Scottish Jay wing smudging fan, spiritual cleansing ceremonial fan. shamanic ritual tool, moonstone and aventurine

The vibrant and intelligent Jay is the centre of this medium sized prayer fan.

Jays are ecologically linked with the Oak Tree as acorns make up most of their diet. They can store thousands every year, each acorn individually hidden, and their amazing memory and powerful intellect allows them to create a complex mind-map of their territory

Jays can be found across the world and they are are steeped in symbolism and mythology. For example, in Native American folklore, Jays are believed to bring messages of harmony and reconciliation between warring tribes.

In Greek mythology the Jay was associated with the goddess Hera. According to ancient Greek texts, Hera sent a Jay to spy on her husband Zeus, revealing his infidelities. This portrayal of the Jay as a watcher and informant highlights its association with knowledge and wisdom.

For me, the Jay represents communication and foresight. I see the Jays gifts as the ability to use your words to help, inform and protect and your skills to build a meaningful life for you and your loved ones.

Ethical standards are exceptionally important to me, especially when creating a tool used in ritual and healing, so I will always outline the provenance of each set of feathers or wings.

In this instance this Jay was brought to me by a friend who found it by the roadside. Jays live in woodland and I suspect he was on his way home when he met his end.

Please note: any whole birds that I use are buried respectfully and gently, giving thanks for the joy they give in life and the special gifts they give in death.

The handle is oak wood collected from my garden to link the handle to the feathers and been sanded by hand to a wonderfully smooth finish. It has been treated with linseed oil to bring out the depth of colour.

I have chosen two oval moonstones and a round aventurine crystal for the handle. Aside from the wonderful colours , moonstones are believed to promote balanced emotions and clarity of mind whilst aventurine is known as ‘the stone of opportunity’ and is thought to bring luck. The handle is hand painted with a sun and star motif and is wrapped with gold leather.

This fan will be beautifully wrapped and carefully sent.