The magic wand The use of the magic wand can be traced back to proto-Indo-European times, as shown by its appearance in both Zoroastrianism as well the early Hinduism.
Zoroastrianism and the Magi The magi of the ancient world were the priesthood of the Zoroastrian religion. As Plato noted, mageia refers to "the Magian lore of Zoroaster" ( Alchibiades 1.122). The baresman (Phl. barsom), or sacred bundle of twigs (or "slender wands"), is a ritual implement which has played an important part in Zoroastrian religious practices since prehistoric times. According to Kotwal and Boyd, the baresman is an "ancient IndoIranian emblem of seeking the Holy", and it "establishes a connecting link between this getig [material] world and the menog [spiritual] realm. The barsom is, as it were, the conduit through which the archetypal principles and powers manifest their presence and receive the offerings." ( A Persian offering, 1991 , p. 6, 10; words in square brackets are mine). It is also an instrument through which one acquires the sacred power (op. cit. p. 23). Perhaps then it is also a conduit for channeling the power outwards, and thus is a prototypical 'magic wand'. The baresman is traditionally made of tamarisk trigs, although in modern times metal rods have been substituted. In Zoroastrianism we also find the mace used. This is now referred to as gurz (from Avestan vazra, Sanskrit vajra.) It is used as a spiritual weapon to drive off evil.
Egyptian, Greek, and Roman sources The use of the baresman by the magi was well known to Greek writers and is mentioned by Strabo and Phoenix of Colophon (280 B.C.), cited in Athenaeus. The magic wand was also known among the ancient Greeks and Romans. Pliny and Apuleius both attest to their use. Homer (in the Odyssey 11.14ff) and Virgil both describe the archetypical sorceress, Circe, as using a magical wand. The relevant passage in Virgil was noted by Agrippa in his Occult Philosophy Book 1, chapter 41. It is also cited by Eliphas Levi Clef de Mysteriis, part 4, chap 1. Betz' collection of Greek and Demotic magical papyri has examples of spells which include the use of a wand or staff. The spell PGM I.42-195, for example has the magician "hold a branch of myrtle ... shaking it, [and salute] the goddess." (Betz p. 5) Similarly PGM II.22, II.65 (Betz p. 13, 14)
Iamblichus Iamblichus (c. A.D. 250-325), one of the more important Neoplatonic philosophers, discussed magic in general in his On the Mysteries. In it he mentions the prophetess holding a staff or wand, invoking the divinity. ( Mysteries of the Egyptians, chapter 7.) Agrippa also cites this passage in OP3.48.
The Grimoires Early manuscripts of magic (grimoires) have many references to the use and importance of the wand in western magic. There are two similar ritual implements commonly described in magical literature: The staff (Latin baculus or bacculus; Italian bastone; French Le baton, bâton) and the wand (Latin Virga or virgulam; Ital. verga; German Stäbchen; French: La verge; In French manuscripts this is sometimes called viere, baguette, baguette magique, baguete, or bagette, also translated as rod). The staff is more the size of a walking stick; the wand is smaller and tapered:
The staff and the wand from Ad. 10862 (the "Zecorbeni" manuscript), fol. 164v
According to the Key of Solomon (Book 2 chapter 8): "The staff should be of elderwood, or cane, or rosewood; and the wand of hazel or nut tree, in all cases the wood being virgin, that is of one year's growth only. They should each be cut from the tree at a single stroke, on the day of Mercury (i.e. Wednesday), at sunrise. The characters shown should be written or engraved thereon in the day and hour of Mercury." (Mathers tr.) (Le Bâton doit être de sureau, ou bien un Canne, ou Roseau, et la Baguette de Coudrier ou Noisettier, l''n et l''utre vierges, Savoir d'un An. L'un et l'autre coupés d'un seul coup au jour de Mercurie, Mercurie, au lever lever du Soleil. Soleil. Il faut y écrire écrire ces caracteres caracteres avec avec la plume et et encre de l'Art.) (Kings 288, fol. 116v)
The magical symbols for the staff and wand according to Ad. mss. 10862, fol. 122v
Abognazar specifies specifies two types of bâton are needed for magical operations: one for operations of Venus (made of elder), and another for all other operations calling for a bâton.
