stang

Definition

A forked ritual staff.

Etymology

From Middle English stang, stong, from Old Norse stǫng, from Proto-Germanic *stangiz, *stangō (“bar, rod”), from Proto-Indo-European *stengʰ-, *stegʰ- (“to stick, sting, prick, be stiff”).

Example Sentences

• "The stang represents the horned god and the masculine force of nature. Much like the wand or athame, the stang is used for raising or directing power[…]"
• "In more common (and private) Wiccan circles, the stang is replaced by the athame (black handled knife) and the cauldron replaced with the chalice but its^([sic]) pretty much /whatever works for you/."
• "These stangs can be used as natural altars in outdoor rituals or simply as walking staffs."