This is one I made. I used recycled cypress, the properties is pretty much exactly what I wanted it for. I had the recycled timber for about six months to bond with it and let it speak to me before I started the creative process, allowing it to show me each step before each part was done. Plane and simple, yet extremely effective in it's purpose. th-cam.com/video/rnNJ_UK2uSA/w-d-xo.html
I have a golden raintree in my backyard, but I think it died this winter. All my other trees have leafed out by now, but my golden raintree is still bare. :( Is it recommended to make a staff from a tree that is already dead? I would like a staff to commemorate my dead tree. I had the tree for nearly 20 years I think. Or is using a dead branch not recommended?
A nice little story for you, my 9 year old son and I were walking in the woods, on a particular steep incline he slipped and grabbed for a branch, he grabbed it, steadied himself, said wow that was close and almost jokingly said thanks to the tree, the branch fell off in his had, the broken end dry, it had fallen off the mother tree, a long while ago and was just resting there. It should not have been able to stop his slide let alone keep sound as he used it to pull himself up. It is resting now in my work shop ready for me to clean up and put a rose quarts crystal into it top. I have been back and also thanked that tree.
That kind of thing happened to me a lot as a child and I often had one or more large sticks around that were gifts from trees. I was 28 before I initiated as a druid, but when I told my sister I felt called to that path, she said, "Haven't you always been one?" My brother called me "Treespeaker".
I’m no Druid, but I know about wood, boiled linseed oil is best and I think that’s what you’ve used. The best way to apply is as follows; once a day for a week, then once a week for a month, then once a month for a year, and then once a year and whenever you feel it needs a touchup! I’m hoping to make my own soon! Tonight preferably, but we’ll see if I’m drawn to anything. Thank you for the video!
I grew up in the woods at a young age and had a mentor who showed me how to identify hornbeam aka ironwood, which is somewhat rare around here. He gave me a staff of the stuff and taught me all sorts of things besides. Then several years ago on a walk in the woods with a friend after a torrential thunderstorm i spied another ironwood sapling that had been downed the night before that processed perfectly into a gorgeous polished wood staff thats now the proper height for me. I still have the original and plan to hand that shorter one down if I ever end up a mom or mentor to someone. Lovely video and thanks for making it
I am brand new to OBOD. My late husband was a Druid (not with any group) and I have his staff and tools he used. I have one, as well, but I want mine from Hazel as my runes are and as my wand was. Hazel is important to me. I'll see if that's what happens or if another calls to me a little more. Thank you for these videos. Between you, Damh the Bard, and Phillip Carr's Tea With a Druid, I couldn't help setting foot on this course of study. Wish I'd done it sooner so my Beloved could have done this with me. He died last October.
There's a great book called wand lore that everyone interested in druidry should check out. The same info for wands will work with staffs. I wouldn't mind hearing a review about it.
Druidism is such an extraordinary path; we're able to learn an abundance of precious lessons from it. The knowledge itself is a precious tool; but a handmade Ogham is my next step. By the way, I love your videos! Blessings sweetie
Thanks so much! Are you going to use all one wood type (or some other material) or try and use the wood that each Ogham represents? I've seen both that are beautiful.
Danni Lang I'll problably use one type; definitely the one I want to connect the most; to work with this wood will bring the lessons I need to learn as well as the enlightenment from the Ogham itself. Blessings!
I don't see why yarn would be a problem. Yarn is a natural fiber many times being made from part or all of wool (sheep!). The magical energy should have no problem transferring through it.
My staff is so cool Its a wooden pole that was originally used to set the foundation on my Sons Cabin. I fixed the pelvic bone of an oxen to the top. I had beat the ground with it so much it started splitting at the base. So I wound Copper wire round it to hold it together which added even more grounding forces. I had a mojo bag on it but it fell off in a shaman dance I was doing which was a sign to me to burn offer it to Moloch.
I have a Birch staff and it's very sturdy and light. I love it!! I found fallen branch near a birch tree and felt the energy calling to me. Asked for a blessing and using my energy to connect with a branch.
I have formed a bond with a coastal banksia branch then later that week found a young Banksia that I as you said, asked for it’s energies and life force to be harvested for my own use, before cutting down. Have formed a bond with them both over the past few weeks and Am now in the stage of carving down and cutting back the larger branch :)
Hello Danny, I have a staff from a walnut tree we had to take down 😢. Man I love that tree! I used mineral oil after shaving the bark and sanding. I woul like to know how you put the crystal on with leather? Need a show and tell... Thanks for your videos!!
Mineral Oil is an excellent choice for finishing the staff, good idea! I used crystal beads from a local shop. They have a small hole length wise through the middle of the crystal. Through this hole I strung wire. Then I wrapped the wire around the leather and into a knot. The wire then gets wrapped into a spiral shape. I'll see if I can get a short show and tell up soon :D
Thank you, Danni. I have been led in meditation to create my druid staff. I'm not terribly crafty, but I had an image of what it would look like, but not how to create it. Your video was such a huge help! Getting permission is so important. I found two good branches on my walk, one oak, one birch. I was not surprised that the birch was the only one who would give permission. I've had an affinity with birch since I was 6 years old.
My staff is a fallen branch from a tree that I found during a hike last year. I don't know what tree it came from, but I love the really unusual, bent shape that it has. I removed the bark and knobby bits off with various tools, sanded it smooth and buttery, and then I drew and woodburned runes onto it, and then treated it with a light coat of varnish to prevent decay. I use it in the circle mostly, I have a different stick I use for walking that I treated similarly, minus the decorations.
