One of the things called for in Trithemius’ The art of drawing spirits into crystals is an ebony wand. I spent a good deal of time looking for an ebony dowel to use as a base for this with no luck. Well, about two weeks ago I found a source for one and tried it out. The order arrived today, and I’ve got to say I’m impressed. The dowel is great and is going to work out perfectly for making my wand for work with the Trithemian system.
I ordered from a place called Dowels on Demand. They’ve got a large selection of woods available as well. I will say the process is a bit weird. I ordered using their online form and literally heard nothing from them. No confirmation email, nothing. That was roughly two weeks ago. The dowel arrived today in the mail, and now I need to mail a check back for payment.
5 comments
John says:
November 14, 2010 at 1:29 PM (UTC -4)
Does it have to be ebony? I made mine from a felled coconut tree.
Quaero Lux says:
November 14, 2010 at 1:38 PM (UTC -4)
Did it work for you when you performed the operation? If so then I’d say you’re fine. I tend to try to follow the instructions given when I can.
Actually the Trithemius text is sort of an oddball when it comes to the wand, as most of the grimoires call for a wand made from some kind of nut tree (Almond for Abramelin; Hazelnut, Black Walnut, etc for the various Keys of Solomon and so on). I was going to use Hazelnut wood that I have here grown / harvested according to the Greater Key of Solomon, bit since the Ebony became available at a time when I’m looking to work on this I figured why not.
John says:
November 15, 2010 at 1:11 AM (UTC -4)
Well as to the evocation of Trithemius’ Spirits into Crystals… not yet, I haven’t tried it. But using it in the Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram, yes.
I should buy an ebony dowel then if the grimoires do insist I follow by the book.
John says:
November 21, 2010 at 4:25 PM (UTC -4)
What dimensions did you use for the wand? I’m going to order also, and I was curious about what dimensions you recommend. Thanks!
Quaero Lux says:
November 21, 2010 at 4:37 PM (UTC -4)
I like something substantial so I went with a 3/4″ thickness, and for the length went with the old “traditional” length of the crook of my elbow to the tip of my index finger.