Tools of The Craft

by Catala SilverMoon

Before I explain the tools that some Witches' use... I want to let you know that you do not need any of these tools to practice Witchcraft. They are just there as tools to assist you in your rites. You do not need any if you don't want to use them. Or you might want to use a few of the tools, but not all of them. There are no rules.... do what feels right for YOU!

Athame/Magick Knife

Sacred to the God. Element of Fire. Double-edged with a black or dark handle. Used to direct the energy raised during rites and spells. Used to call upon the four quarters. The dark handle stores residual energy. Used to open and close the magick circle. Not used for cutting.

I do have a special Athame that I purchased at Panthea Con in 1996. I haven't used it yet for any rituals... I don't think it is necessary.

Wand

Sacred to the God. Element of Air. A tool of communication and invitation. The God-Goddess may be called to watch the ritual with words and an uplifted wand. Used to direct energy, draw magickal symbols or a circle on the ground. A slender wooden rod fashioned from the branch of a tree with a cystal on the tip.

I have a beautiful Wand that my husband made me. It is made from a wooden stick from a tree in my backyard. I have a crystal tip on one end and a strawberry quartz on the other end. It is wrapped with black leather and has a white feather hanging from it. I just love it! I have used my wand for carving symbols and letters into candles.

Besom/Broom

Sacred to the Goddess and the God. Element of Water. The broom is a purificatory and protective instrument, used to ritually cleanse the area for magick or to guard a home by laying it across the threshold, under the bed, in windowsills or on doors. A round broom is best.

I found a wonderful round broom with a tree branch as the handle. I found it at a Renassiance Faire in 1997. I have it hanging on the inside of my front door for protection.

Censer

Sacred to the God. Element of Air. The censer is an incense burner. Placed upon the altar during rituals and spells. Also may be used during meditations. Each scent is used for a certain purpose.

I have a few censers. I have one for burning incense sticks, one for burning cones and one for burning incense on charcoal.

Cauldron

Sacred to the Goddess. Element of Water. The cauldron is often a focal point of ritual. During spring rites it is sometimes filled with fresh water and flowers. The cauldron should be of iron, resting on three legs, with its opening smaller than its widest part. The cauldron can be an instrument of scrying (gazing) by filling it with water and staring into its inky depths.

I have a small cast iron cauldron I have used for burning paper in during some spells and rituals.

White-Handled Knife/Bolline

Simply a practical, working knife with a white handle. Used to cut wands or sacred herbs, inscribe symbols onto candles or wood, clay, or wax, and in cutting cords for use in magick. Can also be used to gather flowers for rites.

I do not have a Bolline.. I don't think it is necessary.

Crystal Sphere

Sacred to the Goddess. Sometimes placed on the altar to represent the Goddess. May be used to receive messages from the Gods, or to store energy raised in ritual. Periodic exposure to moonlight will increase its ability to spark our psychic powers. It may be the center of Full Moon rituals. A genuine quartz crystal on a stand.

I have a nice size quartz crystal I use in rituals.

Chalice/Cup/Goblet

Sacred to the Goddess. Element of Water. It is used to hold the wine for wine blessing and cakes and ale.

My Goblet is made from pottery. I use it for the drinking of juice after my personal rituals.

Pentacle

Sacred to the Goddess and God. Element of Earth. The pentacle is usually a flat piece of brass, gold, silver, wood, wax or clay inscribed with the pentagram. An instrument of protection, or a tool used to evoke spirits. A convenient tool upon which to place amulets, charms or other objects to be ritually consecrated. Pentacles are also hung over doors and windows to act as protective devices. It is the centerpiece of the altar. I have a wooden Pentacle I place on the center of my altar during rites.

The Book of Shadows

A Wiccan workbook containing invocations, ritual patterns, spells, runes, rules governing magick, and so on. Should be hand written or can be computerized.

I have started working on my BOS in 1996 but I haven't gotten it where I would like it yet. I still need to add quite a bit of information in it. But it's a start. :) Mine is a black 3 ring binder... with a pentagram on the front. I like using a binder because you can add and remove pages wherever is necessary.

Bell

Sacred to the Goddess. 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.

I have a crystal bell. I haven't used it yet. Don't think it is necessary.

Other Altar Tools

Some other tools that can be placed on the altar are items to represent the directions/elements.

For North- element of Earth- you might want to place a stone, dirt, salt, etc...

For East- element of Air- you might want to place a feather, fresh flowers, incense, etc...

For South- element of Fire- you might want to place a small oil lamp, candle, lava rock, etc...

For West- element of Water- you might want to place a seashell, bowl of water, etc...

You might also want to had a Goddess and God candle to your altar. Or symbols that represent the Gods. I use candles on my personal altar- white or silver candle for the Goddess and a yellow or gold for the God.

Copyright � 1996-2000 by Catala SilverMoon

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