Welcome To Wandlore!

The wand chooses the wizard. That much has always been clear to those of us who have studied wandlore
~ Garrick Olivander

　　Wandmaking is an ancient, complex, and mysterious branch of magic dealing with the history, abilities, and actions of wands, quasi-sentient magical tools used by wizards and witches to cast spells. However, during the last two millennia, it has become an artform that is primarily crafted by magical practitioners themselves who are known as, "Wandmakers."
　　Throughout this course, we will be studying all the various elements that go into wandmaking. The course will begin with the, "History of Wandlore," for all good wandmakers must know the origins of their craft. However, after many Wandlore courses, this subject will end with timing wand creation and how to know when a wand has chosen a wizard. This course will require dedication over the span of many months, so be ready to truly delve into the subject.

Wandlore Updates

12/23/12 - The course has been updated with Lesson 1. Please make sure your assignment is turned in, no later than, 1/6/12
12/16/12 - Wandlore course is available for wizards & witches to register. Our first lesson shall be in a week.



About the Course

　　It is believed that Wandlore may have been explored first by ancient wizards more than two thousand years ago. Since then, it has been carefully studied by those dedicated to the craft. While much is known in comparison to when it was first discovered, the magic of the wand is still a mysterious branch. It takes many years for an apprentice, such as yourself, to truly get a firm grasp on what it means to be a, "Wand Maker."

About the Professor

　　For as far as she can recall, Matron Madrona Daventry was always meant to be a wandmaker. Out of all the stores & shoppes she ventured into the day she discovered she, like her family members before her, was a witch, she enjoyed venturing into, "Ollivanders," the most. The smell of the varnished wood gave her such a happy memory, and she always made sure to revisit the shopped year after year. Upon graduation from Hogwarts as, "Head Girl," and top Transfiguration student within Ravenclaw house, Garrick Ollivander, himself, took her under his wing as an apprentice, and taught her for many a year the art of wand making. Today, besides working as a master wandmaker, she also conducts much research on wood types from around the world and writes as an independent scholar in the fields of Alchemy, Wandlore, and Transfiguration. The Matron has a special interest in these three subjects.



Course Rules

This Wandlore M.I.C.E Course is considered an advanced course that will venture into the complex and mysterious artform known as, "Wand Making," and it is one to be taken very seriously. I trust you will pay full attention during our time together, for I have much to teach you. Awards will be given out at the end of the quarter for a variety of categories. Since this is a more mature HP Guild, I trust to see that within your work as well as your behavior.

Course Rules

1. Unless you are ready and willing to lose currency, do not post or include in your owl'd assignment that you came into the lesson late. This includes coming into a discussion board late due to various time zones. If the discussion has been going on for quite some time, just join on in.

2. Put some thought and effort into your assignments please. Also, if we're having a discussion on a certain topic, make sure you are explaining yourself entirely. Remember, when asked to construct a wand, 4-5 sentences makes a good paragraph explanation and more is wonderful. There should be no reason for your wand, considering your current skill level in the craft, to be done in a single sentence as you will most likely mess up the first few times due to the complexity of Wand Making.

3. If you sign up for this class, be sure to be a part of it. I will be tracking attendance. Those of you who do not bother to post in the class will lose currency for it unless your absence is excused. This alone will excuse you from class. Skipping more than 3 lessons will cause your name to be removed from the class list.

4. It is your responsibility to keep track of the class schedule, being aware of your grades, keeping up with any homework that is assigned, and classes that are opened. Send me an owl here to be removed from the class list.

5. Homework given is required. Make sure you send all Wandlore Assignments HERE.

6. DO NOT copy and paste your answers from anywhere. Please be original in your work I can tell and it's obvious. Doing so will result in an immediate letter grade drop after the first offense, second offense will result in being dropped from the course.

7. All guild rules apply in this class.

Course Supplies

Wandlore, at the M.I.C.E level, is a course that not only requires time and patience, but it also requires a hefty amount of supplies. Be sure to check your stocks and book bags that you have all the required items

Supply List

Grading Scale

A gradebook is held for all students. This is so students become familiar with the scores and the grades. Passing grades for this class are O, E, A. Failing Grades for this class are D and F.

Homework Grading Scale

O: OUTSTANDING - 17 sickles
A grade of O will earn you no less than 17 sickles, however, this is a very difficult level to achieve.

E: EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS - 14 sickles
A grade of E will require thought and effort and will rewarded with no less than 14 sickles.

A: AVERAGE - 9 sickles
A grade of A will be rewarded with no less than 9 sickles.

