The altar is a temporary or permanent table, stand, a natural item, platform, or a specially constructed item or platform, that is consecrated to hold the ritual tools, items and workings.
It may be plain, have natural designs or an engraved one. The design usually has a group, personal, or religious significance. It is also a matter of personal preference. The top of the pentacle should face the direction of setup.
The shape of the altar will vary, however, square, rectangular, and circular are the most common. Triangular or natural occurring shapes will work as well. The main requirement is that it be serviceable, and suitable to your needs.
Depending on your personal preference, tradition, and / or the time of the year, the altar may be set up to face a different direction. The most common used directions are the North and East.
Although there is no rule stating that an altar cloth is required, most people prefer to use one. There are no real rules about the color(s) used, however, white, purple, black, or any of the seasonal colors are the most common.
An altar cloth can be plain, or as decorative as you want it to be. There is no requirement in regards to design that you HAVE to have on your alter cloth. Most designs have a group, personal, or religious significance though.
There are more than one type of altar candle. The most common is the God/dess or Illumination candles. A few other types of candles that are less commonly known are �the source�, �the two pillars�, �the eternal light� and the �seasonal candles�
- The God/dess Candle:
- The God/dess Candles are candles representing the balance between the male and female principle. They can be used with or without representations of the God/dess such as statues. Their most common colors are yellow (gold) / white (silver), white / black, red / green, red / blue, or any other color or color combinations that are deemed proper. The colors may be determined by tradition, the time of year, or personal choice.
- The Illumination Candle:
- The Illumination Candle, (also known as �The Working Candle�) is mainly used as a source of light to work by. It represents the God with the flame, and the Goddess with the candle itself. Its common colors are the traditional colors associated with the 13 moons of the year, and also white.
- The Source Candle:
- The Source Candle represents the light that shines forth from the void. It symbolizes the spark of life that stands behind even the God/dess, the oneness of all God�s and Goddesses, the emergence from a single source that is the beginning of creation. The Source Candle, is representation of that oneness. It is usually black in color.
- The Two Pillar Candles:
- The Two Pillar Candles, are used to represent the universal male and female / active and passive principles. They are usually black and white. They are Usually left constantly burning to symbolize the ever-present nature of these two universal forces. These two candles are most often used by Ceremonial Magician�s but have been used by Pagans and other related philosophical or religious systems.
- The Eternal Light Candle:
- The Eternal Light Candle is a symbol and gesture of respect to the forces of life that permeate the universe. It is a candle, gas lamp, or a lantern which is kept burning constantly, on a smaller altar, or suspended from the wall or ceiling. It is similar to the Source Candle.
- The Scource Candle:
- The seasonal Candle is reflective of the current season. Utilized in a similar manner to the Eternal Light Candle, it is kept constantly burning. A green candle is sometimes used for spring and summer. Red is commonly used for autumn bad winter, it is not uncommon to use four colors (one for each season) though.
The Altar Veil is an optional item used to cover the altar when it is not in use. It is usually a dark, natural material. This is used as a gesture of respect. A similar item is used to cover tools when they are not in use.
An athame, is a double-bladed, black (A dark handle is also acceptable.) handled knife. There is debate as to the required sharpness of the edge of the blade. Some people insist that it should be sharp enough to cut easily, while others insist that the blade be blunted. This group of people usually has and uses a �Boline� to cut instead.
The exact shape and size of the blade varies, as do the materials used. The material that is used is a matter of personal or traditional preference. There is also debate as to the necessity symbols, and which symbols to engrave or inscribe in the blade or hilt. A few of the more common symbols are, but not limited to: a pentagram, your birth symbol, your zodiac sign, a sun sign, a moon sign, your personal name or name number, your personal symbol, or the double �S�.
The main purpose of the athame is to act as a focal point for projected energy. It is also on occasion used to store or hold energy as a reservoir. The blade is also �raised in salute� to the God/dess and ancients. It is also rarely used to control unruly spirits. It can be used as a substitute for a sword if one is unavailable.
The athame is associated most commonly in the south, because of the metal being forged in fire. I is also associated with the east because of its use of invoking or banishing, as well as the projection of energy. Many will compromise and place it in the southeast to represent both aspects. The athame is considered to be a male energized tool.
The ankh is an Egyptian symbol of eternal life and eternity. Although it is rarely seen or used in most traditions, it is in use in rare cases.
There are no mandatory materials for an ankh. They have been made out of any malleable material since the beginning of time. A wood that is commonly recommended for a ritual ankh is willow, which can be easily shaped. The size of a ritual ankh can vary, although a 2 feet 8 � inches by 1 foot all the way up to 5 feet 5 inches by 2 feet. Decorative designs are occasionally added, though not required.
The main purpose of the ritual ankh is very similar to that of the athame or wand. It is a focal point through which energy is projected. It also works for the control of spirits. It is considered to be a less threatening and offensive method than using the athame. It is also used at times as a toll to measure the diameter of a circle.
It is representative of the eternal love of the God/dess�s, eternal life, or just plain eternity. Due to the similarity between the wand and athame with the ankh, it is place in the south or southeast. The ankh is considered to be a male energized tool.
