This portrayal is more typically a somewhat modern rendition. I've never seen a medieval portray that actually displayed a full orb atop a staff.
The staff is somewhat of a symbol of authority, and was often held as such by those who were the head of governing bodies. Kings, emperors, those who oversaw the roman forum, and so forth. The orb itself is often a similar symbol, held in the opposite hand.
The scepter and the orb that many medieval kings are shown hold, for example, have much in common with the similarly rooted as the ankh and the flail (was that was it was? I forget) that Pharaohs are often shown carrying.
The modern depiction of a staff mingling with the orb is generally a fantasy interpretation of a gem or crystal or other such talismans used to accent and add to a staff.
At least that's my take on this. I haven't done a whole lot of research.
Thank you for your insight Awake. You said you really haven't done your research on the topic...that seems to be a major problem with this; no one I have ever talked to has researched this topic and has knowledge of it. I try to do research, but hit impassible "road blocks".
That is mostly because the "orb on a staff" is generally rooted in modern fantasy. You'll see it all over in modern portrayals of wizards but it doesn't have much to do with any old magical traditions. In those ancient depictions you are far more likely to see Shepherd crooks or traditional symbols of royalty and authority than anything with a large orb on it.
You do say this, but I to every legend there is a proper beginning. Why would a magician be compared unto a ruler? That would be like comparing a preacher to a mayor...
Why would the two be combined, and in that particular fashion and form?
I do remember watching a program about this a very long time ago. I think it was the history channel =)
If my memory serves me well, some royal magicians were theorized to have hollow glass for the top of their sceptres. As we all know, royal magicians were some of the first chemists, and would use concoctions to cause smoke, fire, etc (like bombs). This was thought to be "magic" by those who didn't understand the science. Later the art of magick and science/chemistry became known as "alchemy".
The royal magjcians were also big show offs, and containing a seemingly "glowing" liquid or gas inside of their sceptre was a way to elude to their "power". If they broke it, the likely response would be a small bomb, and they could demonstrate their magic this way to intimidate others and get themselves out of dangerous situations.
When magicians fought in wars they would use powders and potions (chemical warfare) which is why the legends speak of them causing fire, explosions, people's skin burning, illness, etc.
They depict this perfectly in the movie "300" when the Persian sorcerors were throwing bottles and causing explosions.
Royal magicians however almost always remained with the royal family, so their presence in battles were limited. They were too "important" for that.
What was at the top of the sceptre many times depicted authority or prestige...or plainly just wealth. So some had very fine jewels, that were cut so precisely that they glittered and shined regardless of the direction that the light struck it. These seemed very "magical" to the uneducated citizens of the kingdom who probably didn't even own a shiny spoon much less a perfectly cut gemstone.
Thank you for your insight into this! I appreciate it. I wish I could capture the ball lightning...but that goes into the real of the "impossible"! LOL
I'm sure someone has made a lightening ball staff that runs off of batteries. But I'm sure it wouldn't be very good in magickal practice =) There aren't many naturally illuminative substances that are safe that I know of.
Your best bet is to find a perfectly cut piece of lead crystal. It won't be as expensive as gemstones, and it will refract the light into a rainbow of colors as long as you're in sunlight or strong artifical light. It may run you about $30-50 for a large enough one. But it sure would be pretty! And you could definitely add magick to it, especially if you charge the staff, and use wood with magickal properties that correspond to your work. A fire correspondence would probably be best.
lol, by "ball lightning", I meant the natural phenomenon that occurs with the weather! And as far as the crystals,I could just use Quarts crystal points, they are relatively inexpensive.
Ah! I actually had the opportunity to see one of those a few weeks past. First time in my life. Ball lightening is an amazing sight!
But yes, alas, we can't put one on a staff lol
I prefer quartz crystal for ritual tools too, but I hang lead crystals in front of one of my windows. It refracts a fantastic rainbow through the room. My daughter loves it.
Just for the sake of warning to anyone who wants to use lead crystal, never wear them in jewelry and wash your hands well after handling them. They do contain lead that can make you sick if absorbed with sweating and the like. It is nice to look at but not nice to the body.