Hi Danni, I discovered you today. Binge watching :) I'm a wand maker (don't use wands myself) but 2 wks ago I found my perfect staff (more of a walking stick shape) under a holly tree of all entities (they're not native here in Australia). I plan to inset seed gems and as I practice chakra meditation I intend to inset the superficial crack that runs it's length with a rainbow of wax. I usually finish with oil but this one will be finished with bees wax from my friends hives. Keep up the good work :)
Today I was walking along a path I visit frequently when I spotted some deadwood. The bark peeled away easily and the wood had not rotted. I own four staffs that I purchased -- in each case, I felt drawn to it -- and today I felt drawn to this wood. I finished my hike, went back to my car and fetched a saw I've been keeping there such an occasion. For a good while, I've been wanting to make my own staff. Cutting the wood was labor intensive, but the wood's solidity was reassuring. The resulting length, about brow-high, was good, and it even curves in the right place; comfortable to hold, and curves make me think of lighting and snakes; both which I love! I brought it home and sanded it with a medium-grade sanding sponge. The evolving staff feels right. I considered stain or shellac for it, but all the products l inspected had "highly flammable" on their labels, so no! Then I found your video and your linseed oil recommendation. Thank you!
Hi Danni, I've been watching your videos for a while and I love them! When you tell your personal experience in this path, it helps a lot! I've just started my Bard Grade Training at OBOD and It is like coming home....I am really enjoying. I don't have a staff yet, I already asked to the spirit of the trees and I hope to find mine soon. I live in a very big city in the south of Brazil, but we have many parks and squares with beautiful trees . I am also planning to plant a Sacred Grove here.
Welcome to OBOD Christiane! Thank you for watching and sharing a bit about your own beginnings of Druidry. I can't wait to hear about you planting a sacred grove when that happens. :)
Hi Danni. I found my branch yesterday from a branch that had fallen from a Beech tree. Its drying in my warm car ready to be treated. Thankyou for your advice, I love your videos!!!
I’ve had several staves over the years, so many I loose count. Favorites were: My First was Oak, made when I was about 14. No decorations, lost in the sands of time. Second was a branch a culled Birch, head height, decorated with a carved Pinecone bed knob, several wrappings over the years, crystals, feathers, leather, and changes with time, still in my possession but more of an ornament know. Another was a Hickory elbow height walking stick, no decorations, given to me by my eldest sister. Others lost to time, my Boy Scout hiking staff, and a “Dandy” cane with a ducks head brought to me from England by my Mother. Offered in ritual: a Yew staff used to hike many miles, offered to mark a change in life. My next staff will have Reindeer Bells, already in my possession or possibly some small Tibetan Bells, a place for my pipe, (Idea stolen from LOTR) or possible a carving by a local artisan. I use mine in many practical ways, like any walking stick, to walk, as a measure, extension of my arm, path clearer… In Ritual it is used to draw circles, tap on stones, cut doorways, and for protection (although I’ve never found the need) All spoke to me, I’m currently seeking a new friend to walk with …
Yes very powerful and lifting but private, I may write to you someday and share. (By the way did you get the Honey I sent, if it or the Candles not to your liking share with someone who may enjoy.) This Month’s (Jan 2018) Druid Pod cast has a very interesting story that mentions offering up staves.
OMG! I'm second guessing everything lol. I picked up the perfect staff on a camping trip. I've decorated it and have no idea what kind of tree it came from. It's my lost staff haha
Lol....A friend and I took our kids to Starved Rock for the day and my niece had found a nice sized branch along the trail. She played with it for a little bit and tossed it aside so I picked it up and used it for a walking stick. I ended up bringing it home and I told my husband I’m thinking about decorating it and using it when I go on my nature walks. The wood is split and I too, do not know what tree it’s from but knew I didn’t want to part with it. Long story short, same friend and I were having coffee and the topic of magic was brought up and I searched “walking stick decorating” and you popped up first! 😁 I’m glad too cuz I did not know about linseed oil.
I had a tree next to my house and I used to treat it like my friend and i used to talk and share my feelings with it and one day branch fell of it and i took it to my home ,and all i did to it was add a feather
You're welcome! I think it's a really approachable tool for folks to make and use in their practice, but it doesn't get as much love online as it deserves. lol
One of my favorite staffs is actually very short, cane height, but it's shape and size are very comfortable and powerful. I don't use it often but it gets used for walks and protection magic. It's shape like hat of a femur bone it's got a large bud I that is the handle.
Hi Danni. I have watched & enjoyed several of your videos. I am currently a self proclaimed & practising Druid. (looking forward to our summer, this year, as this is when the Anglesey Druid Order commences an Online Druid Course, conducted by Kristoffer Hughes. Have already done some reading from the OBOD Website as well. Am from a Nursing background, but have since become a: Massage Therapist, Nutritional Therapist & Reiki Master & also incorporate Essential Oils & Crystals in my work. I have also taught First Aid with St. John Ambulance Australia as well as written a book on Free Radicals & Antioxidants & have presented some talks on Natural Health Topics. I am currently, the conductor of our local choir & have also written some music/songs. So, I'd say that I would have already worked in all 3 areas of Druidry...Bardic (music/singing), Ovate (nursing/healing) & Druid (teaching). I Was going to send you a photo of the Staff that I have made for myself, but there is no provision here to allow me to do so. I am Welsh & live in a Country town in South Australia. My Staff, is about 6' & is of Red River Gum. It has an Amethyst Point (2" x 1.5") on top, just down from the top are 2 x wire wrapped Clear Quartz Crystals & on opposite sides are 2 x wire wrapped Preselli Bluestones (same stone as Inner Circle of Stonehenge). There is also a wire wrapped Merlinite which hangs down from the other Crystals as well as, I have also carved on 2 separate shell discs, 2 symbols...Awen & another that was channelled to me through Reiki. Copper Wire is attached to the Crystals & wraps around, spiralling down the Staff to hand level, where another Clear Quartz is wire wrapped (wire wrap ends as a spiral). This is where I hold him. He has been rubbed with a Protection Oil Blend of mine & was consecrated in White Sage Smoke, held over a small Fire Pit. His Name is Myrddin (Merlin in Welsh & his name is written in the ancient Welsh Coelbren Alphabet.
