The wand dates back to prehistoric times. The Greek God Hermes is represented by a wand entwined with snake and winged top, which is a symbol of power, wisdom, and healing. It was the badge of Herme's office as messenger of the Gods and as the guide of the dead. The wand with 2 snakes, now called a Caduceus, was called a "keryleion" by the Greeks. Mercury has a sleep-producing wand. Arion, a famous musician who dwelt in the court of Periander, King of Corinth, had a wand of Ivory. Linguistic research shows the the symbol "cel" of the word Celts and "ger" of the German, both mean "wand". Both cultures used the wand as the symbol of the axis of the solstices.
In Wicca and Ceremonial Magic, practitioners use wands for the channeling of energy—they serve a similar purpose to the athame. 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 Zoroastrianism, there is a similar ritual implement called a barsom.
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