As somone pinted out the Staff touches the ground.
Traditions differ but there is still symbology beyond personal to be considered.
The Staff is often seen as the world tree just like the spear of Odin.
It, like the Stang can be placed in the ground as an Altar (but then, so can any object).
The Wand is usually seen as a torch or a phallic symbol pertaining to fire.
However some traditions of Wicca see it as the Caduceus of Hermes and thus Air.
Question is ofcourse if this is not Hermes (Air) wielding Fire.
The Caduceus , however is a symbol of utmost balance.
(IMG:
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e2/ErosAgape/scaduceus.jpg)
The Dagger thus is usually seen as Air seeing as a knife cuts up and divides just as reason does (it IS a weopon though, if double edged so it could be discussed). However some Wiccan traditions see it as "aggresive" and thus Fire.
The Sword in Tarot is Air, but on a higher level couses more division.
It is often ascribed to Spirit as is the "Egg girt with a serpent"
(IMG:
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e2/ErosAgape/sorphic.jpg)
It is however also a weopon and thus very naturaly ascribed to Mars.
Especially a burning one (Arch Angel Michael).
The stang is Horned and as such should come to reprecent the Horned God.
Astrologicly it should be ascribet to Luna, the moon since its phallic like all horns and antlers (fight for females).
Hornes where used for insemination ones some claim.
These opinions are made from a Kabbalist/ Hermetic. Your world view might differ and with it its symbology.
Also there´s a thing with personal symbols ("It is not ONLY a knife, its my grandads old knife, so it cuts down to the kingdom of ancestors as well
and links me to them" or "I found this stick at my old schoolyard. It is a wand of learning potential").
Also, blending symbology is sometimes done. The Golden Dawn has a "Lotus Wand". A Wans covered in Watery flowers
to get Water in Fire.
Let the symbols talk to you on a personal level together with study.
You will learn more about the usefulness of it as you use it.
This post has been edited by Khenti_Amenti: Jun 5 2006, 06:27 AM
wand or staff, ?
Sage of the ages wand or staff Nov 18 2004, 04:55 PM
Nov 18 2004, 04:55 PM
