- Oct 21, 2006
- 621
- 124
Just as most religions use tools for services, rituals, etc, tools are used in witchcraft to aid and enhance ritual worship. Tools have no power in themselves, though they do have powerful symbolic significances. Some tools like the Wand and Athame (pronounced ath-ay-me) for instance are used to invoke and direct whatever power we generate or pass through them.
While tools are not absolutely necessary to the practice of the craft, some tools are nice to have if only to focus our will and concentration. The basic tools to start with are the elemental tools or those tools which represent the four elements of life:
- The Pentacle for the Earth element representing fertility, promotes peace, money, stability;
- The Wand for Air element representing intellect, wisdom, communication, travel;
- The Athame for the Fire element representing will power, strength, courage, purification;
- The Chalice for the Water element representing healing, dreams, psychic occurrence, love.
(The 5th element of Ether represents the amplification of the spiritual realm.)
The Tools:
Athame - The athame is the traditional ritual dagger of the witch or magickian. Commonly it has a black handle and steel double-edged blade. The handle or blade can be engraved with magickal symbols indicative of deities, spirits or the elements as sources of power. The athame is a tool of command, it is used to direct what power we pass through it and used to cast circles by tracing the circumference, to charge and consecrate objects and banish negative energies. In most traditions, it is never used as a mundane knife for cutting purposes, and is used strictly for magickal purposes only. As an elemental tools of the craft, in most traditions it is associated with the elements of Fire, in others it is associated with Air. The phallic symbolism of the knife links it with the Divine Absolute. The athame is also used in many invocations, evocations, calling the watchtowers, LBRP (lesser banishing ritual of the pentagram), spellwork, ceremonies, initiation, and various rituals and rites.
Hecate Pentacle Athame (above) - Hecate symbol with triple moons (vesica pisces) Pentagram on hilt of blade.
Dark Magick Athame (above) - Call upon the dark forces and energies with this powerful piece.
Pentacle - (There are many iterations of the mystery and significance of both the Pentacle as well as the Pentagram.) The Pentagram, while encircled, is a magickal "diagram" of the Universe; the circle symbolizes completeness, or the All, and the 5 points are the components of this. All are equal and in balance. "As above, so below" - as with the universe so with people. The whole person, made up (ideally) of all components in balance.
The pentacle is a traditional tool of the craft. Originally it is thought to have been adopted from ceremonial magic. It is usually a round solid disc often made from stone, wood or cooper. On the disc is engraved or painted an up-right five pointed star enclosed inside a circle called the Pentagram. A disc decorated in this manner then becomes a Pentacle. In some traditions other symbols are added indicative of deities, spirits or the elements as sources of power. The pentacle is normally the centerpiece of the alter on which objects are placed to be consecrated or charged, such things as amulets, charms and tools are placed on it, as is the salt and water for blessing.
INVOKING - To call the spirits one starts at Spirit tracing to Fire (1), tracing to Water (2), tracing to Air (3), tracing to Earth (4), tracing to Spirit (5), and finishing the pentagram with Fire (6); This is invoking power to begin a meditation. The Fire attracts the Sprits.
BANISHING -To dismiss the spirits one starts at Spirit tracing to Earth (1), tracing to Air (2), tracing to Water (3), tracing to Fire (4), tracing to Spirit (5), and finishing the pentagram with Earth (6). (This is called "grounding" - Letting the energy created by invocation be dissipated back into the Earth.
Wand - The wand is one of the prime magical tools of the witch. It is the instrument of invocation of spirits. Traditionally the wand is made from the wood of a sacred tree. These include the Willow, Elder, Oak, Apple, Peach, Hazel and Cherry, to mention just a few. Its length should approximate the crook of the elbow to the middle of the index finger. These days many modern materials are used instead, and even tipped with crystals and gems. The wand is a tool of invocation, it is used to evoke the Gods, Goddesses and Spirits. It is also used to bestow blessings, charge objects and draw down the moon during ritual. In most traditions the wand represents the elements of Air, in others it represents the elements of Fire and symbolizes the life-force within the Witch. The wand dates back to prehistoric times. The Kemetic Tehuti is represented with a caduceus, a wand entwined with snake and winged top, a symbol of power, wisdom and healing.
