A Guide To American Wandlore

Monkey Puzzle Tree

Long ago, during the age of the dinosaurs, the Araucaria araucana, also known as the monkey puzzle tree or Chilean pine, was said to have been gifted to the world by celestial beings to serve as both a source of protection and a connection to the realm of magic. As a tree of deep magical significance, stories tell of its origins, when ancient wizards imbued it with powers to protect sacred spaces and channel mystical energies between earth and sky. According to an old legend, a council of starry deities descended to Earth and, with the tips of their luminous fingers, traced the path of the Milky Way along the landscape of Patagonia, planting the first seeds of the monkey puzzle tree. These celestial beings bestowed the tree with the ability to transform the whispers of the night into a shimmering protective veil, shielding sacred lands from peril. This evergreen tree grows to 1–1.5 m in diameter and 30–40 m in height and is native to central and southern Chile and western Argentina. The Araucaria araucana is considered the hardiest species in the genus Araucaria. It is sometimes referred to as a living fossil due to the prevalence of similar species in ancient prehistory. It serves as Chile's national tree, and its conservation status was changed to Endangered by the IUCN in 2013 due to dwindling populations caused by logging, forest fires, and grazing. One of the most significant concentrations of these trees can be found in Conguillio National Park in the provinces of Malleco and Cautin in the Araucania Region of Chile.

They have probably been around when dinosaurs roamed the earth. The leaves overlap, covering the branches, and even look a bit like a dinosaur's scales. It's said that long ago, during the reign of ancient creatures, mystical beings planted these trees to connect the earth with the sky and protect sacred spaces. A legend tells of a tree that shielded the last dinosaurs, providing them with shelter and mystical protection. The trees you see today are all young, with branches all over their trunks. When the trees mature, these bottom leaves fall off, leaving most of the straight trunk, which can grow up to 130 feet, bare. The monkey puzzle tree can live for hundreds of years, maybe even thousands.

Monkey Puzzle Tree is an ancient wand wood. They are highly prized across South America, especially in Chile and Argentina, as well as in North America, among American wizards of Chilean descent. Though rumored to be unlucky by Muggles (or no-majs), monkey puzzle trees are an auspicious tree in wizarding lore, and the wands made from them are equally so. The reason muggles distrust this tree is that it serves as shelter for spirits and ghosts, as it naturally protects against evil, ghostly entities, and other beings. This wood is a handsome light brown with a yellow or red hue, with a swirling pattern. As it is endangered, only a couple of dozen wands are made new each year. Due to their rarity, acquiring a Monkey Puzzle wand requires a deep understanding and appreciation for its conservation. Potential owners must demonstrate a commitment to preserving the species, often undergoing a selection process overseen by experienced wandmakers who are dedicated to protecting these extraordinary trees. The selection process includes a series of tests and rituals to determine the compatibility between the wand and wizard, ensuring that the magic within the wand resonates with the intentions and spirit of the aspirant. Wizards often journey to secluded forests, participating in ceremonies that involve meditative practices under the guidance of skilled wandmakers. Only then will a wand of such rarity and magical resonance be bestowed upon a deserving wizard or witch.

Monkey Puzzle wands are very satisfying to use, with a pleasing weight to the magic they cast. Monkey Puzzle wands do best with cores of a dragon or similarly reptilian creatures, though they can do well with Phoenix and other Firebird cores. Due to the tree's sacredness to Mapuche Native Americans, many Monkey Puzzle wands in existence were made and shaped by Mapuche wixes who have chosen to adopt Western wandmaking practices. Such wands are often beautifully carved and are highly prized for their rarity, but are rarely traded outside Native groups at this point. To honor the Mapuche traditions and the tree's sacredness, aspiring wand users are encouraged to engage in respectful practices. This includes consulting with Mapuche elders to gain deeper insight into the tree's cultural significance, supporting local conservation efforts to protect the species, and participating in workshops that highlight traditional Mapuche crafting techniques. Students can also take part in ceremonies that foster a connection with the spirit of the tree. By engaging in these steps, wand users can practice responsible magic that honors these traditions.

One notable Mapuche ritual involves the use of sacred chants and offerings when a Monkey Puzzle tree is planted or harvested. This practice is said to invoke the ancestral spirits' blessing and ensure the tree's protection and growth. During these ceremonies, participants often form a circle around the selected tree, singing traditional songs passed down through generations. They might offer small tokens, such as seeds or colorful woven fabrics, to symbolize their gratitude and reverence. This ritual not only strengthens the bond between the Mapuche people and the Monkey Puzzle tree but also imbues the resulting wands with a unique spiritual resonance, believed to enhance their magical capabilities.

Its owners are quiet, playful, and curious. Full of wanderlust, they love to travel. If they are not traveling or exploring, they are probably planning and/or fantasizing about their next adventure. They keep to themselves; it may surprise people how much is going on in these witches and wizards' heads. They have admirable hardiness, physically and mentally. Allergies are uncommon, and they can adapt relatively easily to most climates. Any drama in their lives is dealt with calmly and rationally; they tend not to let their emotions get the best of them. They would rather cut drama or potential problems off at the root than allow them to develop further. A unique quirk of Monkey Puzzle wand owners is their ability to unintentionally summon luminous, ethereal butterflies that flutter around them, particularly during moments of intense emotion. These magical creatures are drawn to their aura, creating a serene and captivating atmosphere wherever they go.

Not the best at discussing their feelings, these people either push away negative feelings as soon as they occur. Or they might have a coping mechanism of some sort. Alcoholism may be an issue. There is talent in magic to do with barriers, hexes, and spiritual protection. Ghosts may come to them for protection against deadly creatures or spirits. There is often talent in warding off malicious entities as well. They are excellent for Transfiguration, Care of Magical Creatures, Herbology, and Astronomy.

Sunset orange, jungle green, and deep brown sparks flicker from this wand during spell work. Its magic smells of worn stones, beet juice, and sweet clover. This wand is stronger during the summer solstice and could purify evil entities during this period. A bit sensitive, this wand prefers temperate climates (not too hot, not too cold) and will perform more weakly in areas with concentrated pollution of any sort. Because of this, wands made from monkey tree puzzle wood can be used to identify the primary source of pollution in an area. As the bond between owner and wand grows, silver tendril-like markings wrap themselves around the wand. These markings shine bright when the wand senses a malevolent being or entity nearby.

For wandmakers seeking to work with Monkey Puzzle wood, attention to the grain direction is crucial, as it impacts the wand's magical conductivity. Wandmakers recommend using gentle, natural oils for finishing, which helps preserve the wood's inherent magic. The unique spiraling grain pattern should be respected during carving to ensure the wand's optimal performance. Specialized wandmaking tools crafted from resilient materials are advisable to handle the wood's density without causing splintering. By following these best practices, wandmakers can fully harness the mystical properties of Monkey Puzzle wood, creating wands that not only pay homage to their cultural significance but also excel in magical endeavors.