I love this! I have a question, I have an old walking stick that belonged to my late grandpa would it be okay to use as my staff? Of course I will bless it and thank my ancestors, deities and nature for providing the wood it is made out of.
I think this is a brilliant connection to your ancestor and would work beautifully! I love how you name yourself as one of your favorite tools; so cheeky!
I'm glad this showed up in my recommended. This is cool. I found a branch that was completely cleared of its bark by beavers a couple years ago. I was drawn to it and took it home. I sawed off the top of it to carve it into a wand (not quite finished yet, but will do when I feel it). And the rest I plan on turning into a staff.
Just recently had a dream with the staff in it and really want to make one, I’m already pretty friendly with trees and I think I know what kind of tree I want to make the stuff from but I will consult with the trees, thank you for your very informative video really enjoyed it
Thanks for watching! I'd be excited to hear about your staff when you finish. Having a dream about a magical tool before crafting/finding it is a wonderful omen!
I found what looked like a walking stick in my garage. I think the previous occupant used it as a walking stick when she was out walking. It's some kind of tree limb, already cleaned and the bark has been removed. I have no idea what kind of tree it came from. I feel I should just use this, rather than cut a branch from a living tree. It's just the right height for me. I bought some boiled linseed oil and I am going to sand it and oil it per your instructions.
I don't have a druid staff yet! My medical condition prevents me from being out in the cold for long periods of time, so I'm waiting for the firsts signs of spring (and I get a new car lol) to start a relationship with a tree.
What a great plan! If you know what type of tree you'd like to get to know better, you can enjoy some online or book research on the species in the meantime :)
I'm jealous you found an organic sealant! I could only find ones with terrible reviews and decided I wanted to be sure my staff would last. I hope yours is holding up well. :)
Hello! Thank you for the video! I have been collecting pieces of wood and sturdy sticks for years. Last year I realized that a lot of what I do in my life, my views, and what feels right in my soul aligns a lot with Druidry. It feels right to use one of the sticks for my staff that I have lived with an enjoyed for years. Of course this means I do know what type of tree is is from (no bark on it when I found it) and that I wasn’t able to form a relationship with the tree or ask its permission. Do you think this is still an ok branch to use???
Of course, it's an OK branch to use. While knowing what type of tree is useful, it's not necessary. You could try taking it to a local woodworker or forester and see if they can identify it for you. Craftsman can often tell by the grain and smell of the wood.
Great video! There’s a very old and large oak in the backyard of my childhood home that I’m planning to make a staff out of at some point, I’m just waiting for the right time. Though I’m actually torn between that one and a stunning maple tree right off my property that’s being cut down because its roots are effecting drainage and I feel like I want to keep it alive somehow. I’ll probably end up using both of them for something to be honest.
Wow! What gorgeous tree stories and potential staffs. I could see how both would be potent tools for your practice since they have such meaning already.
Hi Danni, a staff recently found its way to me! I was out of the country for work and my husband came to pick me up. We got into the car and there was this staff in the back seat. Apparently my brother had given it to him earlier that day knowing that he likes to hike. My Hubbs looked at me and said, “what am I going to do with this thing? I have walking sticks.” I smiled and said, no that’s not for you, that’s for me! If I knew how to add a pic here, I would
I actually have a Hickory and Juniper cane, and even older is an Oak cane, I got them at the Ren Faire, years ago. Being in more urban settings the size allows me to take that part of my magic with me daily if I choose to, a person can't always do that with a staff. I can remember back, to a time when I had a feeling one day that I should bring the Hickory cane out with me. It so happens that I met someone who was troubled and needed help, and long story short, magic happened! Hickory is closely related to oak in magical properties and juniper assists in purification and bashing unwanted energies and spirits (the exorcist of woods :-). ). Just wanted to share another option for those who are more urban druids and magic practitioners.
Living in the Sierra foothills I have a special relationship with both Oak and Manzanita. My staff is/will be Manzanita. I've had a perfect "branch" (more like trunk) of a manzanita for many years from a tree that came from my property. I will be starting to sand it this week.
Thank you for this video, Danni :) I have picked up beautiful staffs from the beach at my favourite lace near the ocean.. The shapes of Driftwood make beautiful flutes, and are also formed into such lovely forms that a Staff would be truly beautiful, too, but it is difficult to know what tree they have come from.. I am blessed to live on a sizeable area of land, which we have nurtured for 2 decades, planting many local species trees, and creating forest groves... As much as i love the driftwood pieces, and they were found in one of my sacred places, branches from trees that I have grown, and whose nature I know more intimately, would possibly be a better match. 🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲
I naturally collect sticks-staffs. I have just discovered druid priestess and thought I am quite similar. Anyway..I was wanting a special stick and have been looking and waiting.. so the past month I have been hanging around the beach where the ancient amazing Pohutakawa tress live. I have been lying in them and admiring there beauty. One day I saw a pile of drift wood..And on top was my special stick. I grabbed it and was so happy it was like being reunited with a old friend. When I him home I took him to my pond and grounded him in my earth and washed him in my pond..He lay by me and basked in the evening sun. I named him Barkee my companion guide stick. Back at the house I realised the last few sticks I had bought home are the same wood. This wood I have now discovered is my soul wood..from the magnificent Pohutakawa. And i have a tattoo on my foot I got 12 years ago....a Pohutakawa flower. Hmmm love it💜
Hi! Bard-in-training here. I'm curious what effective methods there are for attaching stones to a staff. Did you use an adhesive to get the strap on, or is it just tight? Thank you!
