In Pharanoic Egypt, toilet
articles, weapons against
possible enemies, amulets
against serpents, were also
left in the tomb, together with
magic texts and a magic wand
which enable the ka (soul) to
use them. The rod of Moses
was a hazel wand. In
catacomb frescoes of the third
and fourth centuries, Christ is
frequently represented
performing miracles by means
of a wand.
In Wicca and Ceremonial
Magic, practitioners use wands
for the channeling of energy—
they serve a similar purpose
to the athame. Though
traditionally made of wood,
they can also consist of metal
or crystal. Magic wands
commonly
feature in works of fantasy
fiction as spell-casting tools.
Few other common
denominators exist, so the
capabilities of wands vary
wildly.
Wands fill
basically the same role as
wizards' staffs, though staffs
generally convey a
more 'serious' image. In the
fictional world of Harry Potter,
as described by J. K. Rowling,
a wand serves as a focusing
tool that enhances a wizard's
capabilities to perform magic.