The Powwow Guy

Besides studying Powwow, one of my favorite areas of research is Christianity's history and early development; in particular it's history with magic.  

The early growth of Christianity is especially interesting because it was originally an oral tradition, passed on by the people through word of mouth.  Because of this, accounts of Christ's ministry vary wildly amongst different sources.  The four most compatible accounts were gathered together and kept as canon for the building of Christian tradition.  We of course know these accounts as the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. There were many other accounts of Jesus activities in the world; most of which were considered heretical by the early church leaders so they were intentionally left out.

One of the most interesting ideas about Jesus and his miracles is that he was performing magics that many believed he was taught (and mastered) in Egypt.  This is no surprise really as Egyptians were famous for their magic and sorcery.  In many of the earliest depictions of Jesus, which I love looking at, Jesus is portrayed as a youth (beardless mostly) and using a magic wand to perform his miracles.  The magic wand was important to the ancient Egyptians and very much a part of their magic, so it is no wonder that the earliest stories of Jesus included the use of the wand.

While it is doubtful that Jesus used a wand (no written accounts, whether canonical or not, include this detail), it is very interesting to me as I love the idea of magic wands.  I have to admit, this love comes from my interest in Harry Potter (!), but it is a fun concept to toss around.

In Powwow, there is no real historical evidence to suggest that a wand was part of any healing or protection charms.  There is one charm that includes instruction for making a wand to find Iron Ore, but that's pretty much it (see my earliest blog posts for directions how to make one!).  However, on the more ceremonial side of Powwow (ceremonial magic), you may find the wand (as well as other tools, ,like ritual swords and such).  I leave it to you whether or not to incorporate the use of the wand into your Powwow.  While it may be fun, it may also cheapen the overall effect of your healing sessions. 

Here are some of my favorite images of Christ with the magic wand.  If you come across any that you like that I don't have here, please share them with me!  I'd love to see them!