Ritual Tools
There are certain tools that are used in Witchcraft for ritual
purposes such as casting circles, Invocation of the Goddess and God,
or banishing negative influences. Each of these ritual tools correspond
to one of the elements, Earth, Air, Fire, or Water. The tools are most
helpful when used in rituals centering around their associated element. I
find that they are also very helpful in increasing concentration and focus
amd for directing energy.
Athame
The magickal knife is a symbol of the God and is associated with the
element of Fire. It is never used for cutting purposes, or for any purpose
outside the circle. The athame is an instrument of power and manipulation
amd in rituals is used to direct energy. The blade is typically double-edged
and dull. The handle should be a dark color to absorb energy and power.
Besom
The besom ia a Witch's broomstick and is associated with the element of
Water. It is often used to purify the working space before a circle is
cast. The besom is also used in fertility magick as it has both masculine
and feminine aspects. It is used for protection of the home by keeping one
by the hearth and by doorways.
Book of Shadows
The Book of Shadows is a Witch's personal collection of rituals, spells,
recipies, thoughts and ideas. Traditionally, your Book of Shadows should
be handwritten. However, there are many who utilize their computer's hard
drive to house their BoS. Also, if you belong to a coven, you will
find that most have their own BoS for group work, with members using their
own personal BoS for solitary work.
Cauldron
The cauldron is a symbol of the Goddess and is associated with the element
of Water. It is used in rituals as a container in which magickal
transformations can occur. During Spring rites, it can be filled with
fresh flower petals. Foe Winter rituals, a fire can be lighted within the
cauldron to symbolize the rebirth of the Sun. Often, the cauldron is
filled with water and used for scrying. Caulrdons are traditionally made
of iron and are three-legged.
Censer
The censer, or incense burner, is associated with the element of Air.
Censors range from simple stick-incense holders to elaborate metal bowls
in which powdered incense is cast upon charcoal blocks. Incense is helpful
in rituals, meditations, and scrying. I find that it greatly increases my
concentration and focus. I utilize both stick and powder incense during
rituals.
Chalice
The chalice symbolizes the Goddess and fertility, and is associated with
the element of Water. The chalice may hold the ritual wine that is either
consumed at the end of a rite, or that is offered to the Goddess and God
during the rite itself. In the case of the latter, the wine is not
consumed, but returned to the Earth. It can also be used for holding water
for scrying or other ritual purposes. The chalice can be made out of any
substance that is non-porous and will hold a liquid.
Pentacle
The pentacle represents the element of Earth. A pentacle is simply a disk
with the five-pointed star engraved upon it. The lower 4 points each
represent on of the elements, with Spirit, the fifth element, symbolized
by the top-most point. There are many non-Wiccans who believe that the
pentacle is a satanic symbol. This is simply not true. Satanists have
inverted the pentacle (turned it upside down) to use as one of their own
symbols, just as they have inverted the Christian cross as a symbol of
rebellion against Christianity. The pentacle is often used as an
instrument for protection. It can be worn around the neck or placed over
doors and windows. In rituals, it can be used to evoke spirits.
Wand
The Wand represents the element of Air. It is most often used to direct
energy and as an instrument of invocation. Traditionally, the wand is
made of a wood, such as willow, hazel, or oak, however, wands of crystal
and metal are seen today, many elaborately decorated. Often, symbols are
carved or engraved along the shaft of the wand.
This should give an idea of the basic correspondences and usage of the
ritual tools. The tools discussed above are not the only ritual instruments
that can be employed. In the final analysis, it is up to the personal
preferences of the individual Witch. The ritual tools are a means of
focusing and directing energy during a magickal rite. As such, always
endeavor to take good care of them.
