Each finger has a magical meaning although sometimes the meaning differs from culture to culture. For example, the Dogon believe that the middle finger represents death. In the United States, the middle finger is regarded as an obscene gesture or insult. Those who practice Witchcraft will often search into their cultural past to discover their own personal correspondences.
Each finger is also related to an astrological god or goddess. It is interesting to see how the presiding planets do not always match up to the symbolic meanings of each finger. Take, for instance, the thumb. It is regarded as a phallic symbol and yet Venus is its presiding planetary goddess.
Correspondences
Thumb
The thumb is a phallic digit. It represents judgment and power. It is aligned with the planet Venus.
Index Finger
The index finger, or pointer finger, controls speech. It is the finger of teachers and clears the way through nonsense. It is aligned with Jupiter.
Middle Finger
The middle finger symbolizes self-assurance and sexual desire. It is aligned with Saturn.
Ring Finger
The ring finger symbolizes love. It was once believed that a vein started in the ring finger and went straight to the heart. It is aligned with Sol, the sun.
Little Finger
The pinky may seem like the weakest finger on the hand but it may very well be one of the most powerful fingers. The pinky is the oracular finger. It represents occult powers and is used in divinations. It is aligned with Mercury.
Fingers for Wands
There are many Witches who either prefer to use their fingers in place of a wand or just use their pointer finger when they need to cast a circle away from home. Just knowing the finger correspondences helps by empowering your work. For example, you can use your ring finger for marriage-minded rituals. It iss a bit tricky, but worth the extra effort. If you are simply casting a spell for a lover, use your middle finger to cast your circle or to direct energy. The index finger is considered the all-purpose alternative for a wand.
In Magick
For general spells and rituals, fingers can be used not only for pointing and directing energy, they can also be used for stirring the water in water divination and for stirring herbs. As magical reminders, tying a color corresponding string around the appropriate finger keeps the Witch focused on her goal. Nail polish designs can also be used on the appropriate nails for this purpose as well as henna designs on fingers.