The bell is a common musical instrument. There are no real rules about the composition of the bell, with the exception that it possesses a �clear musical ring. It can be of any shape or size that is serviceable, and is personally and / or traditionally pleasing.
The main purpose of the bell is to signify the beginning of a new stage. It is also used to cleanse or purify a space.
The bell is attributed to the east most commonly for its musical sound.
A boline is a white handled-knife that is either straight bladed, or crescent shaped. In either of these forms, it usually will have a single sharpened edge. There is no size or shape requirement, however, the crescent is the most common. There is no material requirement besides that the material be able to be sharpened enough to cut. Inscriptions or engravings are a matter of preference. There are no traditional markings that I am aware of at this time for a boline.
The main purpose of the boline is to cut the materials, items, or herbs for ritual usage. The boline is most commonly used by the people or traditions that have blunt-edged athames.
Again, this tool has multiple possible positions or placements. It can be placed in the south, because of it being forged in fire. It may also be placed in the north because of the metal (if metal is used) as well as the cutting away aspect. Others will place the boline in the east as well. The most common placements, however, are the north or southeast. The boline is considered to posses �female energies�, because of the crescent which is a representation of the moon and Goddess.
A Book of Shadows is by definition, a Pagan book of rites, rituals, training techniques, procedures, guidelines, and / or other materials deemed important enough to a person or tradition. Although many have been published, there are many that have not because of their being secret. Each tradition in Wicca is likely to have a fairly standard book. Most are handmade.
There is no mandatory standard in any way or form, past that of your tradition, that gives specifics on the purchase or manufacture (the preferred method) of the Book of Shadows. The usual requirements are that you make it by hand, write it in your hand and that it be made of natural materials. A few of the more common colors are red, black, or green. The size of a Book of Shadows, can vary from the size of a small book all t he way to a few feet in size. Some people will keep it simple by using a plain notebook.
There are many designs that can be drawn, stamped, embossed, watermarked, etc., upon the covers and pages. Again, these are done by traditional or personal preferences. There are no real rules about designs on the cover.
There is no given correspondence for the Book of Shadows. Some people place the Book of Shadows in the center, or to the left / right. Some people place it on a separate stand. If it feels right to you, then do it. That is about as close as you will get.
The broom is made in the old way, with twigs and sticks or straw tied to a hardwood handle. It usually has a darker colored handle. There are some traditions that require that a broom be made with a certain wood(s). The commonly referred to woods are birch, broom, hazel, hawthorn, roan, and willow. Hickory, oak or ash is the most commonly referred to handles. The lengths of the broom will vary, but 4 feet is recommended.
There has been much discussion on the end of the broom. Some say it should have a phallic end under the bristles, while others claim this is just a myth. It is not unknown for a broom handle to be sharpened to a point under the bristles. This was done as a very effective method of self-defense for those returning from late night gatherings. Recipes for the treatment of �broom cuts� are proof of this.
The broom is mainly used as a focal point to aid in cleansing or banishing negative energies from a place or general area. It is a symbol of the Goddess Brigit as well. The broom while usually attributed to the north, is also at times in the west. Many will compromise and place it in the northwest. There are some though, that may attribute it to the south because it can be burned, and it purifies. This is not the most common placement however. The broom may be considered a feminine tool by some, regardless of its shape, due to the fact that some traditions will record the lineage of the traditions Priestess�s upon it
Ritual candles come in many colors, shapes and variations. There are many types of candles that Pagan�s use for multiple reasons. The most common candles used are the single-wicked variety, however, a multi-wick can be and is occasionally used.
A different type of candle will be used for a different purpose. A few of the different uses for the main candle types are as follow:
- The Pillar Candle:
- A pillar candle will usually be used as a main candle on the altar, or to represent one of the quarter candles on the boundary of the circle. The pillar type candle is occasionally used for long workings as well.
- The Tealight Candle:
- A tealight candle is a common altar top candle due to its small size. They are also the other commonly used types as a quarter candle. The tealight candle is also common to workings.
- The Candlestick Candle:
- Also a common type of candle is the candlestick variety of candle. This type of candle is one of the most commonly used types / varieties of candles used for workings. The candlestick variety of candle is also sometimes used as a God/dess candle.
- The Specially shaped Candles:
- A specially shaped or comprised candle is also not uncommon, and may also be used on occasion. Many stores will provide you with 2, 3, or 5 wicked pillar type candle, in single or multiple colors. The specially shaped candles are most commonly used as altar or working candles.
Each color of candle has its own unique qualities and usage. Below is a list of some of the color correspondences:
- Blue:
- The west quarter color (One of a couple possible, but the most common.), water, emotion, psychic awareness, health, and feminine energy.
- Black:
- Banishing, the void, removal of negative energy, masculine energy, and the primary color of the north / earth quarter candle.
- Brown:
- Health, stability, home, earth, feminine energy, and the secondary color for earth / north quarter candle.
- Grays:
- peace, neutrality, and the secondary color for water / west quarter candle.
