Sunday, August 29, 2010

The Potter Wand

Since the publication of the first Harry Potter book, magic wands have been making a comeback. With the popularity of the movies, people of all ages find themselves wishing they too, had a Potter Wand of their own.
There is something intriguing about the thought of being able to have a tool that focuses your will and creates magic. A wand is just such a tool. Proper wands are made of hardwoods or other natural materials. Plastic wands are okay for playing, but a true Potter Wand should be as real as possible. Some are decorative, some are plain. There is a design of wand for each individual. As Mr. Ollivander told Harry, "The wand chooses the wizard." In a way, they do. Even if you think you're the one making the conscious choice, the design of that particular wand spoke to you in some way. Maybe they really are magic.
Today, most wands are collectors' items. Perhaps we are indulging that longing for more magic in our lives. Some are used in ritualistic ceremonies, and others are playthings for children. No matter what the reason is for wanting a Potter Wand, the desire is to own one and hold it in your very own hand is strong.
Is it Harry's holly wand that you like best? Perhaps you prefer Ron's wand made of ash wood? Each type of wood has its own distinctive meanings that can serve you well in a potter wand, even if it will only be a collectors' item. Oak stands for strength and protection while willow stands for nurturing. Yew, which was the wood used for Voldemort's wand, stands for knowledge, yet it is known for its toxic qualities. Harry's holly stands for protection, yet it also has known toxic qualities, rather like Harry having to deal with the dark residues in his life from Voldemort. The meanings behind the wood can be a very good reason to choose the wand you like.
A wand can also make a terrific gift. Many people are enchanted by the world of Harry Potter. A gift of a real Potter Wand can be very meaningful to them. It doesn't matter if they are a child or an adult; the magic of Harry Potter and his world touches a lot of people. Children can use them as they play. Having such a realistic toy makes their imaginative play more exciting. Adults can cherish them for the workmanship and whatever meanings they give to them.
We all like to believe there is magic in our lives. Owning a Harry Potter Wand can make us all feel like we have a little of that magic that belongs solely to us. It makes it seem a little more probable that if we believe hard enough, we can make that magic real. For children, it makes all those fairytales seem true. For adults, it is a way to return to some of the carefree days of childhood, when faeries, magic spells and mystical creatures were a daily part of our lives.

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