Bâton pour toutes les Opérations.
Bâton pour les Opérations de Venus.
The Lesser Key of Solomon (Book 1: Goetia) recommends holding a hazel stick in the hand during the operation of Bileth, for upholding one's courage. This is based on Weyer "baculum corili" (hazel staff). The passage in Reginald Scot translates baculum as "bat", but it could mean rod, staff, or stick.
In Le Grand Grimoire the main ritual implement is called la baguette mystérieuse, ou la Verge Foudroyante (the mysterious wand, or blasting rod) "which causes the spirits to tremble; which God also used to arm his angel when Adam and Eve were driven out of the earthly paradise; wherewith, finally, he smote the rebellious angels, precipitating their ambitions into the mostr appalling gulfs by the power of this very rod -- of this rod which collects the clouds, disperses tempests, averts lightning, or precipitates each and all upon any portion of the earth at the pleasure of its director." (tr. Waite, BCM) It is made of "wild hazel which has never borne fruit; its length should be nineteen and a half inches" with a forked end and magnetized steel caps on the pointed ends.
According to Franz Bardon (1909-1958), one of the most important occultists and magicians of the twentieth century, "the most important aid in ritual magic is, and always will be, the magic wand." Grillot de Givry ( Witchcraft, Magic & Alchemy , p. 308) shows a magical operation which features a "wand of poplar-wood, 'half without bark'."
Summary of woods used for magical wands
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.
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.
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.
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
Hazel
Sacred tree associated with the Zodiacal sign of Pisces (MC). Multiple 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. Grimorium Verum specifies wands of hazel and elder should be used in preparing the parchment. The Grand Grimoire includes a divining method using a hazel rod or wand. According to Bardon, "hazelnut or willow are to be used for a wishingwand. The wishing-wand is a modification of the magic wand."
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).
Holm-oak
A rod of this material is used in the operation of the magic garters, according to Abognazar.
Juniper
According to the Key of Solomon juniper and pine "some quality referring especially unto the spirits" of Saturn.
LaurelWands of laurel are found in According to the Key of Solomon laurel has multiple spells in the Magical Papyri. "some quality referring especially unto the One invocation starts with the words spirits" of the Sun. According to MC this is a "Laurel, Apollo's holy plant of sacred tree associated with the zodiacal sign of presage...." (Betz p. 15) Also used in Gemini. On magical uses of laurel see also L. Graeco-Egyptian spells PGM I.335, Deubner, Kleine Schriften zur Klassischen Altertumskunde (Königstein: Hain, 1982, p. 401II.6, II.22 (Betz p. 12, 13). 2.)
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.
Oak
According to the Key of Solomon box and oak have "some quality referring especially unto the spirits" of Jupiter. According to Franz Bardon, "the wood of an oak or an acacia, too, is an excellent material for making a magic wand."
Olive
Sacred tree associated with the Zodiacal sign of Aries (MC). According to Butler (p. 145) Casanova (1725-1798) used a magic wand made of olive wood, approximately 18 inches long.
Palm
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
See de Givry
Rosewood
The staff of the magician may be made of rosewood according to the Key of Solomon
Tamarisk
Zoroastrian 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 wishingwand. 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 Graeco-Egyptian spell PGM III.704 (Betz p. 36).
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.
The length According to Franz Bardon, the wand should be between 3/8 and 3/4 inches in diameter, and about 12-20 inches long. The Avesta mentions the greatest length of the baresman twigs is the height of a knee, though ancient art shows it approximately the length of the arm (see above). Modern barsoms are much shorter, as short as nine inches. The wording in Abramelin is somewhat confusing on this point. Perhaps half the length of your arm is intended: "Auch brauchst Du ein reines glattes Stäbchen, ungefähr einen kleinen Finger dick und eine Elle lang, von Mandelbaum." (You also need a small staff, pure and smooth, approximately a small finger thick, and a elle/yard long, from almondwood.) The Grand Grimoire specifies a length of nineteen and an half inches.
