While I've had never heard the term cromach, staves have been used in pagan ceremonies. Pagans are hardly unique in that though, to be very honest there are very few household items that haven't been used in religous ceremonies of many religons throughout time.

I wouldn't worry to much about the "occult" uses. If you look hard enough you will find a claim on just about anything you touch that is old enough from cards to brooms.

Jim