Working with a Magickal Staff?

[sebjon]

Hey everyone, I hope you're having a great day! It's a little bit rainy here in Sweden unfortunately.

I made a staff a little while ago because it felt right to do so. Later I discovered though, that the staff apparently is not a very widely used tool on the craft. So I raise this question:
Do you use a staff in your work? If yes, what for, what does your staff symbolise for you?

Also, I thought of decorating my staff with some feathers, a dream catcher, perhaps a bell and some pine cones! ^^

Seb

[LadyCatnip]

I have to admit, I've read the Dresden files books so my knowledge of staffs comes thru Harry Dresden. He uses his staff as a tool to focus his energy. Being as I always feel scattered, I can see me using a staff or wand to help me focus my energy. But as I'm still in the fumbling novice stage in the craft at best, I'd definitely get other opinions!

[corvidus]

I think the staff is kool.
I'm in the process of making and consecrating one myself.

In the martial arts, it's called a 'jo'. So it reminds me of both the wand and the sword, a symbol of authority as well as victory.

[sebjon]

Ah yes... I will most likely use the Staff for a outdoor ritual as it seems a little bit to clumsy for indoors ^^

I have a strong bond with my Athame though, so I will not replace if for the Staff and circle drawing. Hum...

[dualhands]

I have a few different staffs!

I find they are very soothings and great for collecting your thoughts.

[Naudia Threng]

I use my staff like a real large wand. But I use it mostly because Serket used a staff.

[corvidus]

Serket?

[Naudia Threng]

The Egyptian goddess of Scorpions, Healing, Poison, and Childbirth.

[Firebird]

That is a lovely piece of wood, do you know what sort of tree it came from?

I use my staff for outdoor work as It is I do rely on it to double as a hiking stick
bb, Firebird

[sebjon]

Indeed firebird! It is willow, and the bark came off extremely well! (Even in one single piece!)

[Dionysus]

I always carry a walking stick wherever I go. I have many different one that I use depending on the occasion. I mostly use my everyday country stick, which I have made from wood, and a brass ferrule. I use as an authority, and it's a traditional fashion of Europe. But the country stick is consecrated.

[Imperious]

Staves are rarely found in Witchcraft literature, and are probably more common in other Neopagan religious groups. That said, all you really need to know is this:

If it works, more power to you.

When it comes to magical tools, you are always better using what inspires you, rather than what inspires other witches and warlocks. I've found that larger implements (such as staves or swords) are used more in group rituals, but there's nothing to stop you from using your staff for your own, private rituals.

Let me know how your results go.

[SpiritTalker]

I stumbled on a lightening struck pine and made a staff from a portion. As you say, it is best used outdoors, and I used mine for the Solstice rituals I designed, in which it represents the Horned God, alignment to the North Star, and is an aid or portal for out of body travel. Otherwise it leans against the wall and collects dust.