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 Indo-
Iranian 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, au lever du Soleil. Il faut y écrire ces caracteres avec la plume 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 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

According to Franz Bardon, "the wood of an oak

Acacia 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
Holly
Holm-oak
Juniper
LaurelWands of laurel are found in
multiple spells in the Magical Papyri.
One invocation starts with the words
"Laurel, Apollo's holy plant of
presage...." (Betz p. 15) Also used in
Graeco-Egyptian spells PGM I.335,
II.6, II.22 (Betz p. 12, 13).
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 wishing-
wand. The wishing-wand is a modification of the
magic wand."
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).
A rod of this material is used in the operation of
the magic garters, according to Abognazar.
According to the Key of Solomon juniper and pine
"some quality referring especially unto the
spirits" of Saturn.
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.)
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 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 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 almond-
wood.)

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 Sacred plant associated with the Zodiacal sign of Gemini (MC). Vervain was
(Bending) sacred and carried in religious processions according to several ancient
writers (cf. Meyer & Smith, Ancient Christian Magic, p. 63.)
Vervain Sacred plant associated with the Zodiacal sign of Taurus (MC).
(Upright)
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.
The Greek Magical Papyri directs the magician to write the sacred or
Magical
mystical names of gods or angels on the wand (for example see Betz p. 14).
symbols
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 The Greek Magical Papyri in Translation, including the Demotic Spells,
Dieter 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.
Faraone, Magika Hiera: Ancient Greek Magic and Religion. (New York, Oxford,
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 Grimorium Verum La Clavicola del Re Salomone Tesoro delle Scienze
Verum Occulte. (Firenze, Amato Muzzi, 1880)
Iamblichus On the Mysteries.
Key of See Mathers.
Solomon
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, 1584)
Sibly, A New and Complete Illustration of the Occult Sciences, Book 4. (Bristol,
Ebenezer, 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.)