February 18, 2011
Bill Wells and Glenn Farrington
The Broken Wand Ceremony is a ritual performed at the funeral of a magician in which a ceremonial wand (although years ago it was the actual wand that was used by the magician) is broken, indicating that with the magician’s death, the wand has lost its magic. The first time this ceremony was performed was for Harry Houdini. The ceremony appeals not only to the magicians, but also to the friends and family witnessing the ceremony and seeing just how respected and admired the magician was amongst his fraternity.
THE BROKEN WAND CEREMONY
We are gathered together in the name of God, and to commemorate with thanksgiving the life of Tim Conover, a consummate close up artist and mentalist extraordinaire. As a member of our great fraternity, Tim was linked in fellowship with magicians all over the world, and Tim’s skill of performing magic was enjoyed by those who were privileged and fortunate enough to witness it.
As a fellow magician and friend, I offer this time as commemoration for Tim’s life and express from all magicians, our prayers and hope in the power of life eternal to Tim’s family.
The wand in story and symbol is an ancient conjuring representation of mystery. To the uninitiated, it is but a piece of wood. To our late member it was a reminder to Tim of the joy and pleasure of an entertainment art that has existed since ancient times. This symbol was for our departed member a link to all others of like mind and heart in this vast magic fraternity. This wand without Tim is now useless. The magic that infused itself into the life of performing on this earth is about to be broken and joined with the magic of the eternal.
May the magic in this wand flow out to future generations as it performs it’s final act.
(the wand is broken in half)
Thank you Timothy Gene Conover… for all the magic you brought us.
