There are a few other tools included in some traditions. You may choose to use these if you wish. These include, but are not limited to, the bell, the cord, statues and idols, the censer, and whatever supplies you use in spellcasting. Your spellcraft supplies may include herbs and other organic materials, stones and crystals, sewing supplies, bowls, a mortar and pestle, and anything else you find of use.
The bell is a ritual tool to which much meaning is attached. Like the cauldron and chalice, the bell is considered a feminine symbol for its bowl-like shape. One would also assume the tone of a rung bell has something to do with its classification as a feminine symbol. Hung from a cord, the bell is said to symbolize the human soul suspended between heaven and earth. Gongs, wind chimes, even a child's toy xylophone can all be substituted for bells in ritual use. The tone is only important in how it appeals to you. There is no specific tone for which you should be striving.
Like many Sanskrit words used in meditation (Ohm springs to mind as an immediate example), the tone of a bell unleashes powerful vibrations. These vibrations are influenced by the volume, tone and construction of the bell. The sound of bells is a great stimulator of creative power. If rung pleasantly, it draws positive energies to any ritual. Some traditions ring a bell after invoking each Watchtower, while others use it to signify the end of one part of a ritual and the beginning of another. It is often used to invoke the goddess or call good fairies to an area. At the same time, it wards off evil spells, negativity, and malicious spirits. Conversely, some folklore indicates that Church Bells drive fairies to distraction. I would say this is only truth when the bells are rung in a clamor.
Another tool sometimes found in Witchcraft is a nine foot length of cord. This is often formed from natural fibers. It can be braided and occasionally has a knot at both ends. Many covens use silken cords that are easily accessible in most needlecraft supply stores, or you can braid or weave your own from wool or ribbon. Colors vary by tradition and many also vary by degree. The cord is kept about the waist in ritual, and its length is used to measure an outdoor circle. It is used to ground the person while in an altered state of consciousness. The cord is symbolic of our connection to the earth, and is similar to the "silver cord" spoken of by astral travelers. It can also be used for knot magick.
Statues and idols have long been used in religion to depict Gods and Goddesses. While many practitioners of Wicca may use simple black and white candles as stand-ins for the god and goddess, those who have many deities in their pantheon or have been chosen by gods from diverse pantheons may seek out specific representations of the gods. There are literally thousands of statues to choose from, so there is no need to settle for one. If you cannot find a suitable statuette, horns or antlers have sometimes been used for god images, and seashells are a good substitute for any goddess symbols. You can also use some item symbolic of a specific deity, for instance, the peacock is symbolic of Hera and a peacock feather might be used to represent her on your altar.
The incense burner, thurible, or censer is the final tool I will discuss here. If these are unavailable, you may use your cauldron (so long as it is heat resistant!) to burn incense. In a pinch, any shell, ceramic bowl, or bowl shaped item can be used as a censer so long as you first cover the bottom with a layer of kitty litter or sand. I personally do not use incense. I have a very sensitive nose and the incense is more likely to make me sick than have any practical use at dispelling negativity. This is a classic case of a tool really not being right for someone. Remember, you do not have to use any tools. Everything you need begins in the heart and extends to the hands.
For those who can and do use incense, like many other tools, it is used to help in the purification process of the circle. Censers are small metal chambers with cutouts where the smoke escapes. The censer may hang from as few as three and as many as twenty chains and can be swung in the hand for blessings or hung from a branch of a tree. It is placed to the east of the altar to represent air. Incenses have as many uses as the herbs from which they are refined. They may be used to summon or dispel spirits, for healing rituals, to increase prophetic ability, or for anything you can think of really. Incense is an enhancement to any ritual, but not a necessity.
From http://www.botanical.com/botanical/article/incense.htmlThe process of making herbal incense without the use of saltpeter, or even charcoal is actually quite easy. Perhaps the easiest way is by using a binder commonly called Makko. Makko not only serves as a water-soluble binder, but as a burning agent as well. Makko is a natural tree bark from an evergreen tree and contains no synthetic chemicals, charcoal, or saltpeter.
To make incense, simply mix the desired ingredients, in powdered form, with makko and add some warm water. Knead the incense-dough thoroughly and form into cones or sticks and let dry at room temperature for about twenty-four hours.
Sandalwood is common to almost every incense formula, and serves as a wonderful base aroma as well as a burning agent of it's own right. If you were making an incense of sandalwood alone, the amount of makko required may be as little as 10%. However, resins like Frankincense are more difficult to burn and must be used in much lower percentages to burning agents such as sandalwood or makko. Otherwise, your incense won't burn properly and may me too smoky or keep going out.
Here is an incense recipe you can use to get you started:
2 parts Makko
1 part Sandalwood powder
1 part Cassia powder
1/2 part Clove powderAdd a little warm water and knead dough completely. Form in small incense cones. Dry at room temperature for 24 hours.