Witches Tools
Witches Tools
Athame - The athame is basically a black handled dagger, or short knife. It is often considered to symbolize the God. It is sharpened three ways... each side then the tip. The use of any power or magick to bring harm to another can only result in harm to the practitioner. The athame is commonly used for focusing and directing your personal energies, for use outside yourself. It is often used in the casting of a circle. It is never used for cutting or slicing except a handfasting cake.
Sword - The sword can also be of a single or double edge design, but is almost always double-edged. The symbolism and uses of the sword are the same as for the athame. The sword is used outside as an athame for the casting of the circle.
Wand - The wand is sometimes used instead of the athame or sword. It's symbolism and uses are the same as for the sword and athame. Sometimes a ritual will call for you to rap the cauldron three times with the wand.
Chalice - A cup, usually placed on the altar, which symbolizes the Goddess. The round fullness of the cup is a reminder of fertility and birth. The chalice is often filled with juice or wine. Some worshippers drink from the chalice, in tribute. Others prefer to pour the drink on the ground, as an offering. Some prefer to do a combination of the two practices, sharing what they have with the Goddess.
Cauldron - The cauldron is another symbol of the Goddess. Fires are sometimes lit within the cauldron or incense. It may sometimes be filled with water and/or herbs and plants. Flowers are sometimes placed around the cauldron, to further symbolize the fertility of the Goddess, or as tribute to her.
Bell - Used to announse a ritual is starting. Also used to call the spirits in.
Scourge - A black 5 strand whip, only used symbolically in ritual.
Censer - An incense burner. The incense is sometimes used to help in the purification process of the circle.
Bowls - On an altar, it is common to find two bowls. Usually, one is filled with water, while the other is filled with salt. The salt and water are used together, or sometimes separately, for purification purposes. They may be used to help purify the circle, or they can be used for purification of the tools.
Candles - Two candles are sometimes placed on the altar, to represent the God and Goddess. Often, four candles are also placed near the edge of the circle, one at each of the cardinal directions (North, East, South, and West).
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