Elder

[2steps]

I have a large elder tree in my garden. I use the berries from it for various things and due to it great healing properties wondered if it would be a good choice for making a wand and if so how would I go about taking the branch? I had read that elder is the goddesses tree and is also assosiated with faeries. Whenever I pick berries etc of any type I alway say thank you, cut with a knife rather than break, never take to much.....

Do you think it would be ok to do?

[Silverfire Darkmoon]

Yeah, go ahead! Any fruit-bearing wood is an excellent choice for a wand.
Apprently when cutting from an elder, you are supposed to say "Elder tree, elder tree, give me of they wood, and I will give thee of mine when I become a tree'. I'm not sure where that's from but I've seen it in a few places.
If you're going to decorate this wand with woodburning, BE CAREFUL as I believe elder gives off smoke that is NOT good for you. Do so outdoors or at the very least in a very well-ventilated place.

[Cindlady2]

Yes, Elder is excellent for a wand. I never heard of the rhyme but it sounds good. I just ask as I do for getting anything from a plant. For me it's a matter of asking for the branch I want, feel it and see how it feels, maybe do a test bend (carefully). If the tree is willing I feel it. If not I try another branch or 2. There are times the tree doesnt want to give at all. Sometimes I'll give up and a the next time I come a perfectly good branch is laying on the ground! In any case, be respectful and thank the tree whether you get a branch or not!
Good luck!

[2steps]

thank you :)

Should I leave the branch to dry out before decorating and using it?

[Silverfire Darkmoon]

I find it much easier to strip the bark, sand, and carve a wand when the wood is still fresh. People will say you should let it dry to avoid warping, but a wand is so small that warping isn't a huge concern.
Woodburning tends to go easier when the wood is fresh (in my experience) but I imagine for woodburning it doesn't really matter.

[arianrhods_daughter]

"elder be the ladies tree, burn it not or cursed you'll be" doesn't it say in the wiccan rede or something? If that's what you're worried about dont burn it lol, maybe wait and see if a suitable branch falls naturally if you are worried? Ask for permission and give something back to the tree? Let us know how you go!

[Silverfire Darkmoon]

'Cursed ye'll be' has been explained as referring to the fact that elder smoke is toxic, so don't burn it.
Gwen Thompson really could have done a better job.

[Hawk Shadowsoul]

I have a large elder tree in my garden. I use the berries from it for various things and due to it great healing properties wondered if it would be a good choice for making a wand and if so how would I go about taking the branch? I had read that elder is the goddesses tree and is also assosiated with faeries. Whenever I pick berries etc of any type I alway say thank you, cut with a knife rather than break, never take to much.....

Do you think it would be ok to do?
If it calls you and the tree is willing to give, then yes.