Magic Wands
Woods Unit 1 - lecture part 1
Harry Potter
Each character from
the movie has their
own particular wand.
Each wands design
and material
composition is
unique to its
individual user.
“It’s the wand that chooses the
Wizard.”
A wand is a thin, straight, hand-held stick, usually made of wood, ivory
or metal which is considered to be generally used in witchcraft/magic
for casting various kinds of spells.
QUESTION: Is there a difference between magic and witchcraft?
Some religions use wands as part of ceremonial rituals.
This is true even today – can you think of any examples?
In some branches of magic, wands are used for the
channeling of energy or to help focus concentration.
In magic today – a wand is often used for misdirection.
Traditional wand woods are oak, hazel or other trees
and are pruned and then carved or decorated to create a wand that suits the magician.
Wands can be kept plain wood (with bark or without) or can be
embellished with other items such yarn or cord
(or other material) as hand grips for the hand or tips
(to help focus and channel energy).
You should also think about the branch joints –
keep or remove?
Carved or embellished handles
work not only for decoration but
for good grip as well.
This also allows the use of
personal symbols or signs.
Surface decoration?
Hot glue used to create surface decoration…
Alternative materials…
• Crystal, glass and
metal, while not as
popular or as
common as wood,
are all traditional
wand materials.
• Plastic is also another
21st century option.
Natural elements…
Copper tubing and crystal…
How will additional materials be attached?
What additional materials (if any) will you use?
Remember that all the materials should be a very personal choice
reflective of you as an individual.
Modern Materials…
Consider in your sketches, modern materials as well as traditional.
Remember, through history craftsmen have always used what was at hand.
Therefore its easy to assume that ancient craftsmen creating wands today,
wouldn’t shy away from items like plastic, fiber optics, lenses and lights, sound
and a variety of other “new stuff”.
Don’t limit your thinking – work hard, but think harder!
The Staff
Moses is believed to
have carried a hazel
staff which is
mentioned many times
in the Bible, and was
used in the “creation”
of many miracles
(which could be
considered “magic”).
Staffs have been the
mainstay of wizards
throughout history.
Sauruman’s staff (from the LOTR) represents or
exhibits his obsession with metal and gears,
turning his face from the natural world.
Gandalf’s is a symbol in the
same way.
His also changes to show his
growth through out the books
and movies.
Native American dance staves
Modern religion still makes use of the
staff as a symbol of power and office.
One of the Papal Staff’s and
Pope John Paul II’s favorite
personal staff.
As does the military
(and society in
general).
FUN STUFF…
Items related to, but not necessarily wands
(or magical) that can be seen as relatives of
the wand and used as inspiration.
Native
American
prayer sticks
Native American dance sticks
African tribal
elders staff
The Flail
The Crook
A shepherds
crook, for use in
allowing
Pharaoh to use
all the items he
was buried with.
Similar to a
medieval battle
flail, used to show
royal and warrior
status.
Aztec ceremonial dagger
The Mace
• The mace was originally
a deadly club-like
weapon, often with
spikes to pierce armor.
– Originally became
popular as a means to
“smash through”
armor.
• The English word
"mace" is derived from
the French word
"masse" (large mallet).
• King Edward I
appointed twenty such
mace-toting Royal
Sergeants.
British crown jewels…
During the 14th Century, the mace evolved into a symbol of authority with precious metals and jewels
(sometimes now called a scepter) used in place of the spikes,
and retaining a decorative orb (usually) on or near the top.
Cornerstone University Mace
• Today, the mace’s significance is
primarily ceremonial and denotes
authority, signaling an official
gathering.
• It is usually carried at the head of
processions, academic and religious,
by a special honoree.
• Universities throughout the world
take great pride in their own
particular mace.
• Each University spends a great deal
of time and effort to create designs
with rich symbolism and history
relating to the specific institution.
Sketching…
Some other stuff (inspiration)…
Some more University Maces…
Summary of woods used for magical wands
Source - http://www.esotericarchives.com/wands/index.html
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Acacia - According to Franz Bardon, "the wood of an oak or an acacia, too, is an
excellent material for making a magic wand."
Almond - This wood is specificed in the Book of the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the
Mage. The wand of the magician may be made of any nut wood according to the Key
of Solomon. According to Agrippa (OP1.26), almond and other woods of nut trees are
associated with the planet Jupiter. Levi recommends the magic wand be made of
almond or hazel.
Apple - The druidic wizard Mannanàn Mac Lir carried a wand of apple ( Peter
Berresford Ellis, A Brief History of the Druids , New York, Carroll & Graf, 2002, p.
249.).
Ash - According to Franz Bardon, a magic wand made of ash is especially to be used
in healing people. Yates recounts details of an Irish "fairy doctor" -- one whose
mystical power is received from fairies -- who observed many traditional practices,
including carrying a wand of ash during prayer.
Bay - According to Ad. 36674 (fol. 73r) and Sloane 3850 (fol. 98v), the magical
scepter must be made of a bay tree.
Box - According to the Key of Solomon box and oak have "some quality referring
especially unto the spirits" of Jupiter. According to MC this is a sacred tree associated
with the zodiacal sign of Libra.
Buckthorn - Sacred tree associated with the Zodiacal sign of Aquarius (MC).
Cane - The staff of the magician may be made of cane according to the Key of
Solomon
Cedar - According to the Key of Solomon cornel and cedar have "some quality
referring especially unto the spirits" of Mars.
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Dogwood - Sacred tree associated with the Zodiacal sign of Scorpio (MC).
