The Shamanic Staff of New Beginnings

Collection: Tools & Techniques

Symbolism of the Staff

In nature-based traditions, staffs are considered as a representation of the world tree, connecting the different worlds of spirit geography, as well as various layers of our consciousness. The staff is an archetype in and of itself, which can help us on our journey of individuation. They also represent physical support as well as guidance and leadership on a journey or pilgrimage. Imagine the archetype of the Hermit in the Tarot cards, with his or her quiet sense of dignity. Wizards and magicians also carry a staffs to direct energy, and provide protection and ground. No one will question Gandalf when he slams his staff to the ground and cries ‘Thou shalt not pass’ to the fire creature! This way, he creates a boundary to protect those he cares for.

I worked with several staffs over the years. They came to me at different times, one as support at the end of a relationship, another during my PhD, a third to honour the creative fire inside me and the fourth one as a reminder of the integration of opposites. Alongside their own teachings, they always bring a message of connection between heaven and earth. Currently they reside next to my desk, decorated with feathers and fairy lights.

When I walk with a staff, I feel more firmly connected to the earth, almost like having a third leg with its own kind of sensory detection. Through the staff I pick up the resonance of the earth’s vibration, facilitating a connection to earthy wisdom. At the same time, my head feels more open and receptive to the sky. It is as if the mere presence of the staff helps my feet to listen and my consciousness to expand.

Meeting a New Staff

On March 1st, 2021 I went on a walk in our local forest to ask for support and guidance regarding the direction of my work. I came across a small patch of birch trees, where some branches had been cut as part of forest care. It was almost as if one jumped out to me. As my fingers closed around it to pick it up, I heard a voice: “I am the Staff of New Beginnings”. 

I asked its permission to bring it home and there I started working with it, carefully sanding it down. I made a journey to meet its spirit, ask what it came to tell and teach me, how I can decorate it, and what I can do for it in return.

I have a feeling that there is a small bird hidden in the Staff of New Beginnings. Its head is peeping out, curiously looking at the road ahead, providing birdsong directions. In the Celtic Calendar, Birch represents the first of 13 months. Light reflects off the white bark, making it clearly visible from afar. Its bark was used for writing on, long before parchment was invented. 

Birch is one of the first trees that awakes in Spring. As such, its branches represent new life, and invite us to clear away the cobwebs, so we can start a journey unencumbered by weight from the past. Infusions made from the leafs are diuretic, helping to cleanse the body from the inside, while Birch sap is rich in amino acids and anti-oxidants, providing a great boost in spring.

Indeed, The Staff of Beginnings is full of symbolism as my work becomes more visible in the world. I will bring this Staff with me to workshops, when we can meet in person once again. Like the Sealskin that some of you know from earlier rituals, it will witness our promises to self for life-giving change, and support us to make small steps to implement them. We can celebrate New Beginnings every day!

Your Own Journey

Of course, you can ask to meet your own Staff when you go out into nature. Ask permission to work with it, dream to it, make a journey to the essence of the Staff. Learn about the type of wood, and its symbolical meanings. Ask how you can decorate it, and imbue it with your own prayers. Yours might be a Staff of Stability, Worthiness, Healing or Forgiveness… Listen to and grow with what it teaches you, and in return also ask what you can do for it. It may give you a really clear suggestion such as ‘plant a tree’; ‘support a forest charity’, or ‘find my song’. Otherwise, respectfully embodying what it teaches you is a beautiful way to reciprocate its gifts as well.

Happy Staffing!

The small print...

• Image Credits: Leslie Cross on Unsplash.

• Post adapted from earlier blog, published on Clover Trail Website on 15 March 2021.

Further Reading

• De Cleene, M. and Lejeune, M. C. (1999) Compendium van Rituele Planten in Europa (Compendium of Ritual Plants in Europe). Gent, Belgium: Uitgeverij Stichting Mens en Kultuur.

• Høst, A. (2013) ‘The Legacy of Seiðr: history, experiences and the path ahead’, A Journal of Contemporary Shamanism, 6: 1 (Spring 2013)

• Murray, L., Murray, C. and Card, V. (2001 [1988]) The Celtic Tree Oracle: A System of Divination / Het Keltische Bomen Orakel. Een Oeroude Bron van Wijsheid. Bloemendaal (NL): Altamira-Becht (Dutch version).

• So, B. H. (2018) ‘The Staff as a Symbol of Spiritual Guidance for Individuation’, Journal of Symbols & Sandplay Therapy,9(2), pp. 49-68.