Bast Energy Wand (above) - Bast, taken from the word Bastet. The Egytian cat headed goddess. She is stated to be the mother of the lion headed god Mihos. She is depicted most commonly as a woman with the head of a wild cat or lion, or as a cat itself. Beautiful in every aspect, on top sits Bast, with her tail wrapping around the shaft to a great pyramid.
Amethyst Crystal Wand (above) - Handcrafted wand of polished amethyst adorned with silver. One end of the wand contains a polished clear quartz point, & the other end a polished clear quartz ball.
Censer - The censer is an incense burner used to contain burning incense during ritual. The censer is also used for burning incense, herbs, wood and other substances, to cleanse and purify the air before rituals. Any type of censer can be used, even a simple bowl filled with sand will do. Censing, which represents the element of air, exorcises and keeps unwanted energies away from the magic site; offers sweet air to the God and Goddess; raises vibrational rates and summons energies; relaxes the senses; and contains and concentrates power. The act of burning incense or other substances is also known as carrying our wishes up to the God and Goddess.
Lakshmi Honor Burner (above) - Lakshmi is the Hindu Goddess of fortune, love, beauty, fertility and also the Lotus.
Altar Kettle Censer (above)
Chalice - The Chalice (also cup, goblet) is associated with the female forces in the universe: fertility, beauty, the womb, earth, emotion, love, compassion, receptivity, instinct, intuition and the subconscious mind. It is the receptacle of spiritual forces and is associated with the element of water. It is a symbol of containment and often represents the womb of the Goddess. The base is symbolic of the material world, the stem symbolises the connection between man and spirit and the rim or opening symbolically receives spiritual energy. Held upright, the cup is the open womb, ready to receive. Held inverted, it symbolizes birth and realization. The chief purpose for the cup is to assist in consecrating the circle, toast the gods, spell-casting, scrying, and ritual work.
Pentagram Chalice of Light or Darkness (above) - A chalice with the most important symbol of Witchcraft, the pentacle. One chalice represents the light and the other darkness, which could symbolize the God and Goddess, a balance of the altar, or simply the light and dark (duality of masculine feminine principles)
Broom - The broom is a ritual tool of the witch, sacred to both Goddess and the God. The God - through its symbolic phallic shape, The Goddess - through its three-piece make up, the stick, brush and binding cord being symbolic of the triformis aspect of the Goddess.
Traditionally the broom was made from three different woods. Ash for the handle, Birch twigs for the brush and Willow for the binding cord. Ash is protective and has command over the four elements. Birch is purifying and draws spirits to one’s service. Willow is sacred to the Goddess.
The broom is used for a variety of purposes but most generally are used to sweep away negative energies, influences and astral build-up from the working space to purify and protect, and ritually clean the area for your energy before performing any rite. Of old it was used to guard the home and persons within against psychic attack or evil curses, this by placing it across the threshold, windowsills or doorways. It was also placed under the bed or a pillow to protect the sleeper.
Traditionally and perhaps the use which most people identify it with, are the old wedding ceremonies of the Gypsies and the early Afrikan enslaved peoples of the Americas, where a couple leapt over the broom to ensure fertility, domestic harmony and longevity. Today pagan hand-fasting rituals often include a broom jump.
Crescent Ritual Broom (above) - This sacred broom used for purification, cleaning the altar and circle, conjuring and spell-work.
Bolline - The Bolline or White-Handled knife as it is now known, is the practical knife of the craft. Traditionally it was used to harvest herbs and had a blade in the form of a small sickle. Today it is normally a mundane knife used for cutting and carving. It has a white handle to differentiate it from the Athame, which has a black handle and is used only for magickal purposes. The bolline is used to cut wands and herbs, to mark and carve candles with symbols and to cut cords for use in magick. Any other ritual function requiring the use of a knife, such as cutting flowers for the altar, can be performed with the bolline.