Well you could do a ritual to "consecrate" it. That is one way of introducing yourself to this tool and starting your work together. Or you can just use it regularly and let the power, as you put it, build slowly over time of joint work together. Good luck!
I want to make a staff, but right now I'm torn between maple and cedar. I love what they both symbolize. I'm not sure which one to pick. What do you think?
hmm.. . maybe you could find a way to use parts from both trees? I'd personally go with maple because I have a stronger connection with that tree. However, cedar is a beautiful, strong tree!
Danni Lang Ya, there's a maple tree in a near by park that I'm connected to. I also looked up what maple symbolize and it's amazing how it's like me. I think I'm gonna use maple and a have cedar bead hanging on it.
I have an oak staff,I just stripped it and used a natural whitewash to paint it with,it is not pure white,you can still see the wood below the wash. I purod a couple of Anglo Saxon runes onto it
It’s so hard for me it’s like when I attract mines I thought I would find it the woods but I found it in a parking lot no where near trees so I couldn’t even thank the tree ugh I hate that for me
oooo that is interesting indeed. I applaud you for taking such an endeavor on. Balancing your own energy and that of your friend will present a tricky challenge but how wonderful to have it completed in their memory!
That makes me so happy. My biggest worry about my druid staves is what will become of them when I die. I want them to be out in the world, doing good, but finding a good home for each of them after my death may be hard. So lovely to hear that your friend's staff is in your hands.
In times of old, the magi would find a young tree with life force running through it, then they would give an offering and talk to it and ask it to serve with a magi ,and become magickal in its self, and if it agree's,they take the tree roots and all, of course this conflicts with neo Druids! ,and I walk a old world path, my staff is extremely powerful full, I use it in all acts of life and magick, it's a part of me, and a entity in its self, as a spiritual healer, I can use it to send healing life force energy, through space and time, I love it, I dance with it and keep it close, with all magickal workings, I even sing to it, and no other person touches it,I even shared with it all of my body,fluids, spittle, blood, and even sexual fluid, it has a fire and ice crystal, as well as Andara's, it vibration is extremely powerful, and that's the difference between a Godi's path of the northern Germanic and tribes, and other Neo Druid /Pagen paths, perfection of Belief structure,! the old ways !.......
The Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids cast a circle in ritual. I also know that I speak to a Pagan audience not just Druids so I adapt my language where needed to better communicate with that audience.
I use a cane but would love to begin making a druid staff.. I would like for it to be at least to my shoulder but I still need the support , any tips?? Sorry to bug you all♡
So nothing stops you from consecrateing and using your cane! But if you really want something shoulder height you could do a handhold at the height you want. Alison Stitt mentioned hers in the comments below
I'm curious to learn more about your own magical staff (or favorite tools!) and how YOU use it!
as a practicing witch its presence would ground me, finding the right tree as they're all pretty friendly.
This is one I made. I used recycled cypress, the properties is pretty much exactly what I wanted it for. I had the recycled timber for about six months to bond with it and let it speak to me before I started the creative process, allowing it to show me each step before each part was done. Plane and simple, yet extremely effective in it's purpose.
th-cam.com/video/rnNJ_UK2uSA/w-d-xo.html
You know your unhealthy body makes your craft ineffective?
@@anonymousalpha1073 ~ So slender people can't be unhealthy? Seriously?
I have a golden raintree in my backyard, but I think it died this winter. All my other trees have leafed out by now, but my golden raintree is still bare. :( Is it recommended to make a staff from a tree that is already dead? I would like a staff to commemorate my dead tree. I had the tree for nearly 20 years I think. Or is using a dead branch not recommended?
A nice little story for you, my 9 year old son and I were walking in the woods, on a particular steep incline he slipped and grabbed for a branch, he grabbed it, steadied himself, said wow that was close and almost jokingly said thanks to the tree, the branch fell off in his had, the broken end dry, it had fallen off the mother tree, a long while ago and was just resting there. It should not have been able to stop his slide let alone keep sound as he used it to pull himself up. It is resting now in my work shop ready for me to clean up and put a rose quarts crystal into it top. I have been back and also thanked that tree.
That kind of thing happened to me a lot as a child and I often had one or more large sticks around that were gifts from trees. I was 28 before I initiated as a druid, but when I told my sister I felt called to that path, she said, "Haven't you always been one?" My brother called me "Treespeaker".
I’m no Druid, but I know about wood, boiled linseed oil is best and I think that’s what you’ve used. The best way to apply is as follows; once a day for a week, then once a week for a month, then once a month for a year, and then once a year and whenever you feel it needs a touchup! I’m hoping to make my own soon! Tonight preferably, but we’ll see if I’m drawn to anything. Thank you for the video!
What other oils would you suggest besides linseed? Or is Linseed the absolute best for this project?
This is so fascinating. Thank you
I grew up in the woods at a young age and had a mentor who showed me how to identify hornbeam aka ironwood, which is somewhat rare around here. He gave me a staff of the stuff and taught me all sorts of things besides. Then several years ago on a walk in the woods with a friend after a torrential thunderstorm i spied another ironwood sapling that had been downed the night before that processed perfectly into a gorgeous polished wood staff thats now the proper height for me. I still have the original and plan to hand that shorter one down if I ever end up a mom or mentor to someone. Lovely video and thanks for making it
Mine is ash, typically I recommend finding branches that have naturally fallen on their own. Great video
Yes, avoiding the saw to get your staff is always good advice!