Ebony - Ebony is named as the wood of Hermes in one ancient Greek spell
(Faraone, p. 202.) This wood is specified by Trithemius in his treatise on invoking
angels to appear in a crystal. The Egyptian king Nectanebus used a rod or wand of
ebony along with magic formulae to animate models of his enemies and attack them.
(Budge, 1930, p. 488; 1971, p. 92.) An Ebony wand is used in the Graeco-Egyptian
spell PGM I.335 (Betz p. 12).
Elder - The staff of the magician may be made of elder according to the Key of
Solomon. Grimorium Verum specifies a wand of elder should be used in preparing
the parchment, and is also used in preparing the pentacles and magic rings.
According to the method of Abognazar a special staff of elder is used for operations
of Venus only. According to Franz Bardon, "the wand made of elder-wood, proves, on
account of its analogy to Saturn, especially efficient when calling up or evoking
elemental spirits and demons."
Elm - Sacred tree associated with the Zodiacal sign of Pisces (MC).HazelMultiple
sources including the Key of Solomon, Weyer, Goetia, Grand Grimoire, Levi, ....
According to MC this is a sacred tree associated with the zodiacal sign of Cancer.
According to the Key of Solomon hazel has "some quality referring especially unto
the spirits" of Mercury.
Chestnut - Sacred tree associated with the Zodiacal sign of Leo (MC).
Cornel - According to the Key of Solomon cornel and cedar have "some quality
referring especially unto the spirits" of Mars.
Cypress - Used to make a magic circle for the experiment of the Black Hen (Fr.
poule noire, It. gallina nera) found in several grimoires.
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Holly - Holly is the whitest of all woods, and has been used in making piano keys. It
was considered sacred by the druids, and played a part in the magic of the Greeks
and Romans. It was especially suitable for divination. In early Europe, holly and other
thorny plants were believed to repel all evil spirits. (Gale, p. 2.) The same apotropaic
properties were noted by Pliny the Elder (23-79 CE).
Oak - A rod of this material is used in the operation of the magic garters, according to
Abognazar.JuniperAccording to the Key of Solomon juniper and pine "some quality
referring especially unto the spirits" of Saturn.
Laurel - Wands of laurel are found in multiple spells in the Magical Papyri. Called
"Apollo's holy plant of presage" and "Phoibos' mistress" (Betz pp. 15, 110, 112) A
sprig of laurel held in the right hand is said to be a protective charm (PGM I, Betz op.
cit. p. 10). Also used in Graeco-Egyptian spells PGM I.335, II.6, II.22 (Betz p. 12, 13).
According to the Key of Solomon laurel has "some quality referring especially unto
the spirits" of the Sun. According to MC this is a sacred tree associated with the
zodiacal sign of Gemini. On magical uses of laurel see also L. Deubner, Kleine
Schriften zur Klassischen Altertumskunde (Königstein: Hain, 1982, p. 401-2.)
According to Porphyry (On Images, fragment 8), laurel "is full of fire, and therefore
hated by daemons."
Myrtle - According to the Key of Solomon myrtle has "some quality referring
especially unto the spirits" of Venus. Marvin Meyer's book Ancient Christian Magic
includes a spell which involves a branch of myrtle held in the right hand (p. 272). The
use of a Myrtle branch is also found in the Graeco-Egyptian spell mentioned above
(Betz, p. 5.) According to MC this is a sacred tree associated with the zodiacal sign of
Taurus.
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Olive - Sacred tree associated with the Zodiacal sign of Aries (MC). Wands of olive are also
found in the Greek Magical Papyri (e.g. Betz, p. 109.) According to Butler (p. 145) Casanova
(1725-1798) used a magic wand made of olive wood, approximately 18 inches long.
Palm - A twig of palm is held in the right hand during a ritual described in the Sixth and
Seventh Books of Moses (T2). Sacred tree associated with the Zodiacal sign of Sagittarius
(MC).
Pear - Sacred tree associated with the Zodiacal sign of Virgo (MC).
Pine - According to the Key of Solomon juniper and pine "some quality referring especially
unto the spirits" of Saturn. According to MC this is a sacred tree associated with the
zodiacal sign of Capricorn.
Pomegranate - This wood is also mentioned as acceptable for the baresman in Zoroastrian
ritual.
Poplar - Grillot de Givry (Witchcraft, Magic & Alchemy, p. 308) shows a magical operation
which features a "wand of poplar-wood, 'half without bark'."
Quince - This wood is specified for the staff of the magician according to La Vera Clavicola
del Re Salomone.
Rosewood - The staff of the magician may be made of rosewood according to the Key of
SolomonTamariskZoroastrian magi
Walnut - The wand of the magician may be made of any nut wood according to the Key of
Solomon
Willow - According to the Key of Solomon
willow has "some quality referring especially unto the spirits" of the Moon. According to
Bardon, "hazelnut or willow are to be used for a wishing-wand. The wishing-wand is a
modification of the magic wand.... In making magic wands willow twigs may also be used
for any type, for the willow is a very good fluid condenser." Wormwood - Used in GraecoEgyptian spell PGM III.704 (Betz p.
Yew - Traditionally considered a sacred tree among the Irish, the yew deeply rooted in Irish
folklore. It has long been known to have toxic properties.
Why does the flag fly backwards on
the sleeves of American soldiers?
The Flail…
A derivative of the mace used to
get more force behind a blow (and
harder to handle).
Cat-o-nine tails (flail):
Similar to a flail except with many strands,
each often ending in a sharp metal or stone
barb, that would penetrate (shallowly) and rip
the skin.
Jesus of Nazareth was beat with a flail prior to
crucifixion – flagellation was a very common
Roman punishment.