ATHAME
(A-thuh-may) this is a ritual knife. This is used by a witch during rituals and spells to direct his or her energy. Generally, it it used just to direct energy when casting the circle. It would be pointed to the ground and to the sky when drawing the sphere of energy. Many Wiccans have beautifully ornate athames, while others have very simple ones. Many also choose not to use one. The athame is never used to cut (especially yourself) but sometimes is used for inscribing words, sigils, symbols in candles, etc.
WAND
The wand would be used in place of the athame, for the same purpose. However, some witches do use both for different things. A wand directs energy and is normally made of wood. Many witches make their own wands using a stick from a tree. It can be decorated, you can make inscriptions in it, place a crystal or other gem on the tip, whatever you prefer.
CENSER
This is your incense holder. It can be an actual incense burner you purchase from a store, or you can make one. I use a bowl I bought in Scotland that is made of stone. If you use a bowl, just fill it with either salt or sand, and place your incense on top to burn it. This protects the bowl. If you must, you can just use any bowl you own as your censer. But, keep this bowl especially for this purpose, you might not want to continue to eat cereal from it if you are using it as a tool.
CHALICE
This is the cup you drink your wine or juice from in your rituals or spells. The chalice represents the womb of the goddess. Generally, Wiccans drink a ritual beverage after completing a spell. This helps to replenish your body with energy after you send all your energy out from you into the world.This isn't necessary if you choose not to make it a part of your practise.
PENTACLE
The pentacle is the 5 pointed star surrounded by a circle. It is a symbol of the 4 elements, and also spirit ( or akasha). The 5 pointed star without the circle is a pentagram. With the protection circle, it is usually called a pentacle. It is used to invoke power and also to banish and to consecrate tools, among other things. You can draw an invoking pentacle in the air when inviting deities or the guardians, etc., to witness your rites. It is a powerful symbol and serves many purposes. You can purchase one, or you might choose to make one. Drawing one on cardboard is sufficient if you have no other way of creating one.
CANDLES
You can have a candle on your altar to represent the god, and one for the goddess if you wish. This isn't necessary, just something you might choose to incorporate. You can light these candles as you invite the deities to your circle. You can also place candles at the four corners of your circle to represent the elements/guardians. And, you may choose to have a specific altar candle. Spell candles are also used- always use a new and specific candle for your spells. Any type of candles can be used- taper, votive, pillar- it's your choice.
INCENSE
I always use incense in my spells. This, like candles, is a necessity for me. I use both store-bought stick and cone incense and I burn dried herbs. Incense can serve many purposes: as aromatherapy to set a mood, to honor your deities, to be charged and burned to release your energies, to smudge the area, to burn for protection or purification, etc.
CANDLEHOLDERS
You can use any type of holder for your candles- metal, glass, stone, wood, whatever you choose.
ALTAR
Your altar can be basically any type of platform, table, etc. It can be an end table- large enough to accomodate your tools and not be cluttered. If you are unable to use something specifically for your altar- especially if you are a teenager or are just unable to practise freely and openly- you can use a shelf, end table, nightstand, etc., and use it for it's original purpose as well. Just cleanse the table well before using in your rites.
BESOM
The besom is your broom. A broom is used to "sweep away" negative energy in your sacred space. It's a symbolic rite, and some practitioners choose to sweep the area where the circle will be cast or the ritual will be performed. Generally, the air above the ground is "swept," not the ground itself. This isn't something you must do, but it can be a way to help you concentrate on being positive and rid the area of negativity.
CAULDRON
The cauldron represents the womb of the goddess. In your cauldron, you can mix herbs, oils, teas, and any brews you might make in your spells or rituals. Your cauldron can be anything- you can even use a pot from your kitchen if you can't buy something especially for this purpose. It doesn't have to be big- it can be tiny, only an inch or so in diameter- or it can be very large.
Thank you Melissa Crowe.