Always
That's how I found mine from my tree
I am brand new to OBOD. My late husband was a Druid (not with any group) and I have his staff and tools he used. I have one, as well, but I want mine from Hazel as my runes are and as my wand was. Hazel is important to me. I'll see if that's what happens or if another calls to me a little more. Thank you for these videos. Between you, Damh the Bard, and Phillip Carr's Tea With a Druid, I couldn't help setting foot on this course of study. Wish I'd done it sooner so my Beloved could have done this with me. He died last October.
Hi from a Celtic druid in Ireland 🇮🇪
There's a great book called wand lore that everyone interested in druidry should check out. The same info for wands will work with staffs. I wouldn't mind hearing a review about it.
Druidism is such an extraordinary path; we're able to learn an abundance of precious lessons from it. The knowledge itself is a precious tool; but a handmade Ogham is my next step. By the way, I love your videos! Blessings sweetie
Thanks so much! Are you going to use all one wood type (or some other material) or try and use the wood that each Ogham represents? I've seen both that are beautiful.
Danni Lang I'll problably use one type; definitely the one I want to connect the most; to work with this wood will bring the lessons I need to learn as well as the enlightenment from the Ogham itself. Blessings!
Beautiful, just beautiful. Please let me know how the process goes. I love hearing stories like this!
My wife gifts me with small wooden spoons and silver charms which become part of the sound of my staff.
I love when the sounds and music of walking with a staff get more attention. What a lovely gift!
I was walking in a forest and found a birch tree laying on the ground so i took it home but i didn't sand it, i like the natural look
The natural look is a wonderful choice! I think each person and staff find what works best for them.
I just have one question, is it okay to make like a handle out of yarn on the staff?
Im asking because i don't know if it's going to have some influence on me being '' further'' from nature
I don't see why yarn would be a problem. Yarn is a natural fiber many times being made from part or all of wool (sheep!). The magical energy should have no problem transferring through it.
Keeping the bark will make the wood decay. I was told remove it asap.
My staff is so cool Its a wooden pole that was originally used to set the foundation on my Sons Cabin. I fixed the pelvic bone of an oxen to the top. I had beat the ground with it so much it started splitting at the base. So I wound Copper wire round it to hold it together which added even more grounding forces. I had a mojo bag on it but it fell off in a shaman dance I was doing which was a sign to me to burn offer it to Moloch.
That sounds incredible! Thank you for sharing about your staff. All the elements sound so fitting.
I have a Birch staff and it's very sturdy and light. I love it!! I found fallen branch near a birch tree and felt the energy calling to me. Asked for a blessing and using my energy to connect with a branch.
Love it! Birch is such a strong Ogham as well. Sounds like the perfect tree for a staff!
I have formed a bond with a coastal banksia branch then later that week found a young Banksia that I as you said, asked for it’s energies and life force to be harvested for my own use, before cutting down. Have formed a bond with them both over the past few weeks and Am now in the stage of carving down and cutting back the larger branch :)
Hello Danny, I have a staff from a walnut tree we had to take down 😢. Man I love that tree! I used mineral oil after shaving the bark and sanding. I woul like to know how you put the crystal on with leather? Need a show and tell... Thanks for your videos!!
Mineral Oil is an excellent choice for finishing the staff, good idea! I used crystal beads from a local shop. They have a small hole length wise through the middle of the crystal. Through this hole I strung wire. Then I wrapped the wire around the leather and into a knot. The wire then gets wrapped into a spiral shape. I'll see if I can get a short show and tell up soon :D
Thank you, Danni. I have been led in meditation to create my druid staff. I'm not terribly crafty, but I had an image of what it would look like, but not how to create it. Your video was such a huge help! Getting permission is so important. I found two good branches on my walk, one oak, one birch. I was not surprised that the birch was the only one who would give permission. I've had an affinity with birch since I was 6 years old.
I love the new format and your increasing content. You speak so well and have inspired aspects of my own practice! Keep up the good work!
That is so nice to hear, thank you! Working hard to finally get all my ideas out into the world. The Awen has been flowing for me lately.
My staff is a fallen branch from a tree that I found during a hike last year. I don't know what tree it came from, but I love the really unusual, bent shape that it has. I removed the bark and knobby bits off with various tools, sanded it smooth and buttery, and then I drew and woodburned runes onto it, and then treated it with a light coat of varnish to prevent decay. I use it in the circle mostly, I have a different stick I use for walking that I treated similarly, minus the decorations.
Mine is Aspen! I carved all the Celtic tree leaves into it and my magical name on ogham. I mounted a large tree agate stone on the top:)
Sounds lovely. A tree agate stone would be such an interesting touch.
Hi Danni, I discovered you today. Binge watching :) I'm a wand maker (don't use wands myself) but 2 wks ago I found my perfect staff (more of a walking stick shape) under a holly tree of all entities (they're not native here in Australia). I plan to inset seed gems and as I practice chakra meditation I intend to inset the superficial crack that runs it's length with a rainbow of wax. I usually finish with oil but this one will be finished with bees wax from my friends hives. Keep up the good work :)
Today I was walking along a path I visit frequently when I spotted some deadwood. The bark peeled away easily and the wood had not rotted. I own four staffs that I purchased -- in each case, I felt drawn to it -- and today I felt drawn to this wood. I finished my hike, went back to my car and fetched a saw I've been keeping there such an occasion. For a good while, I've been wanting to make my own staff. Cutting the wood was labor intensive, but the wood's solidity was reassuring. The resulting length, about brow-high, was good, and it even curves in the right place; comfortable to hold, and curves make me think of lighting and snakes; both which I love!
I brought it home and sanded it with a medium-grade sanding sponge. The evolving staff feels right. I considered stain or shellac for it, but all the products l inspected had "highly flammable" on their labels, so no! Then I found your video and your linseed oil recommendation. Thank you!
