~Altar/Harvesting Tools for Moon Magick~
~A Note About Tools~
Before we discuss tools, I do want to say a few words about tools in general. Though tools are handy to have around, they are by no means a necessary part of magick. They are meant to be used as an aid in visualization, to help you "see" how the spell or ritual is progressing. Often their meaning is purely symbolic and will serve no other purpose in a spell than to help you keep focus. Yes, they also serve as implements for various tasks to be performed. However, they themselves do not create magick. That comes from within, and any tool you choose to use will be infused with the magick you have created. There are many witches who work with very few, if any, tools during spellwork, so, please, do not feel inclined to run out and purchase everything you see on this list. If you do not already have these tools in your possession, then use something else to serve in their stead. For instance, if you do not have a chalice, a glass or cup from your cupboard will suffice, as long as you cleanse and bless the item before using it in your magickal work.
~The Tools~
Athame/Dagger~ The athame is a tool masculine in nature, representing the God and is most often used during ritual. When performing a DDM ritual, the athame is plunged into a chalice as the symbol of unity between God and Goddess.
An athame is usually a double-edged steel blade with a black handle, reserved for ritual use alone. Many Wiccans believe to use the blade for physical cutting purposes taints the blade. The athame is used soley for symbolic severing, casting a circle and "cutting a door" while in the circle, directing energy, and cleansing and empowering magickal items.
There is also debate on what type of metal an athame can be made of. Some witches prefer an iron blade, while others believe iron will destroy their magickal intentions. Iron blades are to be shunned when working with faeries, for it is said they have a keen hatred for the metal.
Bell~ Not necessarily a required tool to have, it is still a favorite tool I like to use when performing a spell or ritual. The bell, which is considered feminine in nature, can be used to call the quarters, begin a spell or ritual, invoke a deity, create a pause to rid yourself or sacred space of negative energies, and summon the dead.
It is also appealing to nature spirits, which are excellent aids during harvesting and planting, as well as rituals and spellwork.
The bell is also useful for weather magick, very helpful when planting and harvesting, or when planning an outdoor ritual.Bolline & Basket~ The bolline is a knife used to harvest herbs, to cut, carve and sever.
Just like the athame, it is masculine, but has more practical than ritualistic use.
The bolline is commonly has a white or bone handle, though many witches do not like bone, for they believe it still contains the spiritual energies of the animal it came from, which may have a negative affect.
The basket is not usually considered as a tool, but I find it to be most useful when harvesting herbs and plants. A feminine tool, its energies surround and protect the herbs you will harvest and infuse the seeds and bulbs that you will plant.Cauldron~ The cauldron is one of the most versatile tools a witch can own. Also feminine, its energies are nurturing.
The cauldron can be used as a vessel to contain liquid or fire, depending on the spell or ritual.
Most often made of iron, it is a sturdy and dependable tool which will serve you well, if properly cared for.Chalice~ The chalice is a feminine tool, representing the Goddess in ritual.
Its main purpose is to hold water, wine, juice, etc. for sipping during rituals and spellwork.Mortar & Pestle~ This practical tool I consider to be both masculine and feminine.
The mortar, or bowl, is the feminine aspect, and the pestle, or grinder, is the masculine aspect.
This tool is used to crush and grind herbs for magickal use.
They can be made of a few different materials, such as clay, ceramic, stone, iron and wood.
Some witches will opt to not use wood, however, for it absorbs the oils from the herbs, thus leaving residual energy that may have an adverse affect on spells.Scrying Mirror/Bowl~ Divination using a scrying mirror or bowl is most effective during a full moon. You can capture the moon's energies in the reflection of your mirror or bowl, drawing from that power to aid you in you divination.
Snippers & Spade~
Animations by Robin Wood: © Robin Wood 1997, Used with Permission
~Magickal Links~
Home
Spellwork/Plan & Write
Timing/Moon Phase
Correspondences
Tools of the Craft
Consecration Rituals for Tools
