The Prayer Stick

For many people, the idea of constructing one’s own ritual tools is quite appealing. During the process, one is able to imbue the ceremonial objects with their own personal energies and intent. The item becomes more meaningful to the holder and in many ways is more powerful.

Native people from around the world have continued the practices of their ancestors by the passing down of sacred rites and traditions through the generations.  For some of these practices, construction of the ritual item is just as important as the rite itself.  From gathering the objects for use in constructing to consecration… the entire process is a holy experience. Many practices are unique to a specific tribe or culture, but some are universal among the world’s various societies. One in particular that seems to stand out repeatedly is the Prayer Stick.  It seems nearly all of our ancient cultures have in some way utilized the decorative stick in their worshiping practices. Anyone of any age can make this ritual item.  Firstly, it is helpful to understand its function on the whole and then the many ways it may be constructed.

Perhaps the most common use among many ‘traditionalists’ today for prayer sticks is as a sacred ceremonial tool passed from one to another in a circle as a symbol of reverence and in the spirit of community. It is often kept on an altar or in a sacred box, oftentimes placed within a ‘prayer bowl’ symbolizing balance, or it may be hung on a wall as a reminder to keep honest relations.  Sometimes it is left as an offering among the elements either by burying it or planting it, or even by burning it. Actually, incense is one form of the prayer stick. 

The prayer stick has been used for centuries in many cultures and has been called by various names according to specific usage and tradition. For instance… they are called ‘prayer sticks’ by most Pueblo peoples, ‘bahos’ by the Hopi,  ‘talking sticks’ or ‘prayer flags’ by many North American Indians (again, depending on usage), and ‘prayer trees’ or ‘praying trees’ by those who plant theirs in ceremony.  To the Ainu (ethnic group of Japan) they are known as ‘ikupasuy’, a vehicle through which men communicate with the Gods.  In some African cultures they are chosen by their form, similar to a dowsing rod with a fork at one end.  They can be a living tree, or taken from a living tree with respect, or found from fallen limbs and such. They are most often straight as any stick that one might imagine, but can really be of any size or shape. Any type of wood may be used. Many may choose their wood by its characteristics and mystical relevance.

The stick itself serves as a symbol and reminder to the holder to always be true and honest, to speak softly and from the heart. It is representative of the Divine Masculine, just as the cauldron or ‘prayer bowl’ is representative of the Divine Feminine. The Masculine energy serves as the manifesting force and support of the Source, which is the Feminine energy.  Therefore, when in use together it denotes balance. 

The sacred power of words is gifted to the one who holds the prayer stick. As s/he does, all others remain silent and listen to that which is genuinely put forth by Spirit through the person in meditative/prayerful state. 

The creator’s prayerful intent and various items used in the construction of the stick aid in its eventual purpose. The materials that are used in making any sacred object are chosen for the symbology it holds and as a way of asking the beings or spirits of this Universe to join in and aid in the manifestation of our prayers.  Below are a few common items you may think of using in the construction of your own prayer stick along with some symbology. Use your imagination and intuition to come up with other ideas for what may aid in your creation. The possibilities are limitless.

The most common item used when making prayer sticks is feathers.  The feather itself symbolizes one’s own prayerful intent being lifted and carried on the wind to be received by the Source. Further meaning is bestowed by the kind of bird from which the feather was obtained. 

Also, beads are attached representing many various amuletic properties. Beads themselves, have a long cultural history throughout the world’s societies where much thought and importance has been placed upon their creation. They can be made of shells, twigs, glass, bone, earth, metal, gems, precious stones and more. They can also be made into shapes to further symbolize intent.

Some sort of string must be used to tie on objects to the stick. Often this is leather straps, but may also be any sort of twine, yarn, or thread…even wire.

Color may also be taken into consideration when choosing these items.  You may follow a set tradition on color meanings or go by chakra or astrological significance, or even personal resonances.

You may wish to decorate the stick with paints, drawing lines and symbols with significant colors or made from other significant natural materials such as berries or flowers. Then too, you will have imbued the essence of that material into your creation.

Sometimes fur is used to represent traits or abilities of a particular animal. Nowadays this may be frowned upon in certain circles for legitimate reasons, and so may be replaced by fake fur or some other item reminiscent of the particular creature and its spiritual or physical qualities. Also, fabric may be used. These things can be sewn on or glued on.

In some cultures, such as with the Ainu… the stick itself is carved in such a way to allow one end to be used in sprinkling sacred liquid (such as alcohol or blessed water) onto ceremonial participants.  Often images may be carved into the wood, such as with the Native Totem Poles. 

Specific prayers or wishes can be written on parchment and tied to the stick. If you Wood-burn, you may use your burner to carve or draw symbols, designs, and words of intent into the wood. 

Some other Natural objects that may be utilized and drawn upon for symbolism include: acorns, flowers, leaves, moss, shells, coral, pine cones, corn, shed snake skin, shed shark teeth, etc. Go on a nature hike and see what you find, what speaks to you. Though some say not to use rocks or other similar objects that would serve to ‘weight down’ the energy of the prayer stick. There are mountains of possibilities here, but the important thing is to concentrate on your prayerful intent during the construction. Whatever the atmosphere is filled with at the time of creation is what energies will be imbued into the ritual object. Make sure it’s favorable. 

(Links and additional notes, references, etc. to be added soon.)