Wand

As a magic wand ( or mage staff ) is called a tool of caster, a magical implement that again is found mainly in occultism, fantasy films, books and computer games, as well as in a fairy tale, but is also found in reality.

The wand in occultism

The wand is the magician in the ritual. He wants to direct the special magical energy in the desired direction. And so, that is for example, a photo of a person shown to be enchanted. In addition, the wand symbolizes the will of the caster.

The modern wand

The "classic " magic wand, as it was used by magicians and is, and how it fits the cliché of stage magic, is about 30 cm long and 1 cm thick rod made of wood. Usually it is completely black, only his two ends are white.

The "modern " magic wand, however, is now more commonly used, and is up to 25 cm long. Only one end is white, namely, from the "magic " comes from. However, more recent illusionists have rather smaller wands.

Of course, can not really conjure conjurer with such a wand. Nevertheless, he served an important purpose in that it directs namely visible to the audience to a particular point or from such away.

With time, however, the wand has changed, so that the strictly cylindrical shape, but especially the colors may vary. Also, the manufacturing material previously only wood, has been extended or replaced by metals and plastics.

Wands in fairy tales and fantasy genre

One of the oldest wand - lore, the Old Testament Moses legend available. Here impressed the leader of the Jewish people with various miracles actions in which the work of YHWH by his staff plays a central role. Among other things, his staff turns water into blood, and the staff of his brother turns into a snake, which allow some court officials of the Egyptian pharaoh their " wands " also perform.

In fairy tales and fantasy literature (as well as in fantasy games and movies ) of the wand, the essential (but not always exclusive ) tool of magically gifted beings, such as fairies, wizards, among other things Thanks to him, they can only work magic, so their spells at all then only work in most cases.

Here, the wands can vary in shape and color very much. In addition to short, straight sticks that glitter or glow, almost man-sized gnarled rods, old branches are equal, is known.

The wand stands most closely related to its owner. If it is lost or destroyed, the owner often loses them his magical abilities or parts.

Some examples of wands

In Peter Jackson's The Lord of The Rings films, for example, is the magic wand of Gandalf initially a walking and supporting floor, which can be equipped with a magic crystal to give light.

In Harry Potter again, it is a short wooden stick with a core of phoenix feather, dragon heartstring or unicorn hair or other magical materials, its owner chooses himself.

The use of the wand

The wand is primarily used to work magic ( conjuring ). He can on one hand be used for sighting a target, as well as for channeling magical energies. Also the wand (often very symbolic ) is miteingesponnen movements, often parallel to speaking a magic formula. The direct contact with the wand may already have the magical effect occur.