Cauldron - The cauldron is probably the tool most associated with witchcraft and is steeped in magickal tradition and mystery. The cauldron is the container in which transmutation, germination, and transformations may occur. It is symbolic of the womb of the Goddess, and is the manifested essence of femininity and fertility. Everything is born from the cauldron of the Goddess and afterwards everything returns back to it. It is also symbolic of the element of water, as well as reincarnation, immortality and inspiration.
In ritual the cauldron is used as a container for making brews and potions, or to contain a small fire for use with spells. It can also be used for scrying (divination) by filling it with water and gazing into its depths.
In ancient times the cauldron was used as a cooking vessel and for brew making. Traditionally it was made from cast iron, it rests on three legs and has an opening smaller then its widest part.
Anubis Cauldron (above)
Bell - The bell is a ritual tool of invocation and banishment. They are associated with the divine; their sound is symbolic of creative power. The sound vibrations created by the ringing of bells have been believed for centuries to possess a magical and/or spiritual power. The bell is a feminine symbol of the creative female force and the celestial vault force, that of the Goddess. It can be rung to indicate the start of a rite by banishing negative influences before the ritual begins and to open and close the circle, creating positive astral energy. Often it is used to invoke the Goddess during ritual, or sounded at the four quarters to call forth such spirits as the Watchers and Elementals.
Bells can be used to guard the home by warding off evil spells and spirits, or evoking good energies when placed in cupboards or hung on doors. Hung from a cord the bell symbolises the human soul suspended between heaven and earth.
Cobra Bell (above)
Book of Shadows - The Book of Shadows is the workbook of the witch/magickian. In it is recorded: Rituals guidelines, Invocations, Spells, Runes, Rules of a particular Coven or Tradition, Symbols, Poems, Chants, and anything else of use to the witch during ritual.
Traditionally the Book of Shadows was always hand written by the individual. A common custom for new initiates into a Coven, is to hand copy his teacher’s Book of Shadows exactly as it appeared, then later to add his own material as he progressed in the craft.
To make your own Book of Shadows, you can use any form of blank book, but perhaps the best type to use are those of a loose-leave nature, thus allowing pages to be shuffled around when preparing for rituals.
Isis Book of Shadow (above)
Moon Phase Book of Shadows (above)
Love, Peace!
While tools are not absolutely necessary to the practice of the craft, some tools are nice to have if only to focus our will and concentration. The basic tools to start with are the elemental tools or those tools which represent the four elements of life:
- The Pentacle for the Earth element representing fertility, promotes peace, money, stability;
- The Wand for Air element representing intellect, wisdom, communication, travel;
- The Athame for the Fire element representing will power, strength, courage, purification;
- The Chalice for the Water element representing healing, dreams, psychic occurrence, love.
(The 5th element of Ether represents the amplification of the spiritual realm.)
The Tools:
Athame - The athame is the traditional ritual dagger of the witch or magickian. Commonly it has a black handle and steel double-edged blade. The handle or blade can be engraved with magickal symbols indicative of deities, spirits or the elements as sources of power. The athame is a tool of command, it is used to direct what power we pass through it and used to cast circles by tracing the circumference, to charge and consecrate objects and banish negative energies. In most traditions, it is never used as a mundane knife for cutting purposes, and is used strictly for magickal purposes only. As an elemental tools of the craft, in most traditions it is associated with the elements of Fire, in others it is associated with Air. The phallic symbolism of the knife links it with the Divine Absolute. The athame is also used in many invocations, evocations, calling the watchtowers, LBRP (lesser banishing ritual of the pentagram), spellwork, ceremonies, initiation, and various rituals and rites.
Hecate Pentacle Athame (above) - Hecate symbol with triple moons (vesica pisces) Pentagram on hilt of blade.
Dark Magick Athame (above) - Call upon the dark forces and energies with this powerful piece.
Pentacle - (There are many iterations of the mystery and significance of both the Pentacle as well as the Pentagram.) The Pentagram, while encircled, is a magickal "diagram" of the Universe; the circle symbolizes completeness, or the All, and the 5 points are the components of this. All are equal and in balance. "As above, so below" - as with the universe so with people. The whole person, made up (ideally) of all components in balance.
