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Wand Class Is The Staff Of Legends

PHOTOS BY SARAH ROTHWELL

Ollis Hughes teaches a wand staff making class Nov. 5 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa, 11400 Morris Bridge Road.

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By SARAH ROTHWELL, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 10, 2007

Updated: 11/08/2007 07:11 pm

TEMPLE TERRACE - Magic wands exist, but it's the people holding them who give the objects power, says a craftsman of the bewitching tools.

"A wand or staff is an extension of yourself," said staff maker Ollis Hughes of Brandon. "It's all mental."

On Monday, the Circle in the Woods chapter of the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans hosted a wand- and staff-making class. The class, taught by Hughes, was held at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa, 11400 Morris Bridge Road. Ten people attended the session, which was open to the public.

"Ollis is one of the best teachers," said chapter member Ruth Davis. "I'm making a wand tonight."

Hughes began teaching the art of crafting wands and staffs four years ago. His class is part of the Circle in the Woods educational series, which meets at 7:30 p.m. the first Monday of each month. Classes are composed primarily of people who practice paganism or Wicca, which encourages the use of tools such as wands in rituals.

Wicca is an Earth-based religion, meaning members connect spiritually to a deity through nature. Rituals include celebrating the winter solstice and other natural events. Wicca followers respect the environment and follow eight simple words: "And it harm none, do what thou wilt." The phrase translates to: "Do what you will, so long as it harms none."

Hughes said there are many misconceptions about Wicca, including the idea that wands are magic sticks capable of granting wishes.

"The biggest misconception is that we worship Satan," he said. "We don't even believe in Satan. Wicca is a healing religion."

Within the faith, the wand- or staff-making process is considered healing, empowering and personal.

The process begins with harvesting tree branches. Larger branches are used for staffs. Skinnier ones are used for wands. Both men and women can make either style.

Hughes suggests consulting a tree before removing a branch.

"It's a feeling," he said. "Ask the tree and if you feel it's saying, 'No,' go to another tree. Once you remove a branch, thank the tree."

Hughes considers harvesting an advanced step, so he provides branches and other materials to his students. At the November class, he began by inviting students to choose their wood. Students were then given knives to start shaving off the bark.

The class sat in a circle around a blue tarp. Each member approached his or her project differently. Some worked fast, others slowly.

Chris Hendrickx selected a soft, thin branch.

"The bark just peels off like a banana," he said.

Morgaine Scott used a small knife to shave her thick branch. "I like carving," she said. "I like being artistic."

Knives are a common carving tool. A saw can be used to remove knots in wood. To prevent cuts and splinters, it's important to wear gloves.

Hughes has injured himself countless times but considers it part of the journey.

"You're supposed to put your energy and yourself into it," he said. "My blood goes into mine."

Hughes, a self-taught artist, can't count how many staffs he has made. He makes some to use and others to sell at festivals. A few years ago, a friend suggested he share his talent and teach others.

"A finished wand should be the length between your fingertip and elbow," he said, holding up a sample piece.

Once a wand or staff is properly carved, the maker can add decorations. Hughes brings crystals and other materials to class. He also welcomes students to bring in their own items. There are no restrictions.

"You can add whatever strikes you," Davis said. "A lot of the things I add to my wands are gifts. Some are things I picked up, like feathers."

Wiccan tools often reflect the user's personality. In rituals, the finished pieces act as symbols. They represent an individual's energy and strengths.

Amy Shilliday made a wand out of a cooking spoon.

"I'm what's called a kitchen witch," she said. "I make healing foods and herbal remedies. I carved a wooden spoon and embellished it with etchings."

Hughes hopes students come away from his classes with knowledge and something to treasure.

"You could point your finger, and it would be the same thing," he said. "It's about the power and energy inside of you. The tool is to put you in the right frame of mind."

Sarah Rothwell can be reached at (813) 865-4845 or srothwell@ tampatrib.com.

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