TOOLS OF THE CRAFT

The Altar - A special, flat surface set aside exclusively for magickal workings or religious acknowledgment. This is where the majority of your tools will be stored.

NO PICTURE

The Pentacle - The pentacle represents the element of earth. It is used to ground energy, purify, and assist in ritual work. Pentacles can also be hung upon the wall above the altar as a meditative or focusing tool. The pentacle is a good reminder of the five elements and spirit,

The Athame (ATH-a-may) - The description of a traditional Athame is "a double-edged blade with a black handle". The Athame's blade is usually blunt, or even symbolic. This could be for safety, personal values against weapons, etc. It's Ok for this blade to be blunt because the athame is not used to physically cut anything. The athame is an energy tool, and may be used to cut non-physical things (e.g.. it's used to cut a door in the circle), but never a material object. In the same way it is never used outside of ritual. The athame and the wand are often considered interchangeable, as their main purpose is to direct energy.

The Wand - The wand is the instrument of invocation of spirits. In most traditions, the wand represents the element of fire (in other traditions, earth, air, water or spirit) and symbolizes the life-force within the Witch.

The Besom - Originally the besom was a "dancing pole" disguised in households as a broom. It is used to symbolically sweep the circle of negative forces and energies and is used in handfastings. A Wicca may begin a ritual by sweeping the area. While sweeping, the Wiccan visualizes the broom sweeping out the astral buildup that occurs where humans live. This purifies the area to allow smoother ritual workings. It is a tool sacred to both the Goddess and God.

The Chalice - Symbol of Emotion and fertility. This holds wine, water or other liquids for use during rituals. It should be made of natural materials (i.e. glass, metal or ceramic), plastic is not acceptable.

Candles - Candles are not a necessity of the craft. They are used for candle magick. However, practitioners tend to use them for ambiance and lighting (to read the BoS). They can be any style: tapered, votive, 7-day, etc.

Incense and Burners - Incense or herbs are burned to invite the presence of the Goodess and God, and to cleanse the ritual space. It is said that hanging burners are the best, but any type of incense or burner can be used. Type of incense usually used are sticks, cones and briquettes.

Book of Shadows - A secret diary in which a Witch records his or her personal spells, invocations, rituals, dreams, recipes for various potions, and so forth. Some traditions say it must be hand-written, others say it doesn't matter. A Book of Shadows may be kept by an individual witch or by an entire coven.

The Bell - A consecrated brass or crystal bell is often used by Witches to signal the beginning and/or close of a ritual or Sabbat, to summon a particular spirit or deity, and to awaken meditating coven members. It is also said that the sound of the bell raises the vibrations during spellcrafting. Not all sects use this item.

Images of the God and Goddess - Many traditions place them on the altar. The nature of these images are of great variety. Some simply use candles; others natural objects representative of the Goddess & God. Still other Wiccans use hand-crafted sculptors or drawings. The clever figures to the right are carved and made into candles, aren't they lovely.

Bolline or White-Handled Knife - A curved, white-handled knife used for practical magickal purposes such as cutting. For instance, the knife can be used to harvest herbs, cut a branch for a wand, inscribe candles, etc.

Salt, Water and Bowl - Generally used for circle casting, consecration of tools & for other purposes. Rock salt symbolizes Earth, & is mixed with water & sprinkled over thinqs to purify them. It is placed on the altar to hold the salt. Sea Salt, which symbolizes water, may also be used.

Sword - The sword is not essential; the knife can always substitute for it. But while every individual Witch has an athame, many covens like to have a coven sword - one for the whole group. The sword is usually used for marking the Circle at the start of the meeting; being used by the Priest/ess or whoever casts the Circle.

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