in the "spirit" of things. This is easy. It is best to keep it short and simple. No need to get all elaborate. Save that stuff for when you really need it. If this is your first time or your still new at it all, just relax. The more you do something, the better you get. All things take time and practice. But the real workings are in your heart and soul. If you really believe and have a passion for the ritual your performing, things will work out. Did I mention that you'll want to do a dedication ceremony for all your tools that you'll have on your alter? Just a thought to keep in mind. Well, lets get back to the dedication.
At the end of the ceremony, close the circle. You may do this in any fashion you chose. Be it elaborate or just a simple closing. Normally, taking down is just done in reverse of casting the circle. If you cast clockwise, take down counter clockwise. Simply do everything in reverse of what you did earlier. Instead of calling in, do a "thanking". While performing your magick rituals, stay within the circle. Keep in mind that you should never brake a circle unless it is a real emergency. If you do need to break it, a ritual for repair should be performed at the earliest convenience. Never cast a new circle without first performing the repair. For one reason or another, it my be impossible for you to perform the repair in the same location. For this, you may do it at some other area. But if possible, do it in the same location. If at all possible, it is a very good idea to leave your newly dedicated wand (or other tool) on your alter for 24 hours before using it. Best times to dedicate a new wand are: New Moon Full Moon  Kindness out will bring kindness within. 
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