åndestok (‘breath stick’ in Danish) are inspired in part by historical Scandinavian staffs found in völva graves and Old Norse literary sources. 

During ancient Scandinavian times, staffs were thought to be used both as practical tools and for seiðr “which can be described as a distinctive Norse version of magic” (The Norse Sorceress, 2023).

åndestok are walking sticks, jewellery and tools used for mindfulness, ritual practice and home decor. 

åndestok becomes a conduit between ancient and contemporary times.

No matter their format and intended use, each stick serves a purpose of mindfulness. When you fund and adopt a stick, you are supporting a mindful and ethical practice and will receive an ethically hand-picked stick that is transformed into a work of art. 

Sticks are mindfully handpicked from the forest floor and from beach shorelines. They are carefully sanded, drawn on, engraved by hand and then finished with a gentle stain and non-toxic varnish. They have the life breathed back into them.

Each stick is adorned with nature symbols and Nordic petroglyphs sometimes reflecting ancient beings with staffs from the Bronze Age. 

Maria is a crafter and designer from Vancouver Island who spends her time forest bathing for healing purposes. After major wind storms, the trees drop beautiful sticks on the forest floor making for perfect craft projects. Selecting sticks is part of Maria’s mindful practice and each creation is made with love. Each stick is engraved by hand, and while she experiences a hand tremor condition and tendonitis, the characteristics of the symbols perfectly match the natural aura of the sticks. 

Maria also works with driftwood and any other stick that calls her attention. Crafting is not just a hobby or a profession, it is a way of life. Each piece becomes an extension of the person it belongs to. While not a magic practitioner herself, Maria believes each stick provides personal ritual opportunities.