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Tools of the TradeWe are under Construction! Athame- The athame is usually a black handle, double edge knife and is strictly a ritual tool. It is a symbolic representative of the element of fire. It can be used as a tool for laying down a circle and also as a symbol representing the male aspect. Athames can be used to invoke the quarters, release the quarters, and are customarily used to assist with blessing the waters of life inside of the chalice, this blessing being symbolic of the Great Rite. Boleen- the boleen is a
white handled knife used for cutting herbs, wands, inscribing symbols or
cutting cords. It is not used only for ritual purposes but also in
everyday life. Bell - the bell has been
associated with the mystical for a long time. Bells are used for
protection from evil or negative forces. When a bell is rung, vibrations
are released. These vibes carry energy. Any type of bell may be used.
The bell is usually rung to signal the beginning or end of a ritual. Broom - the broom has
become a powerful symbol and tool against curses. The broom is used in
ritual and magick. This tool is sacred to both the God and Goddess. The
area to be used for ritual is swept clean with the broom. This sweeping
doesn't have to be a physical sweeping, one must visualize the broom
sweeping away all the astral dust left behind from previous workings. Censer - another name for
the censer is the thurible. The censer holds the incense burned during
ritual. It can be made of metal or it can be a sea shell. Make sure you
have a fire proof base for it because it can get hot. The scent of
incense affects our emotions and reaches the deep consciousness we need
to do ritual. It relaxes the mind preparing it for working magick. Also called a Thurible, it's a heat resistant, or preferably fire proof container used to contain a hot coal for burning incense. The incense is symbolic of air, while the coal is symbolic of fire. It is used to cleanse and purify the air within the sacred space, or used in cleansing of a home. Cauldron -the cauldron is
an ancient vessel of cooking full of magickal tradition and mystery. It
is often the focal point of rituals. It can be filled with flowers
during Spring rites, have a small fire in winter rites or used for
scrying by filling it with water. The cauldron should be made of iron
and have tree legs. The three legs represent the triple aspect of the
Moon Goddess. The opening should be wider at the top than at the base.
The size of the cauldron is up to you. The cauldron represents the gift of birth, death and rebirth, also knowledge and inspiration. The cauldron is a female aspect and is a symbolic representative of water, and it may also be used as a representation of fire. Staff- Usually a wooden pole often of shoulder height, used basically in the same manner as the wand. Like the wand the staff may be decorated with crystals, symbols, feathers, or just about anything that makes it your own. Sword- The sword is another ritual tool that can be used as a tool for sovereignty and authority. It is like the athame a symbolic representative of the element of fire. It is considered a representation of the male aspect and can be used in the same manner as the athame. Chalice - The chalice or cup is representative of the female aspect. The cup is the symbolic representative of water. It is used to hold the waters of life, and is used again in the symbolic ritual of the Great Rite. Once the waters of life have been blessed during ritual, the chalice is often passed around the circle so that all may share in it by symbolically ingesting the Goddess and the bringing of the Goddess within. Pentagram/Pentacle - a
pentagram is a five pointed star. The pentagram is also called Druids
Foot, Wizards Foot, and Goblins' Cross in different parts of Europe. The
pentacle is a flat piece made of brass, iron, wax, clay, gold, silver,
wood or any other material that is inscribed with the pentagram. Objects
that are to be ritually consecrated are placed upon the pentacle. Four
of the five points on the pentagram represent Fire, Air, Water, and
Earth. The top point represents Spirit, always set above the others. It
is worn for protection against negativity. Worn with the single point
up. Peyton-
The peyton is a circular disk with a pentacle or sacred symbol inscribed on the face of it. The peyton can be made out of many different materials, in the olden days it was made of beeswax so that in the event that someone came around that may be a threat, it could be broken and tossed into the fire and melted down quickly. It is placed at the center piece of the altar, where all consecrations of salt and water occur, and other objects as well. It is also the focal point of the altar. The peyton is the symbolic representative of earth and because of that it is of the female aspect. If you have second peyton available then this may be used as another tool for invoking the quarters, and releasing the quarters.
Wand - the wand is used to
bind the energy of a spell together. The wand has been used for
thousands of years and the God and Goddess are invoked with the wand.
The wand is also used to direct energy, draw magickal symbols during
ritual or to stir a magickal brew in your cauldron. When directing
energy, it is sent in the direction the wand is pointing. If you use a
wand it is best to make your own. you can use metal or wood. Go for a
walk and you may just find a small branch that you like. The wand has been known as a tool that is gentle in nature and has the male aspect, it is the symbolic representative of air. It is another tool that can be used for casting circle, invoking and releasing the quarters, and casting of spells, and some have used this in place of the athame or sword in the performance of the symbolic ritual of the Great Rite. Book of Shadows - also
called the Book of Illumination, Book of Light, or the Grimoire. It is a
place where you keep all your notes, spells, rituals, dreams, etc. It
can be a spiral notebook or a three ring binder. All information you
find valuable is kept in here. The BOS is thought to have more power if
handwritten. Some Witches keep their book on disc. Do what you will. Robes - robes may be worn
for ritual or spell work. If celebrating the seasons choose a robe of
the appropriate color. Robes are usually long sleeved, floor length,
and hooded. A cord is worn at the waist. Candles - candles have long
been used for religious ceremonies. They represent the power of light
coming out of the darkness, as well as knowledge and spiritual
illumination. Wiccans use candles to represent the Elements, the God and
Goddess and as tools in spells. Candles are also used to meditate with
to create a special atmosphere. You can carve runes or other symbols on
your candles to give it more power. Use fresh candles that are not
cracked for each spell. Let the candles burn down but do not leave them
unattended. If you can't watch the candle it is okay to light over
several nights, this won't affect the outcome of the spell. The Altar - your altar is a
personal place for ritual and meditation. It is a place where the Divine
and the spiritual can be experienced at home. At your altar you can
express to the Lord and Lady how you feel and just talk to them. Your
altar does not have to be elaborate. You can use a small table, shelf,
your nightstand. I use the top of my dresser, it works well enough. Use
what you can. You can even have your altar outside in a field or in a
garden. Decorate your altar with stones, talismans, herbs, flowers,
feathers, etc. You can use images to represent the God and Goddess.
Remember, Wiccans don't worship the images, they are there to represent
what power is available to us. The altar reflects your personality,
happy decorating:) |
