A Guide To American Wandlore

Mountain Hemlock

Tsuga mertensiana, known as mountain hemlock, is a species of hemlock native to the west coast of North America, with its northwestern limit on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, and its southeastern limit in northern Tulare County, California. Mertensiana refers to Karl Heinrich Mertens, a German botanist who collected the first specimens as a member of a Russian expedition in 1826-1829. Mountain hemlock thrives in cool, moist environments, often blanketing alpine slopes and high-altitude forests. This resilience and adaptability to harsh weather conditions are believed to influence its mystical properties, such as the wand's subtle strength and preference for understated power. Just as the tree endures in challenging habitats, the magic derived from its wood is characterized by steadfast durability, making it a trusted companion for practitioners who value perseverance and empathy.

Mountain hemlock wands are quirky and sensitive, and require an owner who goes to their own beat. They are heavily prized in California, the Pacific Northwest, and Alaska. The selection process for a mountain hemlock wand is as unique as the wand itself. It begins with the wandmaker conducting a harmony ceremony, where they place a series of enchanted stones around the wand to sense its aura. Prospective owners are invited to gently touch the wand in this sacred circle, and only when a true compatibility is felt does the wand resonate with a faint, melodic hum, acknowledging the owner it has chosen. Among the most famous wielders of a mountain hemlock wand was Willow Kennedy, a renowned healer and adventurer from Alaska who charted numerous uncharted territories and assisted in brokering peace among various magical communities in the 19th century. In youth, their owners may have been labelled as crybabies, but the truth is that they have overwhelming empathy for others. With this, they have incredible imaginations and inner worlds, but it is difficult for them to express them to others. This can cause them to be frustrated when communicating with others, to cut themselves off from others, and to feel 'safe.' With maturity, practice, and patience with themselves, they can become excellent communicators and are often the ideal person in groups or teams. Though sensitive, they have an inner strength and stubbornness that comes with the idea that these people feel they must live their lives true to their inner worlds and selves. Even when born into less-than-ideal situations, they tend to rise above it by receding into themselves, blocking out negativity (which can create bad habits like avoiding problems or becoming willingly oblivious, but can be quite useful when they are young and don't have other viable options).

Though this wand has great power, it does not like to demonstrate that power in a showy or ostentatious manner. Instead, it prefers subtlety and less obvious magics. Examples of such subtle magics include the ability to quietly mend broken objects with a whispered incantation, cast protective charms that ward off negative energies without overt shimmer, and transfigure small items with a mere flick of the wrist. The motto of this wand and its owner is to accomplish tasks with as little fuss or energy as possible, saving energy for emergencies. However, this preference for subtlety means that this wand may struggle with highly ostentatious spells or those requiring overt displays of power, making it less effective in dueling situations or when robustness is necessary. This can cause some people to believe that the owner is being deceptive, that they desire to appear weaker than they actually are. Well, there's some truth to that. The owner is capable of great deception when they deem it necessary, knowing very well how to play dumb or play off the stereotype of them having their head stuck in the clouds. Some may find it valuable to keep the magnitude and range of their magic hidden, most of the time it's conscious, as they are pretty self-aware people...most of the time.

This wand excels at non-verbal magic, healing, and wood-centered magics. In healing magic, their specialty is often with burns and burn victims, able to make top-tier salves, liniments, and ointments. There is talent with the following subjects: herbology, transfiguration, charms, care of magical creatures, and potions. Additionally, this type of wand has an affinity for ships and travel, making its owners expert voyagers, explorers, and cartographers. Note that the mention of acacia wand owners in this context was an error and is unrelated to mountain hemlock wands, which have their unique strengths and characteristics.

Black, emerald, and rich brown branches of magic shoot out of this wand during spellwork. Its magic smells of honey and jasmine with a hint of bergamot and orange blossom. Though this wand is picky about its owners, it is not as picky about its core. It bonds well with the cores of any elemental disposition, such as phoenix feather, Thunderbird tail feather, dragon heartstring, and Sasquatch hair. Each core influences the wand's specialties and makes it even more selective about its potential owner, further narrowing down the personality it harmonizes with. For example, a phoenix feather core might enhance the wand's healing powers, while a dragon heartstring could intensify its transfiguration abilities. Sasquatch hair tends to amplify the wand's subtle protective charms. 

There is an issue with stamina, as showy magics can efficiently tax the wand, and the attention of others can overstimulate the owner. If the wand becomes finicky, it is recommended to place it in a cool, dark space for at least half an hour before its next use. Additionally, regular cleansing rituals using moonlight or running water are beneficial for rejuvenating the wand's energies. Owners might also consider a periodic connection ceremony with their wand, in which they meditate with it under a full moon or in a tranquil forest to strengthen their bond and ensure optimal harmony. These practices not only keep the wand attuned and healthy but also enhance its magical capabilities.