Wand Questions Answered
Q. I read in "Wanding" that some wand makers give the wand a name.
Will you name my Frater RJ wand?
Answer:
While I think "Wanding" (by Evan Twede) is an excellent book, there are several areas where my opinion differs from Mr. Twede's. One of them is in the area of naming wands. Like you, I have read of the wand maker seeking the wand's name but think that method is not for everyone. I'll share my thinking with you so you can decide what is best for you.
To my thinking, a wand is a very personal item. The name it goes by should be a name that the wand OWNER feels 100% comfortable with. This is not always the case if the wand maker "gives" the name. Consider that what one is called may vary depending on the surroundings and circumstances. Each different name being correct for the occasion.
I'm not sure how familiar you are with Tolkien's tale "Lord of the Rings" but I like to offer this example by way of illustration.
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Gandalf (technically Gandalf Greyhame) is the name used by the wizard to the Hobbits and many humans of middle earth. To the dwarves he was Tharkűn. The same person, to the elves and in Gondor, was Mithrandir. To the riders of Rohan he was "The White Rider" while in Valinor and in very ancient times his name was Olórin.
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To each group, the name they used for this person was right and correct and to call him anything else seemed unnatural yet ... all were referring to the same person.
I see a wand's name as much the same. To a practicing Wiccan, a wand may seem right with a druid name whereas to someone else, an elvish name might carry more meaning as to the wand's true nature. As you'll note from the little handbook included with your Frater RJ wand, I feel strongly that a big part of the bond you have with your wand is that you are 100% comfortable with it. To me, that includes calling it something that holds meaning for YOU.
So, while I did not listen for a name when your wand was crafted, if I bring your wand to my mind, a name may be suggested and if requested, I'll be happy to "listen" for your Frater RJ wand's name.
However, I would rather suggest a way for YOU to find the one name that is right for YOU to call the wand by. The basic idea is close to what is in Wanding (pg 68) where it is suggested that you meditate to find the name.
First, it's best to do this after you've spent some time with your wand. Perhaps in the time between getting your wand and the claiming ceremony ... you'll see that described in the handbook as the time when you and the wand get to know one another.
So during that time, one night before retiring, give yourself the following suggestion:
"By sundown tomorrow, the name of my wand will be revealed to me."
The next day, do not be overly concerned with what the name will be but stay alert for any names that occur to you. Know beyond doubt that the name you select will be correct for the same forces that created the wand and that brought it into your life, are now guiding your decision on what to call your wand.
As one or several names present themselves to you, write them down immediately and without judging them good or bad. If throughout the day, several occur to you, you should recall the example of Gandalf and understand that you are finding various names your wand can be called. At (or just before) sundown, review any names that have come to you. Say each one aloud and "feel" which one is correct for YOU to use for your wand.
Using this method, you will find your wand's name in a way that will ultimately be far more meaningful to you than any name the wand offered to me.
For remember, it was you who called the wand into existence. I was but the one who shaped the wood.
I hope this helps with naming your wand. If you have other questions about Frater RJ wands, feel free to eMail me.
Fraternally in L.V.X.
Of Myself, I do nothing
