The discussion on the staff and the hand seem materialistic. Why so much hate for magic and wonders in this fantasy series? In the ancient world and prehistory totems and symbols of office were viewed as powerful, either for magia or goetia. Even traditional religion has a physical component linked to spiritual reality. The idol, the altar, the cross, the stole, the crozier, the sacraments, icons, and so on. Robert Jordan got there first in The Eye of the World with Moirane's staff. Love the podcast. You both seem to take an unmystical almost scientific view of things. Thank you for using Spreaker, great sound quality and interface.