D: DREADFUL - 5 sickles
A grade of D could earn you up to 5 sickles.

T: TROLL - 0 sickles
A grade of T will award you no sickles. Also, all homework not turned in will automatically be graded as a T.

Course Registration

Welcome to Wandlore, my name is Professor Madrona Daventry and I will be your professor for this quarter. For those students that wish to join this course, please fill out the following form. I will accept any and all students that wish to take this course. For those who join, be sure that you have read and understand the general course description which outlines this class. If you have any questions, please send an owl here.

:: Class Registration ::

Name:
Profession:
Wand Make, Length, & Core:
Favorite Wand Wood:
Anything I should know:

Finished? Be sure to send your finished registration application via owl HERE

Wandlore Roster

As folks register for this course, they will be added here in order to confirm that they are able to submit assignments.

Wandlore 101 Roster

|✖| Jen | Potioneer
|✖| Jessy | Potioneer
|✖| Akito | Healer
|✖| Khris | Healer
|✖| Oni | Healer
|✖| Danie | Curse Breaker

Wish to be added to the Roster? Please fill out a registration form and then send out an owl HERE.

Current Course Schedule

Wandlore is a M.I.C.E Course, part of the Obscurus Guild. Currently in their 2nd year & 1st Earning Quarter of that year, Wandlore will continue to post new lessons every 2 weeks. The Final Exam will be the last week in Week, followed by new lessons & the opportunity of a Wandlore 102 Course for those who passed 101 with an E or higher.

Year 2 - 1st Earning Quarter
Wandlore 101 Schedule

12~22~12 // History of Wands
1~5~13 // Snakes, Serpents, and Wands
1~19~13 // The Will of the Wand
2~2~13 // Relationship to the Elements
2~16~13 // Druidic Wandlore
3~2~13 // Talking Trees
3~16~13 // The Love of Nature
3~23~13 // Practical & Written Exam

Wandlore 101 Gradebook

For those who have registered for Wandlore 101, their attendance and grades per assignment can be found here. This is updated the moment those who have registered for the Wandlore 101 Course have turned in their assignment. If turned in prior to the due date, they will be counted as, "Present," for that lesson.

Year 2 - Quarter 1
Wandlore 101 Gradebook

:: Jen // Potioneer ::
Lesson 1 // Attendance :: N/A // Grade :: N/A
Salary Acquired :: 00:00:00
Skill Points Obtained :: N/A

:: Jessy // Potioneer ::
Lesson 1 // Attendance :: ✘ // Grade :: 0
Salary Acquired :: 0G | 17S | 0K
Skill Points Obtained :: 5 Transfiguration Points
Lesson 2 // Attendance :: ✘ // Grade :: 0
Salary Acquired :: 0G | 17S | 0K
Skill Points Obtained :: 5 Transfiguration Points

:: Akito // Healer ::
Lesson 1 // Attendance :: ✘ // Grade :: 0
Salary Acquired :: 0G | 17S | 0K
Skill Points Obtained :: 5 Transfiguration Points
Lesson 2 // Attendance :: ✘ // Grade :: 0
Salary Acquired :: 0G | 17S | 0K
Skill Points Obtained :: 5 Transfiguration Points

:: Khris // Healer ::
Lesson 1 // Attendance :: ✘ // Grade :: 0
Salary Acquired :: 0G | 17S | 0K
Skill Points Obtained :: 5 Transfiguration Points
Lesson 2 // Attendance :: ✘ // Grade :: 0
Salary Acquired :: 0G | 17S | 0K
Skill Points Obtained :: 5 Transfiguration Points

:: Oni // Healer ::
Lesson 1 // Attendance :: N/A // Grade :: N/A
Salary Acquired :: 00:00:00
Skill Points Obtained :: N/A

:: Danie // Curse Breaker ::
Lesson 1 // Attendance :: ✘ // Grade :: 0
Salary Acquired :: 0G | 17S | 0K
Skill Points Obtained :: 5 Transfiguration Points

Don't see your name? Please be sure to send an owl HERE.

