Magical Tools
Although you need no special tools for working magic,
the implements you gather together, consecrate, and use
regularly in magic become more than just symbols that
trigger your unconscious. Infused with the sacred energies
of the Goddess and God, they become energetically alive and
a part of you, imprinted with your energy signature. As for
me personally I would wait until my path crosses with these
items than to run out and purchase them. To me, this lets
each object pick you and as such is more of a gift from the
Gods and Goddesses.
Antler-Associated with Frey, this optional Norse tool
represents the horned God of the woods. The antler can be
engraved with runes associated with Frey such as Fehu, Jera,
and Ingwaz. You can purchase an antler, but it is much more
powerful if the antler is found in nature. It is then con-
sidered a gift from the god.
Bowl-Traditionally made of clay, the bowl corresponds
to the north and the earth elements. Salt, the universal
purifier, usually dry but sometimes mixed with water, goes
into the bowl. You may also use soil in your bowl. In the
Northern Tradition, the bowl holds the last bit of the
sacred mead (or apple juice), and is called the "Trygill."
It is customarily made from pottery, wood, stone, glass,
or metal.
Brisingamen-In the Northern Tradition, this necklace
associated with the goddess of love, Freyja, is custonarily
made of amber and gold colored metal. It is worn by women
during magic and ritual.
Candle Holder-It may be made of metal, clay, glass, stone,
or crystal. The holder is the vessel, while the lighted
candle represents the fire element and the creative source.
You may inscribe your candle holders with runic symbols.
Cup or Chalice-Traditionally made of clay or metal, the
cup is associated with the west and symbolizes water.
Once consecrated, the chalice becomes a loving cup,
embodying the sacred union of the Goddess and God.
Drinking Horn-Used to hold the sacred mead (or apple
juice), the horn contains the power of the Goddess and
God. This energy passes to you when you drink the mead
from the horn during magic and ritual. A drinking horn
was carved to enchant the drink it held and to detect
poison, whereas sounding horns were carved to send true
and strong tones over long distances. Traditionally,
the runes Othala, Dagaz, Raidho, Ansuz, Raidho, Isa,
Algiz (in that order) are carved or painted on the horn.
These runes translate as "Odhroerir," which is the name
of the divine mead from the well of inspiration and from
the kettle that held the divine mead.
Drum-A bridge to the spirit or otherworld, and magical
tool of vibration and sound, the drum is associated with
air and earth elements. Drumming is one of the easiest
ways to enter an altered state of awareness. The head of
a person's drum is broken as a way to free the spirit when
he/she dies.
Fetish-Often carved of stone, wood, or made of clay,
fetishes can be in the shape of animals or more abstract
symbols of the Goddess, God, ancestors, or the sacred
spirits of the Earth. They are usually used as a powerful
focus when doing magical work. You can carve fetishes with
the runes, and will find them particularly effective when
working with power animals. You can use them as talismans,
for example, or to trigger a certain state of consciousness.
Incense Burner, Brazier, or Fire-pot-Also called the
glodhker, and made of metal or earthenware, the burner needs
to be large enough to burn incense, paper, and wooden rune
staves in it easily. When lit, the fire symbolizes the
quickening power of Muspelheim.
Knife-A Sax, used in the Northern tradition, is a
single-edged knife. The "athame," used in other pagan
traditions, is a double-edged ceremonial blade. The
knife represents fire and is associated with the south.
Available in all sizes and shapes, the knife can be used
to carve runes on wood and clay. (Keep all knives in a
safe place, away from young children and away from the
edges of your altar table.)
Mead-Made from fermented honey, mead is perhaps the
oldest-known alcoholic beverage. It represents the
draught of wisdom that Odin drank at Mimir's Well.
If you prefer, a non-alcoholic drink such as apple
juice can be substituted for mead.
Robe-Your magical skin, made of any fabric, any color,
any design, the robe is reserved for magic. When
you put on your robe, it automatically moves you
into a magical frame of mind. You may also wear
a tunic, kilt (Celtic), cape, cloak (norse), or
nothing at all (sky clad) when doing magic.
Sprig-The sprig, taken from an evergreen tree dipped
in either saltwater (Celtic) or mead (Norse), is
used to sprinkle your magical space and yourself.
Ask permission of the tree before snapping off the
sprig as well as offer it something in return, such
as plant food or a plant stick. Then return the sprig
to the ground below the tree, after your magic is
complete.
Sword-Associated with the Knights of the Round Table
(Celtic) and the god of justice, Tyr (Norse), the sword
represents the south direction, and the element of fire.
It is used for magical protection and ancestral contact.
Oaths are often sworn over swords. For power and protec-
tion, engrave the Tiwaz rune on the hilt or blade of the
sword. Name your sword to give it power, sureness, a
fine cutting edge, and personality.
Thor's Hammer-A magical tool of the Northern Tradition,
the hammer is cut from wood and metal, and is often marked
with the Thurisaz rune. The hammer protects and defends,
keeping your magical space harmonious.
Wand or Staff-Called a gandr in the Northern Tradition,
the magical wand or staff is considered the most ancient
of tools. It is used to move energy from one place to a-
nother, to create magical states of consciousness, and to
set up sacred areas. It also bridges energies, tying them
together in specific patterns.
The wand or staff is painted or carved with all 24 runes
or with specific runic formulas. Often made from wood of
a fruit-bearing tree, the gandr can also be made from yew
or ash. Associated with Odin, the earth element, and the
north direction, staffs measure about as tall as you are,
and are larger in diameter than wands. Wands are usually
no longer than the length of your arm (fingertip to elbow),
and represent the powers of the mind. Because you make them
from wood that still contains the vital essence of the tree,
gandrs are excellent for use in magic, healing, protection,
and power over the elements. They are used to draw runes in
the air.
Rune Magic
Magical Timing
The Eight-Fold Moon Phase
The Elements
The Four Directions
Magical Focals
Rune Galdr Songs
The Altar
Making A Gandr (Runic Wand)
Consecrating Your Magical Tools
The Three Steps Of Magic
The Sacred Enclosure
Power Animals
Sending Runes
Runic Charms
Rune Cord or String Magic
Rune Script Magic
Rune Candle Magic
Essential Oils
The Talisman
The Runic Circle
The Runes
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