Magic wands (updated)

We've talked about magic and energy etc. But now it begs the question, what about magic wands? Are there such things? And if there are, are they like what we see in Harry Potter?

Crystal Wand used in Pranic Healing

Well... If magicians (energy manipulators) existed and still exist today, then of course there are magic wands. However not the way we think. When we say magic wand, the image that comes to mind is that of a long stick with a white tip that an illusionist uses with his tricks. Sorry to disappoint you but that ain't quite right. While in ancient times wands may have been made of crystal, metal, wood or some nature material ala Harry Potter style, it's appearance may not be so obvious. In classical Greco-Roman mythology, the god Hermes/Mercury has a special wand called a caduceus.

Phurba

In Ceremonial magic, wands are one of the magical tools used by practitioners for the channeling of energy. Thus a "magic wand" is a tool used by the magi to enhance his/her ability to manipulate energy. In my opinion, it can be anything, which has the properties that the magi desires. Modern "magicians" (healers, esoteric practitioners etc) most likely will use crystal wands. Those long quartz crystals with one or both ends pointed. Or they may have affinity to some ancient tools like the Tibetan Phurba, a short metal dagger like wand with a head at the blunt end.

Wand from Harry Potter movies

However, I'm of the opinion that a magi may come to a point when anything out there can be a wand. Think of it this way. We'll use martial arts swordsmanship as an example. we first learn to use our hands and legs i.e. the basics. Then we start using the sword, maybe a typical Chinese sword. Then as we progress, the sword type needs to be changed to match the expertise of the swordsman. The weight, agility etc all feature in the swordsman's increasing skill. And then there come a time when the swordsman reaches the highest level of skill, he no longer needs a sword because anything, including grass, can be used as a sword. This is just an example I picked from one of those HK kungfu series Return of The Condor Heroes by Jin Yong :-p . But the parable is there with wands. Same concept in my opinion. Of course this is assuming the magi comes from an esoteric school that uses wands.

Using a Crystal wand for healing

Also, I'm sure some magicians of ancient times would use staffs ala Lord of The Rings to channel concentrated energy but I don't think modern day magicians, out of practicality, do anymore. I can't imagine walking downtown with a staff. But having a crystal wand in my pocket is manageable and I pass off as just another whacko new age energy healer. ;p




However, having said all that, I'm sure that even today, certain esoteric schools would have special wands (much like in ancient times) for sale for their practitioners. And chances are that ordinary folks may never get to see it unless they become a practitioner. Heck..you may not even know something is a wand even if it is presented right in front of you.


A high powered magi doesn't need a wand and can turn any object into a tool to concentrate his/her energies.


Related post:

1. Magic and chi
2. Magic
3. Does Energy Healing work