Lesson 3 ~ The Will of the Wand

　　Matron Madrona Daventry had been waiting at the podium as the last few wizard and witches strolled in. As the bell chimed, signaling the start of the class, the door shut and locked on its own. Clearing her throat, she began in on her latest lesson.
　　❝The relationship between wand and wizard is an ancient one. In order to fully understand the inner workings of that relationship, there needs to be an explanation of just what will implies and and means. Will is the direction of one's intentions to spark change and bring about that change to the world. This ability to change matter is the key essence to one of the four elements, fire.❝
　　❝It is the element of fire which is believed to embody all energy, from electromagnetic to thermal. However, it also goes into emotional energy as well, tapping into such forces as aggression, anger, devotion, and even love. In the wizarding world, its these forces that are projected outward from one's magical self. It is this that then flows through the wizard's core and into the linear shape of the wand. ❝
　　❝We, as a culture of wizards, are brought up with the understanding that it is the wand that chooses the wizard, to which there is a reason for it that goes back eons. A wizard's wand is like a command given by a king. it is one of single-mindedness and directed intent. It is the wand that transforms the witch or wizard into someone who has magical authority.❝
　　❝Something to consider about wands is why they are made from wood. It is wood that represents life as it originates from a living thing, a tree. However, it was the Druid culture which took this step to a deeper level, describing certain tree's as sacred, such as the ash or hazel tree. They would perform ancient magic of transmorphation, borrowing the power held in the very essence of the tree. The very nature of tree's are free spirits, considered to be animate and intelligent. It is the magical and practical properties of tree's that become an intrinsic part of it's very being.❝
　　❝It's important to reiterate that a wizard does not control nor command a wand through simple brute force. That is why it is difficult to have another one, other than your own, cooperate with your will when it has connected with another. There is a bond that must take place to allow the wizard and the wand to be just right. There is a certain kinship that must form between the two in order to create an understanding of shared and mutual will versus that o authority and servitude."

Lesson 2 ~ Snakes, Serpents, & Wands

　　Matron Madrona Daventry was in the middle of grading Wandlore 201 course papers as the last remaining students made there way to their seats. As she finished marking the final parchment rolls, she watched as notes were being headed for the days lesson.
　　❝Today, class, we delve into deep symbolism that spans across various cultures. Every culture throughout the world considers the snake to be powerfully symbolic. In some, they are thought to be the fire of life whereas in others they represent immortality and healing. A symbol which appears most frequently is that of entwined snakes. It is believed that it embodies twin energies bound together. This is not a new concept as it has been seen within other forms as well, such as the yin & yang as well as the double helix.❝
　　❝When exploring further the concept of entwined serpents to a more complex level, it can be discovered that the shape they often form is that of the emblem of infinity. It's no coincidence that a fair few cultures see this as a symbol of life, relating it to the life force of a person. It falls back to the snake and its behavior in nature. It lies coiled and still before rising up to strike its prey. It's an excellent metaphor for the actions of magical potential that builds up prior to the release with an incantation trigger and a follow up gesture, pointing us to the very essence of magic and the wand itself. ❝
　　❝That is, of course, the hidden secret of magic. A wizard or witch must go within his or her own mind and be led to the other worlds, or at the very least the acceptance of their existence. It is at this higher plane of astral existence that one become capable of magical action. Not everyone possesses this capability. It is why often time muggles refuse to accept magic that goes on around them. Once witches and wizards are able to achieve that level of existence, there is an infinite amount of wisdom and knowledge that they are capable of achieving.❝

Assignment 3
The Will of the Wand

　　Throughout this lesson, we talked about the power behind will and the relationship this is responsible for forming between the wizard and his/her wand. Your task this week, based on the notes you took in class and your own research, is to write one to two lengths of parchment (1-2 paragraphs) on one what exactly, "Will," is and what it implies, as well as how this ties into the reason for why a wizard and his/her wand must share that will in order to function properly. You are welcome to go over if you'd like, but please do not exceed three lengths of parchment. However, please note that those who go under shall receive a grade the reflects that choice.

Assignment 2
Snakes, Serpents, and Wands

　　This week, we explored the symbolism that exists between snakes, serpents, and wands. Your task this week, is to write one to two lengths of parchment (1-2 paragraphs) on one of the following cultures. Based on your own research, explain what the snake symbolizes to them. You are welcome to go over if you'd like, but please do not exceed three lengths of parchment. However, please note that those who go under shall receive a grade the reflects that choice.

Snake & Serpent Lore Amongst Cultures

Please be sure to send completed assignments via owl HERE by the due date 2~1~13.

