he 19thC Cornish Parson Woods of Ladock, a skilled exorcist with an ebony walking stick, or staff.

Parson Woods, of Ladock, was another skilled exorcist, who possessed an ebony stick engraved with planetary signs and mystical figures. With this weapon he is said to have belaboured many a ghost and demon.

The walking stick, as used by magicians, decends from Moses and his staff that has control over water (turns water to wine, parts the Rea Sea, and calls up a spring). A magician's wand is nothing less than a smaller version of the magical wlking stick, or staff. I expect that Parson Woods used his staff, made of special wood and carved with magical symbols, as a powerful spiritual instument.