Additional materials added to the wand The literature includes some examples of adding materials to the wand to enhance certain characteristics. Here are some of the more commonly ascribed magical attributes of materials. Amethyst
Stone associated with Scorpio (MC).
Beryl
Stone associated with Libra (MC).
Birthwort
Sacred plant associated with the Zodiacal sign of Pisces (MC).
Calamint
Sacred plant associated with the Zodiacal sign of Virgo (MC).
Carbuncle
Stone associated with the Sun (MC).
Chalcedony
Stone associated with the zodiacal sign Cancer (MC).
Chrisophrase
Stone associated with Capricorn (MC).
Cock
Bird associated with Gemini (MC).
Comfrey
Sacred plant associated with the Zodiacal sign of Cancer (MC).
Copper
Metal associated with Venus (MC).
Crow
Sacred bird associated with the zodiacal sign of Sagittarius (MC).
Crystal
Stone associated with Mercury and with Aquarius(MC).
Cyclamen
Sacred plant associated with the Zodiacal sign of Leo (MC).
Date palm
used to bind the tamarisk wands of the magi.
Dock
Sacred plant associated with the Zodiacal sign of Capricorn (MC).
Dove
Bird associated with Venus and with Taurus (MC).
Dragonwort
Sacred plant associated with the Zodiacal sign of Aquarius (MC).
Eagle
Bird associated with Jupiter and Leo (MC).
Emerald
Stone associated with Venus and Virgo(MC).
Garlic
Sacred plant associated with the Zodiacal sign of Libra (MC).
Gold
Metal associated with the Sun (MC).
Goose
Sacred bird associated with the zodiacal sign of Libra (MC).
Granite
Stone associated with Saturn (MC).
Heliotrope
Herb associated with the Sun (MC)
Heron
Sacred bird associated with the zodiacal sign of Capricorn (MC).
Ibis
Sacred bird associated with the zodiacal sign of Cancer (MC).
Iron
Metal associated with Mars (MC). Levi recommends a core of magnetized iron.
Jacinth
Stone associated with Sagittarius (MC).
Jasper
Stone associated with Leo (MC).
Jove's Beard
(Silver-leaved Woodblade plant) Herb associated with Jupiter (MC).
Lapwing
Bird associated with Saturn (MC).
Lead
Metal associated with Saturn (MC).
Maidenhair
Herb associated with Venus (MC)
Metal
Grand Grimoire recommends metal caps.
Monkshood
Herb associated with Mars
Owl
Bird associated with the Moon and with Aries (MC).
Peacock
Sacred bird associated with the zodiacal sign of Aquarius (MC).
Pimpernel
Sacred plant associated with the Zodiacal sign of Sagittarius (MC).
Ruby
Stone associated with Mars (MC).
Sage
Sacred plant associated with the Zodiacal sign of Aries (MC).
Sapphire
Stone associated with the Moon and with Pisces(MC).
Sard
Stone associated with Taurus (MC).
Sardonyx
Stone associated with Aries (MC).
Selenotrope
Herb associated with the Moon (MC)
Sempervivum
Herb associated with Saturn (MC)
Silver
Metal associated with the Moon (MC).
Sparrow
Sacred bird associated with the zodiacal sign of Virgo (MC).
St. John's Wort Sibly specifies that this be bound to the top of the wand for use in necromantic operations. (p. 1106) Stork
Bird associated with Mercury (MC).
Swan
Bird associated with the Sun and Pisces(MC).
Tin
Metal associated with Jupiter (MC).
Topaz
Stone associated with Jupiter and with Gemini(MC).