Year 2 | Quarter 1 | Lesson Archive

Lesson 1 ~ History of Wands

　　Matron Madrona Daventry strolled with a determination of many a Professor before her. She had spent years perfecting her art form and now, as a Master Wand Maker, she shared her knowledge with those hopefuls who entered her classroom. Standing behind the podium, she began by clearing her throat and allowing her booming voice to take command of the lecture hall.
　　❝The magic wand, the most quintessential instrument for a wizard. By, "wizard," I mean magical folk of all kinds, for many a goblin would like to get their hands on one. Now, for those of you who have done some traveling after your respective graduation from various Magical Institutes, I'm sure you've seen a fair number of magical folk appear with a walking staff, but, I guarantee you that, this too, is a wand. The word wand within itself simply means," a rod," and it our case, it channels our magic. To put it into much more blunt terms, size doesn't matter. Those within our western society of magic have grown accustomed to the use of wands as we're familiar with today, and like the kind you have upon your person now. In the East, however, wizards convey their power through staves. The druids of old Irish myth and legend wielded wands to conjure their magic, and thus, that has stuck with us over time.❝
　　❝Now, it is the wand which channels our magical intention. From what we've seen in our very day lives, wands can be as simplistic as a branch, more or less straight, and are used for pointing and directing our magical intentions. Now, however, this is not the case amongst the ancients. The Druids of yesteryear called wands, "Awen of the Bards," which translated to, "Poetic Intention," for they believed that the wand was used to call forth the living force of transformative energy that was to be directed by the will of the wizard. The Druids also believed that each wood type used within their wands contained, not only special powers, but also the tree spirit from which the wand was formed. While wood was the typical material that was used, there was lore of a silver branch of the bard, which the druids believed was the link to the world of the Fae.❝
　　❝Continuing on from the Ancient Druids and into the Ancient Persian culture with the Zoroastrian mages, and we see that the held, not wands, but baresman. These were typically made of tamarisk twigs and acted as a conduit between what we call today the Spirit Division and that of Wizard-kind. The Ancient Roman flamen, or fire mages, took the inspiration of the baresman from the Persians, using similar branches of twigs. It wasn't until the Roman lore of Mercury, that the use of a magic staff would be seen within the Roman culture.❝
　　❝The Roman culture, being greatly link to that of the Greek culture, can see some cross influence. The Greeks believed that upright staphs drew power from the Earth and sky, with the staff and the wizard as the conduit. Thus, Hermes being the one which channeled all that was communication, was seen wielding an uprigth staph-like wand, wrapped with dual serpents. In fact, it is he which is held responsible for Greek Hermetic Magic. In addition, mixed in with the Greek lore is the Greek demigod, Asklepios, whose wand was nothing more than a rough branch with a serpent spiraling upwards, entwining the branch completely.❝
　　❝The association through various cultures and lores, shows the wand linked to several types of ancient magics. The benefits of all types of wands seems to be in their concealment depending on the origins. From the small wand, being easily concealable, or the large staff and rod, being concealed as a walking stick, or even the stave of the east being used as a martial arts tool, the wand is a tool that no wizard can go without. Further examining Hermes, whose focus of energy was on communication, can be linked to the belief that magic is a form of communication and a focus of verbal magical intent. Thus, it makes perfect sense that an act of magic, or, "Spell," when cast, is nothing more than a series of words. Now, the significance of serpents bears a closer look and shall be examined further in our next class. Please be sure to check the Assignment Board on your way out. I expect a full 2 lengths of parchment on the topic."



Year 2 | Quarter 1 | Assignment Archive

Assignment 1 ~ History of Wands

　　This week, we delved into the history of various Ancient Cultures and how they used wands within their lore. Each one had similarities, some even pulling from previous cultures altogether and altering them in some way. Your task this week, is to write two lengths of parchment (2 paragraphs) on one of the following, based on your own research. You are welcome to go over if you'd like, however, just please note that those who go under shall receive a grade the reflects that choice.

Ancient Wand Culture Research



Wandlore 101 Extra Credit

　　Over the course of this lesson, we went into depth about how will influences how a wand reacts to various owners. This was greatly seen in Book 7, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows." Sometimes a wand that is taken from another owner works well, as seen with Harry and Draco's wand, whereas others put up more of a fight, such as with Hermione and Bellatrix's wand.

Extra Credit Assignment

Your task is to write 1-2 parchment lengths (1-2 paragraphs) about why you think a wand would give up it's allegiance to an owner and bend it's own will for another master. What circumstances would have to take place? How would this affect the magical intent of the wizard?

Please be sure to send completed assignments via owl HERE by the due date 2~2~13.

The Syllabus

✦ Welcome ✧ Course Info ✦ Rules ✧ Supplies ✦ Grading Scale ✧ Registration ✦ Current Roster ✧ Send Owl


Wandlore 101

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