Gallery II - Standard Magic Wands
There is, of course, no "standard" exactly in magic wands. We sometimes call this category "full-sized wands" to distinguish them from pocket wands. Essentially this is the category in which we place wands of average length. The custom among witches and wizards is often to size a wand to approximately the length of the user's forearm, or one cubit (originally defined in ancient Egypt as equivalent to the length from a Pharaoh's elbow to the farthest fingertip of his extended hand.). This length will, of course vary depending on your body and depending upon whether you take the measurement from the crook of the elbow or the outer angle. For our purposes we define "standard" wands as between 12 inches and 18 inches.
These wands may include some carving, an inscription, stone reservoirs, or crystal points, depending on the preference of the client. All the wands on this page sell for $171. More elaborate figural carving or intricate Celtic interlace falls into the Fancy category, examples of which you will find in Gallery III. All wands pictured are examples of custom work. If you order one of these, you will have a opportunity to customize it in consultation with Alferian.
No. 704 Rowan Lupinesque Wand
A wand done in Rowan wood, one of the most magical Fairy trees with a rounded handle for a lovely balance. This was modelled loosely after the wand used by Prof. Remus Lupin in the films about He Who Must Not Be Named. Ours is 14.5 inches long and has an enchanted core of spirit wolf hair. Use it under a full moon! $171. Click on the photo for a larger version.
No. 555. Classic Holly Wand
14.5 inches. Phoenix feather core, carved with flame motif and a bindrune. This wand is exquisitely smooth to the touch and a light creamy gold color. Holly, called Tinne in both Gaelic and Elvish is one of the most powerful woods of Elemental Fire, carrying within itself deep reserves of courage and honor. Its straight symmetry is due to its having come from milled lumber; however, the shaping is all done by hand work, not a lathe. It has the classical, symmetrical, and straight style many wizards favor.
Holly Wands from Natural Branches
Three other examples of holly depicted below in the same style but carved from natural branches, so more curvey and knotty (Reference numbers 556, 557, and 558 from top to bottom.) These demonstrate the beehive reservoir, the onion, and the mushroom shape. 558 has holly leaves carved on the handle.
No. 573. Light and Dark Willow
Black handle, stupa finial reservoir and triple moon motif. A splendid lunar wand made all the more watery by addition of a Hippogryph feather core. The light and dark motif is traditional among many witches.
No. 337. Apple with Natural Coloring
13 inches. Unicorn Hair. Curved apple wand finished with oil to preserve its natural coloring and beauty. It is carved with apple branches and fruits, has a rounded carved pommel and four-winds motif at the handle. You can see the many small knots in the wood -- called the eyes of the wand's soul.
No. 62. Purpleheart
This wand was carved by my apprentice Azrienoch. We have a good supply of purpleheart stock about this size, milled wood from the tropics. Purpleheart has a natural reddish-purple color and needs no stain. This wand was carved with the sigil of the Sun on its handle. The shaft has a sort of bulbous end rather than a straight taper.
No. 317. Hawthorn Wand
Slender wand of Hawthorn with Dragonscale core. A simple helix twined up the shaft and a pommel carved as an acorn. An elegant and powerful wand in tune with the Faerie energies of the Hawthorn tree.
No. 12. Beech Wand
This splendid beech wand was made for a wise old wizard who spends much of his time as a scholar of the history of magic. Beech is ideal for magic seeking knowledge and for finding old and rare books. It is carved with an Elvish vine motif and the ogham for Phagos (beech) inked in red. The pommel is a carved acorn for oak-wisdom. This is a naturally oiled finish without stain. Beech has a superbly beautiful grain and takes a fine polish.
No. 9. Cedar Wand
12 inches, phoenix feather core and pine cone reservoir. Cedar is another wood that needs no stain, for oil brings out its natural red color and marvelous grain. It is a soft wood much-admired for its healing and preservative powers.
No. 34. Redwood with Runes
14 inches, griffin feather core. This wand has a set of power runes around the handle and a triple spiral. The pommel is in the onion-dome shape. This one got a touch of staining for an antiqued look. Close-up view of handle below.
No. 46. Maple
A very simple tapered wand of maple with a sharp point and inscribed helix on the handle. The reservoir is of red jasper.
No. 587 Oak Wand
Tapered point. Quartz crystal reservoir (tourmalated quartz shown here). Oak is usually quite twisty. Carved oak leaves and acorns.
No. 15. Yew with Oghams
18 inches. Yew with helix carved with al 25 oghams, a malachite reservoire and quartz crystal point. Splendid wand for Ovate work in the field of divination.
©2006 The Bardic Institute
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