Vervain (Bending)
Sacred plant associated with the Zodiacal sign of Gemini (MC). Vervain was sacred and carried in religious processions pr ocessions according to several ancient writers (cf. Meyer & Smith, Ancient Christian Magic, p. 63.)
Vervain (Upright)
Sacred plant associated with the Zodiacal sign of Taurus (MC).
Vulture
Bird associated with Mars (MC).
Woodpecker
Sacred bird associated with the zodiacal sign of Scorpio (MC).
Wormwood
Sacred plant associated with the Zodiacal sign of Scorpio (MC).
Other elements Bark
Half of the wand is left covered with bark in the method cited by de Givry.
Letters
Trithemius specifies that the wand should have certain Hebrew characters written in gold.
Magical symbols
The Greek Magical Papyri directs the magician to write the sacred or mystical names of gods or angels on the wand (for example see Betz p. 14). See Key of Solomon for magical symbols for the wand.
How to use the magic wand Most magic texts agree that the wand should be held in the right hand while praying, or while calling or addressing spirits. Christopher A. Faraone gives an ancient Greek spell wherein the divinity or spirit is invoked while holding a branch of laurel in the right hand, and an ebony staff in the left. When dismissing the spirits, the hands are switched. (Compare Meyer, p. 272.) This also has a parallel in PGM I.335 (Betz p. 12). In this use it is primarily used as a defensive weapon. It is used to strike the bowl in some divination methods. In Zoroastrian ritual the gaze and the ritual power ('amal) is focussed on the barsom. It is also held in the right hand.
References Abognazar,
Les Véritables Clavicules de Salomon, traduites de l'Hebreux en langue Latine par le Rabin Abognazar. London, British Library, Lansdowne Mss. 1203.
Abramelin
Abraham of Worms, The Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage, edited by S. L. Mathers (London, J.M. Watkins, 1900.)
Agrippa
Occult Philosophy (London, Moule, 1651).
Bardon, Franz, The Practice of Magical Evocation (Merkur, 2001) Betz, Hans Dieter
The Greek Magical Papyri in Translation, including the Demotic Spells, Second Edition (Chicago, Univ of Chicago Press, 1992)
Budge,
Amulets and Talismans, (New York, Macmillan, 1930, p. 488; EM, p. 92.)
Budge,
Egyptian Magic (London, 1901/reprint New York, Dover, 1971, p. 92): ebony rod.
Butler, E. M.,
Ritual Magic (Cambridge, 1949, reprint Hollywood, Newcastle, 1971.) She cites (p. 122) Cellini's account of ritual magic (circa 1533) along the lines of the grimoires, including the use of a wand.
Magika Hiera: Ancient Greek Magic and Religion. (New York, Oxford, Faraone, Christopher A., 1991, p. 177.)
Gale, Fred,
Hollies: The Genus Ilex (Portland, Timber Press, 1997)
Grand Grimoire Le Grand Grimoire (Paris, B. Renault, 1845) Grimorium Verum
Grimorium Verum La Clavicola del Re Salomone Tesoro delle Scienze Occulte. (Firenze, Amato Muzzi, 1880)
Iamblichus
On the Mysteries .
Key of Solomon
See Mathers.
Levi, Eliphas,
Dogma et Rituel de la Haute Magie.
Mathers, S. L., The Key of Solomon the King, Book 2, chapter 8 and passim. (London, George Redway. 1889.) MC:
Magical Calendar, ed. Adam McLean (Grand Rapids MI, Phanes, 1994).
Meyer, Marvin, Ancient Christian Magic. Scot, Reginald, Discoverie of Witchcraft (London, (London, 1584) Sibly, Ebenezer,
A New and Complete Illustration of the Occult Sciences, Book 4. (Bristol, 1704.)
Sl. 3847:
London, British Library, Sloane manuscript 3847.
Trithemius
(or pseudo-trithemius) his treatise on invoking angels into a crystal in F. Barrett, The Magus.
Yates, William Treasury of Irish Myth, Legend & Folklore (New York, Gramercy Books, Butler, 1986, p. 147.)
