YOU are the most important magickal tool of all. In fact, the rest of the tools are simply "mood enhancers" to help lull your logical" left brain into allowing your creative right brain to take over. The only tool that you can not do without is YOURSELF!! It is your internal and external energies that determine the results of any magickal spellworking. Many practioners never use any other tool but their own personal energies. And some of the most powerful workings can be done without ever leaving your sofa. It is the focus, concentration, intentions and desires that reside within YOU that are the real 'tools" of the Magi! Below however, are the tools of the trade. Any tool, magical correspondence, such as a red candle for sex magick, anything that helps psych up your mind is thought to be a plus. Not a "have to", but a PLUS!

Book of Shadows: Within this book, you write all your personal thoughts, Spells, Rituals, Chants, ideas, poetry, and magickal secrets. This should be kept strictly private, unless perhaps you take on an apprentice at a later date.

The Broom: The broom or "besom" is used for cleansing ritual areas. In handfasting rituals, couples often "jump the broom" especially if they plan to have a family. The combination of the "brush" and the handle are a very powerful fertility symbol, so beware! If you don't want children, please don't jump. Many Witches have a broom bottom-side up beside their doors to protect their home from negative outside energies.

The Pentacle: The Altar pentacle is usually a disk or plate of metal or wood inscribed with the five pointed star in a circle. This is placed upon the altar and used to consecrate various other magickal tools. It is also useful as a focal point for concentration during magickal workings.

The Staff: The staff is used to mark quarter points. It may be used in much the same manner as the wand. It is usually matched "to your measure"- which means it reaches to your shoulder- making it easy and comfortable for you to handle.

The Cauldron :The cauldron traditionally had three legs, and it represents bounty and blessings. In some Celtic Traditions, it is associated with otherworldly figures such as Bran the Blessed and the Goddess Cerridwen. The cauldron has also come to represent the concept of reincarnation and the cycles of birth, death and rebirth. It is sometimes used in association with elemental fire as well and small "bonfires" can be lit in them to burn spells or incense.

The Athame: Many Wiccans own one or more athames. (This is a double-edged knife)It should fit well and comfortably in your hand. Many practitioners make their own blades or "personalize" bought ones with runes, carvings and other symbols so as to blend the energy of the tool with their own magickal intentions. The athame can be used to cast the circle, call the "quarters" or elements, and is part of many an opening ritual, handfasting (wedding) or initiation rite. Some practitioners, I have heard, even give their athames a magickal "name".

The Chalice: The chalice is used on the altar to represent Water. The chalice is sometimes passed around the circle so each participant may take a sip from the cup. This is a bonding experience and often the words "May you never thirst!" are also passed around the circle.

Thurible or Incense burner: A container used to contain a hot coal for burning incense. Best made from a fire resistant or fire proof material. The incense itself represents the element of Air while the fire (charcoal) represents Fire. The combination of these two elements are used to purify ritual areas, other tools or the circle itself. Incense has a powerful effect on your magick. It invokes different Deities and sets a certain mood.

Clothing: Clothing is an "optional" tool. Some practitioners practice "skyclad" but there is no need if this makes you uncomfortable. There is actually no clothing "type" necessary, although many covens specify one unique to themselves. The solitary witch, of course, makes her own choices. I stand clothed myself, in whatever I'm wearing when the mood takes me.

The Wand: The wand represents the element of Air and the East. The wand can be used to cast the circle or direct energy in other magickal ways, such as in spells and incantations. Your wand, if you choose to have one, may be hand-made or storebought. Most are made from wood because each type of wood is said to have mystical properties.

Consecration of Tools

This ritual is more suited to the solitary witch, of which there are many! There is however a much longer ritual for thosa that are intereted. (See Index)

You'll need 2 candles to represent the God and the Goddess, a bowl of water, bowl of salt, incense and a white candle.

Cast the Circle, Invoke the Gods, hold the tool in your hands and say :

"Before the spirits, I bring this (name of tool) to be dedicated to the service of the Lady and the Lord. " Place the tool on the pentacle, touch it with your left hand and say :

"I consecrate you, O (name of tool) to cleanse and purify you to serve me within the Magick Circle. In the name of the Mother Goddess and the Father God, you are consecrated."

Pick up the tool and touch it to the salt, pass it trough the incense smoke, through the candle flame and sprinkle it with water. Then hold it to the heavens, and say :

"Lady and Lord, Bless this (name of tool).

Let it be pure for Thy service.

Keep watch over it, and guard the works which come forth from it. I dedicate this (name of tool) to Thy service, Great Ones.

So Mote It Be !"
Thank the Goddess and the God and Close the Circle.