Hi Danni, I've been watching your videos for a while and I love them! When you tell your personal experience in this path, it helps a lot! I've just started my Bard Grade Training at OBOD and It is like coming home....I am really enjoying. I don't have a staff yet, I already asked to the spirit of the trees and I hope to find mine soon. I live in a very big city in the south of Brazil, but we have many parks and squares with beautiful trees . I am also planning to plant a Sacred Grove here.
Welcome to OBOD Christiane! Thank you for watching and sharing a bit about your own beginnings of Druidry. I can't wait to hear about you planting a sacred grove when that happens. :)
Hi Danni. I found my branch yesterday from a branch that had fallen from a Beech tree. Its drying in my warm car ready to be treated. Thankyou for your advice, I love your videos!!!
I’ve had several staves over the years, so many I loose count. Favorites were:
My First was Oak, made when I was about 14. No decorations, lost in the sands of time.
Second was a branch a culled Birch, head height, decorated with a carved Pinecone bed knob, several wrappings over the years, crystals, feathers, leather, and changes with time, still in my possession but more of an ornament know.
Another was a Hickory elbow height walking stick, no decorations, given to me by my eldest sister.
Others lost to time, my Boy Scout hiking staff, and a “Dandy” cane with a ducks head brought to me from England by my Mother.
Offered in ritual: a Yew staff used to hike many miles, offered to mark a change in life.
My next staff will have Reindeer Bells, already in my possession or possibly some small Tibetan Bells, a place for my pipe, (Idea stolen from LOTR) or possible a carving by a local artisan.
I use mine in many practical ways, like any walking stick, to walk, as a measure, extension of my arm, path clearer…
In Ritual it is used to draw circles, tap on stones, cut doorways, and for protection (although I’ve never found the need)
All spoke to me, I’m currently seeking a new friend to walk with …
What a rich and vibrant history of staves! I've never offered a staff in ritual before. That must have been a powerful moment in your life.
Yes very powerful and lifting but private, I may write to you someday and share. (By the way did you get the Honey I sent, if it or the Candles not to your liking share with someone who may enjoy.)
This Month’s (Jan 2018) Druid Pod cast has a very interesting story that mentions offering up staves.
OMG! I'm second guessing everything lol. I picked up the perfect staff on a camping trip. I've decorated it and have no idea what kind of tree it came from. It's my lost staff haha
Haha as long as it works! A forester might be able to tell you the tree based on the wood grain of you're really curious
Lol....A friend and I took our kids to Starved Rock for the day and my niece had found a nice sized branch along the trail. She played with it for a little bit and tossed it aside so I picked it up and used it for a walking stick. I ended up bringing it home and I told my husband I’m thinking about decorating it and using it when I go on my nature walks. The wood is split and I too, do not know what tree it’s from but knew I didn’t want to part with it. Long story short, same friend and I were having coffee and the topic of magic was brought up and I searched “walking stick decorating” and you popped up first! 😁 I’m glad too cuz I did not know about linseed oil.
I had a tree next to my house and I used to treat it like my friend and i used to talk and share my feelings with it and one day branch fell of it and i took it to my home ,and all i did to it was add a feather
Wow! 😮 I had no idea! Awesome! Thank you for sharing!
You're welcome! I think it's a really approachable tool for folks to make and use in their practice, but it doesn't get as much love online as it deserves. lol
This was incredible!! Thanks so much for sharing the knowledge of a Druid Staff as it was great knowing the backstory of it 💙
Nice to see you found me outside of Instagram! Thanks for watching.
Danni Lang most definitely as I'm happy to find other TH-cam resources for Druidry other than John the Verbose.
Danni. How did you tie the stones to the staff?
One of my favorite staffs is actually very short, cane height, but it's shape and size are very comfortable and powerful. I don't use it often but it gets used for walks and protection magic. It's shape like hat of a femur bone it's got a large bud I that is the handle.
Hi Danni. I have watched & enjoyed several of your videos. I am currently a self proclaimed & practising Druid. (looking forward to our summer, this year, as this is when the Anglesey Druid Order commences an Online Druid Course, conducted by Kristoffer Hughes. Have already done some reading from the OBOD Website as well. Am from a Nursing background, but have since become a: Massage Therapist, Nutritional Therapist & Reiki Master & also incorporate Essential Oils & Crystals in my work. I have also taught First Aid with St. John Ambulance Australia as well as written a book on Free Radicals & Antioxidants & have presented some talks on Natural Health Topics. I am currently, the conductor of our local choir & have also written some music/songs. So, I'd say that I would have already worked in all 3 areas of Druidry...Bardic (music/singing), Ovate (nursing/healing) & Druid (teaching). I Was going to send you a photo of the Staff that I have made for myself, but there is no provision here to allow me to do so. I am Welsh & live in a Country town in South Australia. My Staff, is about 6' & is of Red River Gum. It has an Amethyst Point (2" x 1.5") on top, just down from the top are 2 x wire wrapped Clear Quartz Crystals & on opposite sides are 2 x wire wrapped Preselli Bluestones (same stone as Inner Circle of Stonehenge). There is also a wire wrapped Merlinite which hangs down from the other Crystals as well as, I have also carved on 2 separate shell discs, 2 symbols...Awen & another that was channelled to me through Reiki. Copper Wire is attached to the Crystals & wraps around, spiralling down the Staff to hand level, where another Clear Quartz is wire wrapped (wire wrap ends as a spiral). This is where I hold him. He has been rubbed with a Protection Oil Blend of mine & was consecrated in White Sage Smoke, held over a small Fire Pit. His Name is Myrddin (Merlin in Welsh & his name is written in the ancient Welsh Coelbren Alphabet.
