WC ~Tools of the Craft: Talking stick

A Talking Stick is a tool used in council circles or any kind of meeting where more than one person is talking.

The concept behind the Talking Stick is simple: She who holds the Talking Stick is talking. Everybody else is silent.

When the person is done speaking, they pass the Stick to the next person to speak.

We are going to make a Talking Stick. This stick will be decorated with symbols and/or runes or whatever. For instance, you may attach a feather to represent clear communication (air=east=communication); or you can put a small amethyst on the stick to represent sober judgement; You can wrap a black and white string around it to represent balance. These are only a few choices. This is entirely sender's choice. Listen to your intuition on how to decorate it.

Talking Sticks are usually about 9 or 10 inches long, and can be decorated in many different ways.

Interesting tidbit. When my children were little, around 6 or 7 years old, and they would be arguing, eventually one of them would always get upset and say, "That's it!! I'm getting the Talking Stick!"

So, one partner, one Talking Stick. I'm giving a little extra time to make this so you can put some thought into creating it.

Oh, and it doesn't have to be an actual stick. Mine was a decorated coyote bone. I've seen a feather used as a Talking Stick. I don't see why a wooden spoon couldn't be used, even. Or an old house painting brush. Anything, really. It's the symbolism that matters.

Shipping internationally costs an arm and a leg. I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to make this one USA only.