You may be a little concerned about your child's interest in a Wand. The two most common concerns are the quality and the intent.
I personally make each wand by hand. \Each wand is made from hardwood. Each wand is hand carved. In fact, every item made in The Wand Shop is handmade by me here in my home. There is no mass production, no giant machines stamping out wands. I make everything. Every item was designed by me as well. I make the robes, the hats, the quills, the wand handles, the wand storage boxes - I even make the ink. And yes, I am very busy.
I want children to have a toy which does not buzz, flash, or require batteries. I want children to use their imaginations, to create their own scenarios, their own play, their own world. More and more these days, children's lives are regimented. Children's play has become the twin "babysitters" of television and computer toys. I remember my own childhood where creative play was the rule of the day. My sisters and I and our friends would spend every summer day outside -making up our own worlds, playing our own games - with little more than some sticks, some poster board, and our imaginations. This type of creative play has been well documented as necessary for childhood development. It encourages creativity, problem solving, interactive skills, and self reliance. Children today are lacking in creative play and lacking in some of these skills. This adversely affects their adult lives. The wand is just the instrument, the magic comes from the wizard.
Your second concern may be intent (or my intentions). My intentions are outlined above. I am NOT a witch, a wiccan, or in any way associated with, supporting, preaching, or insidiously promoting any type of occult practices. My "magic" is the magic of self confidence, self reliance, hard work, perseverance, and creativity. I want children to be able to find their own "magic", their own abilities, their own special traits. I also hope to encourage children to learn as much as they can about anything they are curious about. The motto for my Wizard World is "Ab Scientia Fortis" - "From Knowledge, Strength". This is the only philosophy I promote. A lifelong love of reading has lead me down many roads. Through reading, we can learn anything, be anything. We can develop new friendships and learn new skills. We can travel to places and times in history we can not reach by any other method. So please rest easy, your child will not learn any occult practices here.
I hope this letter helps you in making a decision to purchase a wand for your child. I also suggest you participate in the "magical" world your child creates. I receive many letters thanking me for making a child's (and and often an adult's) lifelong dream of owning a wand come true. In my opinion, this is my true reward.
Sincerely,
The Wandmaker
