The Athame
An athame is a double-edged, black-handled knife which is used to concentrate and direct energy during magickal rites, as well as drawing energy back in afterward. This knife is never used for mundane cutting purposes, hence why many choose to keep the blade dull; a white-handled knife called a bolline is used for this. The athame is related to the element of fire and to the aspect of the God as a symbol of its phallic shape, and can range in size and decoration from a very plain mini-dagger to an ornate full-length sword. My athame looks exactly like the one pictured above, except I used a soldering iron to burn my name in runes on the handle. Personally I prefer working with my athame, its small size and clean feel are very reassuring to me. As with any ritual tool, your athame should be cleansed and purified before using it in ceremony.
The Bell
Bells can be used during rituals to summon elementals, Deity, or to mark progression in the rite. Associated with the element of air, and the feminine aspect, the most commonly found bells are made of metal of crystal, but jewelry made of tiny, chiming bells sound absolutely delightful! I bought a silver anklet and was later given two silver bracelets (my friend loved the sound too) made of tiny bells which jingle softly as I move...I adore them. Another way of bringing bells into your home is to mount them on or above your doors to ward off maliciousness and negativity.
The Besom (Broom)
Traditionally used to cleanse and bless an area, the besom is stereotypically associated with witches. In sacred space, it is used to cleanse away astral debris before performing any rites. While sweeping, the bristles do not necessarily need to touch the ground, instead, visualize it sweeping away all the built-up negative energy and leaving behind a purified space. Associated with the element of water, many opt to make a magick broom and hang it as a ward of protection. Many hang a broom over their doorway or fireplace, I’ve even seen them in the back window of a car! If you are inspired to do so, making your own broom can be very rewarding...I have heard that a branch made of ash (for protection), birch twigs for bristles (for cleansing) and willow to bind them (which is sacred to the Goddess) makes an excellent tool. For more info on the best choice of woods, see my section on the sacred trees.
The Book of Shadows
The Book of Shadows is a compilation of a Witch's thoughts, feelings, poetry, stories, rituals, spells, circle castings, etc. This book traditionally is handwritten by its owner, and rarely shown to anyone else. Some covens keep a collective Book of Shadows, while others perfer to retain privacy. The book itself can be whatever form the Witch find easiest...a looseleaf binder works well for revisions, additions and removal of pages, while hardbound blank journals are readily found in bookstores. This website could be considered a B.O.S. as well. Mine is actually a schedule planner with a three ring closure inside so I can add/take out/move pages.
The Bolline
The bolline is the compliment to the athame, in that it is kept sharpened and used for mundane cutting purposes related to the Craft such as cutting herbs, carving into candles, cutting branches (preferably fallen ones :P), etc. Some witches make sure that it has a white handle to distinguish it from their athame, and some use an ‘everyday’ type knife straight out of the kitchen. One thing is for sure...keep it sharp! A dull knife is more likely to cut you than a sharp one.
The Candles
Candles have many, many uses both inside ritual and out, and vary from witch to witch in color and definition. Two candles are typically found on the altar; a white or silver pillar on the left for the Goddess and a red or gold candle on the right for the God. Four candles can be used to mark the quarters of the circle during ritual; North/Earth, East/Air, South/Fire and West/Water, as well as Center/Spirit. Again, color coordination differs on purpose and tradition. Candle magick relies heavily on candles, their colors, consecration, as well as day, time and phase of the moon. For more information on candle magick, I suggest reading "Practical Candleburning Rituals" and "Advanced Candle Magick" by Raymond Buckland.
The Cauldron
The Cauldron seems to be another stereotype of all witches (right next to that broom)...it is a key factor in many rituals and spells, as well as celebrating the sabbats. Made of cast iron, standing on three legs, and having a belly wider than its mouth, the cauldron is associated with the element of Water and aligned to the Goddess. Inside, it can hold fires, brews, flowers, water for scrying, and on and on, symbolizing magickal transformations. My cauldron is small (about 5 inches across) which permits me to take it with me if I am celebrating outdoors. Next time you go on a long car trip, keep your eyes open...it’s amazing how common cauldrons are! I recently noticed that our local ice cream shop has a utility shed behind it, in front of which were two large cauldrons filled with flowers! As with most tools, cauldrons can be found in many sizes from 3” to 2’ and more, and depending on your setting, a smaller or larger cauldron would be appropriate. As with all tools, the cauldron should be purified and consecrated prior to use in the circle or any magickal working.
