A directing apparatus for orienting an arc of an arc welding device for arc welding, in particular for TIG welding, using a magnetically moved arc, comprising: a retaining device having an opening for receiving a welding head of the arc welding device; one or more solenoid coils for forming a magnetic field for deflecting an arc generated by a welding device in the opening; and at least two bent pole shoes comprising at least two legs for focusing the magnetic field, a first of the legs of each pole shoe being affixed to the retaining device and/or to the solenoid coil and a second of the legs being oriented at an angle of less than 130° to the first leg.