Tools of the Craft

Certain tools are used in Wicca for ritual purposes, such as to invoke the God or Goddess, banish negative influences and cast circles. While these tools are not necessary to practice Wicca, they can be helfpuf in increasing concentration and directing energy. Most tools correspond to certain elements of nature, such as Earth, Air, Fire and Water, and are particularly helpful when perfomring rituals centering around that particualr element. Some of these tools may be difficult to find, but don't worry--the right onw eventually will come to you.

Athame

The magick kknife is commonly linked with the element of Fire. Most Witches do not use it for cutting purposes, or for any purpose outside the circle. The athame is used in ritual to direct energy and is an instrument of power and manipulation. The blade is often dull and double-edged and the handle is black or some other dark color to absorb power.

Cauldron

The cauldron is a symbol of the Goddess and corresponds to the element of Water. It is used in ritual as a container in which magickal transformations can occur and is often a focal point of a ritual. During spring rites, it can be filled with water and fresh flower petals and in winter, fires can be lighted within the cauldron to symbolize the rebirth of the Sun. It can also be filled with water and used for scrying into the future. CAuldrons often are three-legged and made of iron. They come in all sizes ranging from a few inches in diameter to several feet across.

Wand

The wand, an instrument of invocation, corresponds to the element of Air. It is sometimes used to direct energy, to scratch magickal symbols in the ground or to stir the contents of a cauldron. Woods such as willow, elder, oak, hazel and apple are traditionally used for the wand, but any fairly straight piece of wood can work. Many carve special symbols into the wood to personalize the wand. There are also beautiful wands made out of crystal with gems and stones set into them.

Censer

The censer, or incense burner, represents the element of Air. It can be a big, swinging metal contraption like those used in Catholic churches or a small wooden stick incense holder--whichever feels most comfortable for you. If you can't find a suitable censer, a bowl fill with sand or salt works fine. The sand or salt absorbs the heat from the charcoal, or incense sticks or cones can be pushed into it.

Pentacle

The pentacle is often used as an instrument of protection-- it can be hung over doors and windows or worn about the neck as a pendant. The five points on the pentacle represent each of the five elements; Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Spirit. In ritual, the pentacle can be used to consecrate other ritual tools. It can be made out of brass, silver, wood, clay or any other material that can be engraved.

Chalice

The altar chalice symbolizes the Goddess and fertility and is related to the element of Water. It's used to hold the ritual wine that is imbibed at the end of a rite, but it can also be used for holding water for scrying into the future or other ritual purposes. The chalice can be made out of any substance, from silver or brass to wood or soapstone.

Broon

The broom often is used to purify space before a circle is cast. It is related to the element of Water and is used in many water spells involving cleansing. It also historically has been used to protect the home by laying it across the door. To make a magick broom, it is suggested that you use an ash staff, birch, twigs, and a willow binding. (ash is protective, birch cleansing and willow sacred to the Goddess.)

Book of Shadows

The Book of Shadows is your personal collection of rituals, spells, ideas and thoughts about Wicca, etc. Many covens have a group BOS, while solitaries keep one for themselves. Traditionally, it's supposed to be handwritten and many Wiccans may suggest strict adherence to that. You can of course keep your BOS on your hard drive on your computer, whatever is most comfortable for you is what you should use.

These are just a few of the basics--you can certainly improvise and add different items to represent different element. Or, like some Wiccans, you can simply use candles and incense during rituals. Either way, it's the energy YOU put into it that makes the ritual powerful and syccessful, not the tools you use. Tools are simply a way to direct and focus energy for magickal workings. They have no power except for what we give them. Tools should be consecrated, or cleansed, before used in a circle, to clear them of any negative energies.

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