Talking to the trees

The Wand or Rod

When you have located a wood containing the type of tree you want there are some rules to obey. First and foremost ask the tree's permission to cut a branch. Give it time to make it's preparations, choose your branch carefully, as straight as possible and not too long, anything between 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) is enough. Then run your hand along the branch letting it rest lightly over the place where it joins the main trunk. After a while you may be able to feel it grow cooler about 2 inches from the join. This is the place to cut, the tree has withdrawn its life-force from that area, though leaving a little in the piece you have chosen so that it will be 'livewood'. Cut with a very sharp knife as quickly as possible, do not ever break the branch off. Cut on a waxing moon so that your wand will grow in power. and leave a silver coin among the roots of the tree. Before you leave, cut off the surplus leaves etc. and bury them at the root of the tree, so that all will return to it in time. While waiting for the tree to adjust tell it what you want the wood for, it has a right to know. If you feel daft talking to a tree remember there is appoint in the universal life-force where you and the tree are one. You are cutting off a piece of yourself!
Now dry out the wood. this will take time as it must be done slowly, no sticking it in the oven! An airing cupboard will do, or a dry airy shed. Once dry cut away any small knots and with coarse sandpaper start to smooth it down. Progress to finer grades of paper until it feels silky smooth to the hand. Now take a very sharp knife and a with steady hand make a thin cut about 1 1/2 inches (4 cm) deep in the top of the wand, it must be thin as possible so it will grip anything placed in it.
Using either a clear or darker toned varnish give your wand several coats allowing it to dry thoroughly before adding each successive coat. Give a final polish with beeswax and rub with a silk cloth and you will have a beautiful wand.

(The Ritual Magic Workbook - Dolores Ashcroft-Nowicki)