Wow what a journey! Thank for sharing so much of your practice and about your staff!
I love this! I have a question, I have an old walking stick that belonged to my late grandpa would it be okay to use as my staff? Of course I will bless it and thank my ancestors, deities and nature for providing the wood it is made out of.
My favorite tools for me are probably my altar, myself and my crystals! I use them a lot haha
I think this is a brilliant connection to your ancestor and would work beautifully! I love how you name yourself as one of your favorite tools; so cheeky!
Haha yea im a cheeky fellow. But im glad you think it is a great idea thank you
I'm glad this showed up in my recommended. This is cool.
I found a branch that was completely cleared of its bark by beavers a couple years ago. I was drawn to it and took it home. I sawed off the top of it to carve it into a wand (not quite finished yet, but will do when I feel it). And the rest I plan on turning into a staff.
Just recently had a dream with the staff in it and really want to make one, I’m already pretty friendly with trees and I think I know what kind of tree I want to make the stuff from but I will consult with the trees, thank you for your very informative video really enjoyed it
Thanks for watching! I'd be excited to hear about your staff when you finish. Having a dream about a magical tool before crafting/finding it is a wonderful omen!
I found what looked like a walking stick in my garage. I think the previous occupant used it as a walking stick when she was out walking. It's some kind of tree limb, already cleaned and the bark has been removed. I have no idea what kind of tree it came from. I feel I should just use this, rather than cut a branch from a living tree. It's just the right height for me. I bought some boiled linseed oil and I am going to sand it and oil it per your instructions.
I don't have a druid staff yet! My medical condition prevents me from being out in the cold for long periods of time, so I'm waiting for the firsts signs of spring (and I get a new car lol) to start a relationship with a tree.
What a great plan! If you know what type of tree you'd like to get to know better, you can enjoy some online or book research on the species in the meantime :)
I have a white oak staff that’s not finished yet. I found a great beeswax based, organic sealant to protect it.
I'm jealous you found an organic sealant! I could only find ones with terrible reviews and decided I wanted to be sure my staff would last. I hope yours is holding up well. :)
I have a staff that I mainly used at home. I wanna take it outside someday too but the thought about getting weird looks discourage me
Hello! Thank you for the video! I have been collecting pieces of wood and sturdy sticks for years. Last year I realized that a lot of what I do in my life, my views, and what feels right in my soul aligns a lot with Druidry. It feels right to use one of the sticks for my staff that I have lived with an enjoyed for years. Of course this means I do know what type of tree is is from (no bark on it when I found it) and that I wasn’t able to form a relationship with the tree or ask its permission. Do you think this is still an ok branch to use???
Of course, it's an OK branch to use. While knowing what type of tree is useful, it's not necessary. You could try taking it to a local woodworker or forester and see if they can identify it for you. Craftsman can often tell by the grain and smell of the wood.
So i have some problems walking. Would a correctly shaped staff also help with those kind of mobility related issues?
Yes! A cane or staff that works for mobility concerns can totally be infused with magic to double as a magical staff.
Great video! There’s a very old and large oak in the backyard of my childhood home that I’m planning to make a staff out of at some point, I’m just waiting for the right time. Though I’m actually torn between that one and a stunning maple tree right off my property that’s being cut down because its roots are effecting drainage and I feel like I want to keep it alive somehow. I’ll probably end up using both of them for something to be honest.
Wow! What gorgeous tree stories and potential staffs. I could see how both would be potent tools for your practice since they have such meaning already.
Your videos are so good! I will search for a tree that might give me a staff in the coming months.
Best of luck finding the right staff!
Hi Danni, a staff recently found its way to me! I was out of the country for work and my husband came to pick me up. We got into the car and there was this staff in the back seat. Apparently my brother had given it to him earlier that day knowing that he likes to hike. My Hubbs looked at me and said, “what am I going to do with this thing? I have walking sticks.” I smiled and said, no that’s not for you, that’s for me! If I knew how to add a pic here, I would
+Rabbit Moon Oh how perfect! I love that IT found you, not the other way around!
I actually have a Hickory and Juniper cane, and even older is an Oak cane, I got them at the Ren Faire, years ago. Being in more urban settings the size allows me to take that part of my magic with me daily if I choose to, a person can't always do that with a staff. I can remember back, to a time when I had a feeling one day that I should bring the Hickory cane out with me. It so happens that I met someone who was troubled and needed help, and long story short, magic happened! Hickory is closely related to oak in magical properties and juniper assists in purification and bashing unwanted energies and spirits (the exorcist of woods :-). ). Just wanted to share another option for those who are more urban druids and magic practitioners.
Living in the Sierra foothills I have a special relationship with both Oak and Manzanita. My staff is/will be Manzanita. I've had a perfect "branch" (more like trunk) of a manzanita for many years from a tree that came from my property. I will be starting to sand it this week.
Ive never heard of Manzanita before. I'm so intrigued!
Good points regarding staff length!
Thank you for this video, Danni :) I have picked up beautiful staffs from the beach at my favourite lace near the ocean.. The shapes of Driftwood make beautiful flutes, and are also formed into such lovely forms that a Staff would be truly beautiful, too, but it is difficult to know what tree they have come from.. I am blessed to live on a sizeable area of land, which we have nurtured for 2 decades, planting many local species trees, and creating forest groves... As much as i love the driftwood pieces, and they were found in one of my sacred places, branches from trees that I have grown, and whose nature I know more intimately, would possibly be a better match. 🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲
In Australia's landscape should we have a better understanding if we asked aboriginal elders for knolage and permission first ?
