"Say to yourself 'That is in the past.
Now in this new moment,
this
new present,
I am already beginning to change for the better.'"
Seth
Tools
 Wand: The magikal pointer. Used to project your energy and wishes to a certain place, thing, person, or dimension. A wand can be used for communications and matters of business. A wand can be made out of most anything. Wooden wands are special, but remember to thank the tree! I have a new wand now. I got it on my honeymoon, and BOY HOWDY does that sucker "sing"! When you find one that is just right for you, trust me, you will know. Look around for yours. Nature has a wonderful way of locating wands for you.
Broom: Can be for decoration, magickal or ritual. Serves as protection if laid across the threshold of you house or magickal circle gateway. Can be used to ritually sweep negative energies out of ritual space. Everyday wear and tear of life leaves behind mundane energy. Use the broom to "sweep" it out. The little dust brooms are perfect for apartment people like myself. They are easy to decorate, and easy to store. At work I have a small symbolic broom that I use to remove negative energy.
Chalice: Symbol of emotion and fertility and is related to the element of water. Also a symbol of prosperity. I finally found my chalice. It is blue and clear glass, and I love it dearly. It was exactly what I wanted, and I didn't pay very much moola at all. I don't advise using plastic because, deep in my gut, I feel it is wrong.
Pentacle: Kept point up! This is an object of protection symbolizing the five elements: Air, Water, Fire, Wind and Spirit. It can be made of any substance and is usually flat. It can have carvings on it, and is used to empower other tools, gems, herbs, etc. My pentacle is a silver and hemitite necklace that my husband bought me on our honeymoon. Not only does it keep me grounded (I can always tell when it is not on), but the extra energy is a nice boost.
Athame: Not for actual cutting, but for directing energy raised during rituals. It is a double bladed, dull edged, black handled knife. The black is for absorbing energy. The knife is a phallic symbol of the God. It stands for intellect, right thinking, and calculation. Look around in attics and basements, it's amazing what you can find.
Bolline: The practical working knife. It is usually white handled and curved. It is sharp, so be CAREFUL! Bleeding profusely while trying to cast a spell is really uncool. Some witchs use their bollines everyday, and some use it only for ritual.
Cauldron: Symbol of the Goddess, femininity, and fertility. Usually cast iron, it can hold mixes and magick. Guess what? I use an cast aluminum pot for any cauldron magick. Some use what pots and pans are in their kitchen. In the old days, a cauldron was worth several months of pay, and now...well...now spare money is no different to us poor folks. Use what is at hand.
Book of Shadows: This can come in many shapes and sizes. It is the book that a witch uses to keep his magick. It can be ornate or plain, or even on a computer. Some disciplines require certain items be included, and some don't. I am a solitary, and place whatever I feel will influence my magick. Hence....jokes, magick, writings...etc. Put YOUR wisdom into YOUR book.
Altar: This is where the majority of rituals will take place. It is the place to hold your other tools, and can be made of anything. Many witches use the great outdoors, going to open areas or groves. They can use naturally occuring alters such as an old tree stump or a nice flat rock. Being a town girl, with no forest access, I use my coffee table. It works just nicely, and is easy to move around (not to mention, easy to vaccuum around also!). Decorate it however you want, I use representations of what I am trying to do, like using an uncompleted blanket when calling upon Fate (the spinner). Others decorate according to the seasons, but generally...decorate how you feel is right.
One last note. Not everybody is made of money(no matter how many spells are cast!!), and not everybody can afford the best tools and ingredients. But The Gods are not impressed by STUFF...they are impressed by YOU. Don't let the lack of money or fancy supplies stop you from your worship. Improvise. And enjoy the experience.
May the Bright wisdom of Athena bless you.
Here is Skater. He is my magickal penguin, and he watches over my magickal workings. Don't mind him, he tends to wander into anything with magick involved.
To flip through the pages of my BOS faster...
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Brightest of Blessings