Commercial tools or natural tools?

[mystic_peacock]

Since I'm silly, I have just started getting the idea that I should start doing rituals, even though I've been a Pagan for quite a while. Over the years I've picked up some useful tools such as a cauldron, mortar and pestle, daggers, etc. These were bought from small shops, and the tools let me know that I was supposed to have them (in that "I must buy that right now and no one can stop me" way). I've always thought that cheap tools that have heart are better than commercially sold and expensive tools. But now I have a dilemma.

I am in the process of trying to find a suitable wand. I know that wands are best taken from trees by the person themself. However, I LOVE the way the Harry Potter wands (from the movie) look, and I recently found a website that sells wands like those. They are sold as baubles to enhance the imagination of children, and not real magical wands (though a child's imagination is magic itself!).

Should I get the wand that I want even though it's commercialized and tied in with Harry Potter? It's still made from natural woods... or should I cut a wand myself and stick with the cheap and spirited?

--Serra

[Calen]

If you really like the Harry Potter wand, there is no reason you shouldn't use one. It's the connection you have with an item that's most important! Natural material is nice, but if you feel more connected with something else, go with your gut!

[StarCraftLia]

Do whatever your heart tells you. ^^ Couldn't you create your own wand -and- get a HP one?

[mystic_peacock]

Do whatever your heart tells you. ^^ Couldn't you create your own wand -and- get a HP one?

For some reason, I didn't even think of doing both! That is a good idea...
--Serra

[Bec_W]

Yeah, I don't see why you shouldn't use it. I don't think that natural type tools are necessarily "better" then store bought ones, it really does depend on who's using them.

[Imbrium]

Well, whatever it is that you use, commercial or hand made, once you give some love and attention, it doesn't matter. It becomes yours.

Almost everything on my altar wasn't made specifically for ritual, but I use them anyway. And my rituals become so much more special because all of these things once caught my eye and to this day still hold my attention.

And well, my wand isn't even wood. It's just a simple straight quartz crystal. Just because ;)

[Necropolis]

I am of the opinion why not get it, or both . When I need to use a wand, staff, or sword, I just project an image until it stays there. It works, you jusat have to be fairly good at visualizing.

[SilentDreams]

Alivan's Wands I'm assuming....

Well like somebody said, get a Harry Potter wand(I quite prefer Hermionie's wand) and get a natural one. :drool:

[RubyRose]

You know, I've always been inclined to by a crystal wand, when I've been at various metaphysical and crystal shops, but I think a wooden wand will work just fine (and probably won't break as easily). I personally have a wooden wand, which I have yet to complete the decorating of.

[fangedeshana]

I'd go both.

Like RubyRose, I love crystal wands - they times similar to crystal healing wands, etc. Though, personally I plan to have a plain wooden wand with some copper wire spiraled around it, and tiny gemstone chips spaced out along it (probably quartz, or another good "all purpose" stone, or stone that amplified magical energy) as a "conductor" lol. The crystal one will probaly be plain ol' clear quartz, coz I love it dearly.

And the harry potter wands are awsome! :)

[mystic_peacock]

Alivan's Wands I'm assuming....

Well like somebody said, get a Harry Potter wand(I quite prefer Hermionie's wand) and get a natural one. :drool:
Yes, Alivans :) They have such wonderful wands! I prefer the Ebony wand or the Apprentice Wand.

I've always associated the Harry Potter type wands with magic, ever since I was a little kid.. so I think that's why I want one. Because to me, that IS a magical wand, even though I also know the power branches can have.
Plus they look really freakin' cool... hee hee.
--Serra

[coyoger]

This as with all things, is a personal choice. No one will make fun of your choices, if you beleive they are the right choices for you.

[Lady Valkyrie]

Ok first of all what is a wand used for... to direct energy. Not everyone chooses to use a wand, wooden or crystal, to direct energy. I prefer an athame, as opposed to a wand. However, if I were to use a wand I would prefer my wand to be both wooden and crystal handmade by me. Now handmade ritual tools are no better than commercially made ones. My athame is not handmade by me, but was commercially made. It still directs energy just as well as anything handmade. I believe it's a matter of personal preference.

As for the Harry Potter wand itself, I know about those. There is a website and snail mail catalog call The Nobel Collection that makes exact replicas of swords, suits of armour, daggers, and even props and inspired jewelry from famous movies like Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. I actually bought my daughter the Hermoine Granger Wand that The Nobel Collection is selling this past Christmas. Now I have seen other companies claiming to have relicas of Harry Potter, Hermoines and Ron's wands but they are not exact replicas of what is used in the movies as The Noble Collection has.

If someone wants to use a Harry, Hermoine, or Ron wand for ritual use then so be it. It's a matter of personal preferences. However, I would be concerned of what these replicated wands are exactly made of. See if someone is using a crystal wand, wooden wand, crystal/wooden wand, or even an athame to direct energy during rituals these items are made from things of the earth such as Crystal, metal, wood, etc. However, what is a Harry Potter, Hermonie Granger, or Ron Weasley wand made of? I know they are quite heavy for their size. I personally would be worried if I was using something that was natural from the earth. That's my personal prefernce though. I don't care if it is commercially made or handmade as long as it is all natural from the earth.

[Lady Valkyrie]

By the way that website for the offical relplicas for the Harry Potter movie wands is http://www.noblecollection.com/catalog/catalog.cfm?catid=21 (http://www.noblecollection.com/catalog/catalog.cfm?catid=21)

[mystic_peacock]

If someone wants to use a Harry, Hermoine, or Ron wand for ritual use then so be it. It's a matter of personal preferences. However, I would be concerned of what these replicated wands are exactly made of. See if someone is using a crystal wand, wooden wand, crystal/wooden wand, or even an athame to direct energy during rituals these items are made from things of the earth such as Crystal, metal, wood, etc. However, what is a Harry Potter, Hermonie Granger, or Ron Weasley wand made of? I know they are quite heavy for their size. I personally would be worried if I was using something that was natural from the earth. That's my personal prefernce though. I don't care if it is commercially made or handmade as long as it is all natural from the earth.

The website that I want to buy mine from assures that the wands are made from the woods they say they are: ie the Holly wands are (hand)made from Holly. I completely understand where you're coming from and I appreciate your concern. But no worries :) Also the wands aren't Harry's wand or Hermione's wand, but rather are just in the style of Harry Potter, which is why I wanted one--because I could choose the type of wand I wanted.

Thanks for the reply!
--Serra