I naturally collect sticks-staffs. I have just discovered druid priestess and thought I am quite similar. Anyway..I was wanting a special stick and have been looking and waiting.. so the past month I have been hanging around the beach where the ancient amazing Pohutakawa tress live. I have been lying in them and admiring there beauty. One day I saw a pile of drift wood..And on top was my special stick. I grabbed it and was so happy it was like being reunited with a old friend. When I him home I took him to my pond and grounded him in my earth and washed him in my pond..He lay by me and basked in the evening sun. I named him Barkee my companion guide stick. Back at the house I realised the last few sticks I had bought home are the same wood. This wood I have now discovered is my soul wood..from the magnificent Pohutakawa. And i have a tattoo on my foot I got 12 years ago....a Pohutakawa flower. Hmmm love it💜
Hi! Bard-in-training here. I'm curious what effective methods there are for attaching stones to a staff. Did you use an adhesive to get the strap on, or is it just tight?
Thank you!
I just tied the leather very tightly. The stones are beaded with wire. You can also wet the leather down as you tie it.
Danni Lang thank you!
Hi
Glad I found your site 💫
i have a walking stick that was given to me is kinda a long wand i love it
i need help to power it
Well you could do a ritual to "consecrate" it. That is one way of introducing yourself to this tool and starting your work together. Or you can just use it regularly and let the power, as you put it, build slowly over time of joint work together. Good luck!
I want to make a staff, but right now I'm torn between maple and cedar. I love what they both symbolize. I'm not sure which one to pick. What do you think?
hmm.. . maybe you could find a way to use parts from both trees? I'd personally go with maple because I have a stronger connection with that tree. However, cedar is a beautiful, strong tree!
Danni Lang Ya, there's a maple tree in a near by park that I'm connected to. I also looked up what maple symbolize and it's amazing how it's like me. I think I'm gonna use maple and a have cedar bead hanging on it.
Me, not knowing anything about druidry: I didn't know this actually existed, I was thinking of d&d... I mean I like it, it's cool, but I'm a nerd lol
I have an oak staff,I just stripped it and used a natural whitewash to paint it with,it is not pure white,you can still see the wood below the wash.
I purod a couple of Anglo Saxon runes onto it
Sounds like a fantastic staff! I love that you included runes
Love it!!!
It’s so hard for me it’s like when I attract mines I thought I would find it the woods but I found it in a parking lot no where near trees so I couldn’t even thank the tree ugh I hate that for me
My friend passed away earlier this year. He had started working on his staff. His widow has asked me to finish it. So it as “interesting” situation.
oooo that is interesting indeed. I applaud you for taking such an endeavor on. Balancing your own energy and that of your friend will present a tricky challenge but how wonderful to have it completed in their memory!
That makes me so happy. My biggest worry about my druid staves is what will become of them when I die. I want them to be out in the world, doing good, but finding a good home for each of them after my death may be hard. So lovely to hear that your friend's staff is in your hands.
@Helen Wood well, I finished it as a favor for his fiancée/widow (quite sure the term) but it is still in good hands now.
wonder if anyone has used driftwood as a staft before?
Should I keep my staff? It’s not straight
i'm trying to find the 4 elemental stones water,earth,fire,wind
my woods are filled with Cedar Trees which is what I used for my staff
I also Have quartz crystal on the top of the staff that I found in the woods
Sounds like a lovely staff!
i have a bamboo staff but nothing magic about it
So many innuendo opportunities here. Lol
Instead of putting gems on mine I put star anise cause I’m a big herbalist tol
i love Herbology too.
In times of old, the magi would find a young tree with life force running through it, then they would give an offering and talk to it and ask it to serve with a magi ,and become magickal in its self, and if it agree's,they take the tree roots and all, of course this conflicts with neo Druids! ,and I walk a old world path, my staff is extremely powerful full, I use it in all acts of life and magick, it's a part of me, and a entity in its self, as a spiritual healer, I can use it to send healing life force energy, through space and time, I love it, I dance with it and keep it close, with all magickal workings, I even sing to it, and no other person touches it,I even shared with it all of my body,fluids, spittle, blood, and even sexual fluid, it has a fire and ice crystal, as well as Andara's, it vibration is extremely powerful, and that's the difference between a Godi's path of the northern Germanic and tribes, and other Neo Druid /Pagen paths, perfection of Belief structure,! the old ways !.......
Thanks for sharing a bit about your staff. It sounds like you have a very intimate relationship with it.
I’ve always had an affinity to willow and oak.
Willow is great for intuition and Oak is wonderful for lending strength. I could see both making excellent staffs.
I don't know what kind of tree my staff came from, it was gifted to me by the woods near my house. I'm still carving it.
Those gifts from the woods are real treasures! May your carving journey with this staff be full of knowing and magic.
My great grandfather was a Druid
You're really cool😂
‘Boiled linseed oil’ please dear heart. Raw linseed oil will take weeks to dry..
How the fuck did I get here?
Who are druids
We are people on a path that respects nature and the ancestors and that is inspired by the Iron Age tribes of Britain and Europe.
i have a question. do you believe in God????
If you mean the God found in Abrahamic faiths like Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, then no. I see Deity as an animist and panentheist.
An esbat? "Casting directions? Magic circle? Not very druidic. In general you sound more Eclectic Neo-Pagan or New-Wiccan than a druid.
The Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids cast a circle in ritual. I also know that I speak to a Pagan audience not just Druids so I adapt my language where needed to better communicate with that audience.
I use a cane but would love to begin making a druid staff.. I would like for it to be at least to my shoulder but I still need the support , any tips?? Sorry to bug you all♡
So nothing stops you from consecrateing and using your cane! But if you really want something shoulder height you could do a handhold at the height you want. Alison Stitt mentioned hers in the comments below
@@DanniEsotericMoment thank you♡♡♡