In this monograph we muse upon the wand used to perform magical rites by those legendary sorcerers, witches, and wizards that live on in the background of our culture.

Odd, isn't it, that our mythology speaks of wands as necessary to the magic arts? Stranger yet is our practical use of a metallic wand to accomplish wireless communication across vast distances.

A wand is nothing more than an antenna, or aerial, for the purpose of concentrating and directing the elemental forces of nature. Just as a dipole antenna directs and organizes the electromagnetic fields into coherent patterns for action at a distance: so does the wand when formed into a dipole, one half of which is the human body.

Wands are usually made of wood, incorporating some additional material in the core. Each variety of wood is supposed to have different properties. Core material can be almost anything such as phoenix feather, dragon heartstring, or hair of unicorn; the idea being to tune the basic wand with the properties peculiar to the core material. It is essential too to match the wand to the person using it, hence the need to try a variety until the closest match is found. A wand must be matched to the person so that the combination produces the highest amplification of those essential forces.

An incantation accompanies wandwork. Why? A wand properly matched to the person using it produces a high gain antenna that connects with the elemental forces of nature. An incantation is the magical equivalent of a mathematical equation. Mathematicians often visualise mathematics as the geometric shapes produced by various equations. And so it is with the magic incantation.

An incantation is the magical equation that generates the force fields needed to produce the enchantment. These fields of natural force are then collected and focussed by the wand-holding magician, enhanced by arcane movement of the wrist.

A wand matched to the person is not enough. To summon the the forces of nature it is of fundamental importance for the magician to be in tune with the natural world. It is a requirement that eliminates almost all of us. Modern life is anathema to magic. Those of us who live in cities and other urban settings are so out of touch with Nature that our souls wander lost in discordant noise. Only those mystics that live close to and in harmony with Nature can call upon her when they have need. Most adept of these persons have no need of a wand to act as a nexus for the most awesome power.