The pentacle is a traditional tool of the craft. Originally it is thought to have been adopted from ceremonial magic. It is usually a round solid disc often made from stone, wood or cooper. On the disc is engraved or painted an up-right five pointed star enclosed inside a circle called the Pentagram. A disc decorated in this manner then becomes a Pentacle. In some traditions other symbols are added indicative of deities, spirits or the elements as sources of power. The pentacle is normally the centerpiece of the alter on which objects are placed to be consecrated or charged, such things as amulets, charms and tools are placed on it, as is the salt and water for blessing.
INVOKING - To call the spirits one starts at Spirit tracing to Fire (1), tracing to Water (2), tracing to Air (3), tracing to Earth (4), tracing to Spirit (5), and finishing the pentagram with Fire (6); This is invoking power to begin a meditation. The Fire attracts the Sprits.
BANISHING -To dismiss the spirits one starts at Spirit tracing to Earth (1), tracing to Air (2), tracing to Water (3), tracing to Fire (4), tracing to Spirit (5), and finishing the pentagram with Earth (6). (This is called "grounding" - Letting the energy created by invocation be dissipated back into the Earth.
Wand - The wand is one of the prime magical tools of the witch. It is the instrument of invocation of spirits. Traditionally the wand is made from the wood of a sacred tree. These include the Willow, Elder, Oak, Apple, Peach, Hazel and Cherry, to mention just a few. Its length should approximate the crook of the elbow to the middle of the index finger. These days many modern materials are used instead, and even tipped with crystals and gems. The wand is a tool of invocation, it is used to evoke the Gods, Goddesses and Spirits. It is also used to bestow blessings, charge objects and draw down the moon during ritual. In most traditions the wand represents the elements of Air, in others it represents the elements of Fire and symbolizes the life-force within the Witch. The wand dates back to prehistoric times. The Kemetic Tehuti is represented with a caduceus, a wand entwined with snake and winged top, a symbol of power, wisdom and healing.
Bast Energy Wand (above) - Bast, taken from the word Bastet. The Egytian cat headed goddess. She is stated to be the mother of the lion headed god Mihos. She is depicted most commonly as a woman with the head of a wild cat or lion, or as a cat itself. Beautiful in every aspect, on top sits Bast, with her tail wrapping around the shaft to a great pyramid.
Amethyst Crystal Wand (above) - Handcrafted wand of polished amethyst adorned with silver. One end of the wand contains a polished clear quartz point, & the other end a polished clear quartz ball.
Censer - The censer is an incense burner used to contain burning incense during ritual. The censer is also used for burning incense, herbs, wood and other substances, to cleanse and purify the air before rituals. Any type of censer can be used, even a simple bowl filled with sand will do. Censing, which represents the element of air, exorcises and keeps unwanted energies away from the magic site; offers sweet air to the God and Goddess; raises vibrational rates and summons energies; relaxes the senses; and contains and concentrates power. The act of burning incense or other substances is also known as carrying our wishes up to the God and Goddess.
Lakshmi Honor Burner (above) - Lakshmi is the Hindu Goddess of fortune, love, beauty, fertility and also the Lotus.
Altar Kettle Censer (above)
Chalice - The Chalice (also cup, goblet) is associated with the female forces in the universe: fertility, beauty, the womb, earth, emotion, love, compassion, receptivity, instinct, intuition and the subconscious mind. It is the receptacle of spiritual forces and is associated with the element of water. It is a symbol of containment and often represents the womb of the Goddess. The base is symbolic of the material world, the stem symbolises the connection between man and spirit and the rim or opening symbolically receives spiritual energy. Held upright, the cup is the open womb, ready to receive. Held inverted, it symbolizes birth and realization. The chief purpose for the cup is to assist in consecrating the circle, toast the gods, spell-casting, scrying, and ritual work.