The Chalice
The chalice or goblet is a drinking vessel used in ritual during grounding and for simple feasts. Associated with the element of water and the aspect of the Goddess to represent fertility, the chalice can be made from metal, wood or stone, and engraved or decorated in fine detail. The chalice can also be used in the place of a cauldron, and sometimes separate chalices are kept for different functions. I found my chalice in an antique shop window while walking down the street one day. I had just begun collecting my tools, and there it was... a beautifully tarnished silver chalice with bevels around the stem....waiting for me. I took it home, cleansed it, consecrated it and still get many compliments on it :)
The Incense
Incense is not only pleasant to the senses, but very helpful with concentration, and is often used to for purification, and typically is devoted to the element of air. Any form of incense can be used... stick, cone or granulated...and any kind of holder is appropriate from an ornate swinging dispenser to a simple seashell filled with sand (the sand absorbs the heat, preventing damage). In addition to using the scent, scrying in the smoke is very popular, and often effective. Some rituals or spells, however, will require a certain kind of incense, (such as Frankincense for its protective qualities) double check to be sure. My rule, however, is that any incense is better than none. :P
The Pentacle
Made of wood, ceramic or metal, and inscribed with the five pointed star, the pentacle disk lays in the center of the altar to hold objects such as pendants, rings, amulets, crystals, or tools to be consecrated. Pentacle disks can also be mounted on or above doors and windows to ward off negative energies. Pentacle charms are popular among Pagans to outwardly symbolize their connection with their religion, as are crosses to Christians; I found mine at a small metaphysical store. Made of sterling silver, it’s a very small 1/2 inch pentacle that I wear on a delicate silver chain.
The Robe
Robes are garb that is specifically worn for ritual, and never for everyday wear. If you
are talented in sewing, it is rather nice to make your own...in fact it really isn’t that hard:
you’ll need approximately 6 yards of fabric, give or take some if you are taller or shorter
(preferably a natural fiber such as cotton or wool), a friend and some chalk or a marking
pen. Fold the fabric in half longwise so it stretches over your shoulders to the floor, and
cut it in halves. Spread it out on the floor and lie down. Have your friend trace around
you from your neck, around your arms, down your sides and to your ankles. Remember
to keep your feet apart during this, as you want the robe to be full around the bottom for
movement. Also, have your friend remember to leave a little space between your body
and the traced line to allow for comfort and seams. Stand up, cut around the lines and
stitch it up, then turn it inside out and...Tah Dah, a simple robe!
If you are wondering
what color to choose, think about this:
Red and Orange can be worn for the Sabbats and protection
Yellow is for divination work
Green is used by herbalists and ecologists
Blue is a healer’s color
Purple is for magicians wanting to deepen their awareness
White stands for pure spirituality and cleansing
Brown is for those who tune into animals
Black is protective, and the symbol of the divine energy of space (and probably most
common...it also help to blend into the darkness from prying eyes)
--color associations based on a chart from “Wicca, a guide for the solitary practitioner”
by Scott Cunningham--
The Wand
The wand can be used in similar ways to the athame, it carves out sacred space and directs/absorbs energy in the circle. It is associated with air and to the God, and can be made of nearly anything from a fallen twig to a metal wire. It can be rewarding and fun to make your own wand...go for a walk in nature and look for fallen branches that call to you. I found mine after the spring meltdown along the river. Lots of branches and debris has been washed up along the riverbank, and in the pile was a straight stick of wood, about 18 inches long, rounded on both ends and smooth from the water and ice. I cleaned it, and decorated it with a crystal point, and six semiprecious stones mounted in a line with leather string. Some witches keep several wands for different needs such as elemental work, or moon rites, depending on the material or wood it is made from. For more info on woods, see my section on the sacred trees :)
The pictures of the images on this page were borrowed from Whispered Prayers online occult catalogue. Please visit their site via the link below for a complete listing of supplies.
