Symbols

Any self-respecting sorcerer needs to be an expert in the use of mystical symbols that can be employed to protect their users or enhance their magical powers.

Best known are the pentagram (a five-pointed star) or a pentacle (a circle containing a five-pointed star). Such symbols can be drawn on the ground or depicted on a sorcerer’s robe or pointed hat.

Magic Circles

A magic circle is a space drawn on the ground in chalk or salt to define an area that will be used for a magic ceremony.

It’s believed to protect those inside it from evil forces and is often marked with symbols such as candles, representing the four points of the compass and the four elements of earth (in the north), air (in the east), water (in the west), and fire (in the south).

Each of those elements is also associated with a particular colour: red for fire, blue for water, yellow for air and green for earth. Never say that you are 'drawing' a magic circle. Professionals say they are 'casting a circle.'

Wands

Wands can be made of wood or metal or stone, even crystal or ivory (though these days at least we can’t imagine a conservation-minded sorcerer wanting an ivory wand).

Modern-day sorcerers and witches are known as Wiccans and use wands to channel energy and to aid in both healing and casting spells.

You can make you own wand by cutting a branch from any tree, oak or hazel being the most popular choice. You can also buy a wand online, though Balthazar Blake probably wouldn’t approve.

Necromancy

We’re pretty sure that Balthazar wouldn’t approve of 'necromancy' either. It’s the practise of summoning up the spirits of the dead either to gain information about past events or the future or to enlist their help in achieving a particular goal.

The Golden Rule

Like Balthazar Blake, sorcerers must always use their powers for good, though as Balthazar also points out to Dave, sorcery is a lot of fun too. Study hard enough and maybe you too can one day save the world from destruction or at least spend an entertaining afternoon being invisible.

The Sorcerers Apprentice is in Cinemas on August 11th