Pentagram Chalice of Light or Darkness (above) - A chalice with the most important symbol of Witchcraft, the pentacle. One chalice represents the light and the other darkness, which could symbolize the God and Goddess, a balance of the altar, or simply the light and dark (duality of masculine feminine principles)
Broom - The broom is a ritual tool of the witch, sacred to both Goddess and the God. The God - through its symbolic phallic shape, The Goddess - through its three-piece make up, the stick, brush and binding cord being symbolic of the triformis aspect of the Goddess.
Traditionally the broom was made from three different woods. Ash for the handle, Birch twigs for the brush and Willow for the binding cord. Ash is protective and has command over the four elements. Birch is purifying and draws spirits to one’s service. Willow is sacred to the Goddess.
The broom is used for a variety of purposes but most generally are used to sweep away negative energies, influences and astral build-up from the working space to purify and protect, and ritually clean the area for your energy before performing any rite. Of old it was used to guard the home and persons within against psychic attack or evil curses, this by placing it across the threshold, windowsills or doorways. It was also placed under the bed or a pillow to protect the sleeper.
Traditionally and perhaps the use which most people identify it with, are the old wedding ceremonies of the Gypsies and the early Afrikan enslaved peoples of the Americas, where a couple leapt over the broom to ensure fertility, domestic harmony and longevity. Today pagan hand-fasting rituals often include a broom jump.
Crescent Ritual Broom (above) - This sacred broom used for purification, cleaning the altar and circle, conjuring and spell-work.
Bolline - The Bolline or White-Handled knife as it is now known, is the practical knife of the craft. Traditionally it was used to harvest herbs and had a blade in the form of a small sickle. Today it is normally a mundane knife used for cutting and carving. It has a white handle to differentiate it from the Athame, which has a black handle and is used only for magickal purposes. The bolline is used to cut wands and herbs, to mark and carve candles with symbols and to cut cords for use in magick. Any other ritual function requiring the use of a knife, such as cutting flowers for the altar, can be performed with the bolline.
Cauldron - The cauldron is probably the tool most associated with witchcraft and is steeped in magickal tradition and mystery. The cauldron is the container in which transmutation, germination, and transformations may occur. It is symbolic of the womb of the Goddess, and is the manifested essence of femininity and fertility. Everything is born from the cauldron of the Goddess and afterwards everything returns back to it. It is also symbolic of the element of water, as well as reincarnation, immortality and inspiration.
In ritual the cauldron is used as a container for making brews and potions, or to contain a small fire for use with spells. It can also be used for scrying (divination) by filling it with water and gazing into its depths.
In ancient times the cauldron was used as a cooking vessel and for brew making. Traditionally it was made from cast iron, it rests on three legs and has an opening smaller then its widest part.
Anubis Cauldron (above)
Bell - The bell is a ritual tool of invocation and banishment. They are associated with the divine; their sound is symbolic of creative power. The sound vibrations created by the ringing of bells have been believed for centuries to possess a magical and/or spiritual power. The bell is a feminine symbol of the creative female force and the celestial vault force, that of the Goddess. It can be rung to indicate the start of a rite by banishing negative influences before the ritual begins and to open and close the circle, creating positive astral energy. Often it is used to invoke the Goddess during ritual, or sounded at the four quarters to call forth such spirits as the Watchers and Elementals.
Bells can be used to guard the home by warding off evil spells and spirits, or evoking good energies when placed in cupboards or hung on doors. Hung from a cord the bell symbolises the human soul suspended between heaven and earth.
Cobra Bell (above)
Book of Shadows - The Book of Shadows is the workbook of the witch/magickian. In it is recorded: Rituals guidelines, Invocations, Spells, Runes, Rules of a particular Coven or Tradition, Symbols, Poems, Chants, and anything else of use to the witch during ritual.
Traditionally the Book of Shadows was always hand written by the individual. A common custom for new initiates into a Coven, is to hand copy his teacher’s Book of Shadows exactly as it appeared, then later to add his own material as he progressed in the craft.
To make your own Book of Shadows, you can use any form of blank book, but perhaps the best type to use are those of a loose-leave nature, thus allowing pages to be shuffled around when preparing for rituals.
Isis Book of Shadow (above)
Moon Phase Book of Shadows (above)
Love, Peace!