- Green:
- Money, growth, fertility, earth, prosperity, and feminine energy.
- Orange:
- Fire, courage, Strength, attraction, success, masculine energy, and the secondary color for south / fire quarter candle.
- Pink:
- Love, friendship, and attraction.
- Red:
- Courage, good fortune, (lustful) attraction, destructive forces, love, masculine energy, the primary color of the south / fire quarter candle, and also the east / air quarter candle in some Celtic traditions.
- White:
- Purity, peace, protection, feminine energy, and the color of the south in some Celtic traditions.
- Yellow:
- Intelligence, inspiration, travel, confidence, masculine energy, and the primary color of the east / air quarter candle.
What most people picture when you mention the word cauldron, is a black cast-iron pot hanging over a fire; or some old crone stirring a pot of bubbling unmentionables. While the first impression is pretty accurate, of the old days, the second us only partially. The bubbling unmentionables, where herbal remedies and potions, not the imaginative items that the crone was accused of.
In the present date and time, we still mumble and mutter over our cauldrons, but rarely brew our potions in them anymore. The call for herbal brews is less, as is the need for such a large quantity of them. However, we still use them for many of the other old purposes.
Although the most referred to type of cauldron is black and cast-iron, there are many other options that are equally, if not more serviceable. A few examples are earthenware pots, or a copper cauldron. A cauldron should have 3 legs, and be dark in coloration.
The cauldron still serves in many of the old ways. It�s main purpose was to prepare food and drink, although this is not often done, it�s secondary usages are still common today. Among the cauldrons other uses are scrying, and providing a heat safe place for a fire.
The cauldron is a feminine tool representative of the womb. The 3 legs represent The Maiden, The Mother, and The Crone. The cauldron is placed in multiple places based on the use it is put to. If it is placed in the north, it is for scrying. If it is in the south, it is for cooking, or fire related magic or activities. If it has liquid in it, it would be placed in the northwest.
The chalice is a major tool that is common to most Pagan traditions. It can be made of any material malleable enough, but wood, metal, glass, and earthenware are the most common choices. The size, and design varies, but is mostly a matter of personal preference.
The main purpose of the chalice is to hold the wine. It is also used to hold and / or mix potions, or scry. It is used in initiation rituals and handfastings among other rituals. In ceremonial circles, it is also used for the calling of water spirits.
The chalice represents the Goddess, and is considered a feminine tool. The chalice is usually placed in the west, because it is used to hold liquid, and is representative of the womb.
The cord, also called �the girdle� or �cable toe,� is used in many colors. The cord is usually worn around the waist, and is sometimes is used to show rank, achievement, or specialty.
The length of the cord will vary from person to person, as they usually reflect the height, and other measurements of a person. The type of cord most used is cotton, though other natural fibered materials are also common. The diameter can be as small as a thread or as large as �3/4 of an inch. Between 3/8 and 1/2 inch is the most commonly used.
The main purpose of the cord is to bind. The cord is also used to identify rank or specialty, as a memory device, or for �Cord Magick�. The cord can also be used to scribe out a consistent circle diameter, a tool for healing, or even just to keep your robe tied shut.
The cord represents the commitment of the initiate, the cycles, and is said by some to be the �measure� of a wo/man. I would place the cord according to the type of work being done, its color, or its intent. The general color scheme matches that of the candles for magickal usage.
Crystals are used for many everyday reasons. Some crystals are selected for their wealth and beauty. Other crystals are selected for their hardness or clarity. Other crystals are selected for their ability to conduct electrical current or specific frequencies. Each specific type of crystal has a specific attribute or quality, which will make them more useful at one point, when another will better serve down the road.
Crystals can vary in shape, size, color(s) and in their finish. The most mentioned crystal, is the quartz crystal. The quartz crystal is used in many tools for empowerment and / or decoration. If it is very cleat, it may be used in a crystal ball, or for a similar scrying tool. The main purpose of crystals is to enhance and / or focus certain energies. As mentioned before, some crystals will focus certain energies better than others. The other common usage is for beautification.
The crystal represents the earth element, and thus is most often place in the north. The crystal, is most commonly attributed a feminine energy. A crystal may also possess a masculine energy, depending upon the particular type of stone. A crystal may also be place according to it�s unique abilities as well, or the items into which the crystal is set.
A feather, though not a standard tool in most Pagan traditions, is a fairly widely used item. The type of feather used will vary from area to area, availability, size and coloration. Usually, a medium to large feather will be used.
The feathers main purpose is to fan or spread smoke, which will carry the prayers and intent to the God�s. A feather used for this purpose will ideally come from a falcon, hawk, owl, or similar type of bird. A turkey feather is also commonly used. A feather is also commonly employed to make a �quill pen�.
The feather is especially sacred to the Native Americans, and should never be used frivolously. The feather is sometimes used as a substitute for a censer to represent the eastern element of air (depending upon location and / or tradition). A feather us considered to be a masculine energized tool due to its shape.
Flowers have always been a major component for almost any earth-based religion. Flowers have been used as food, for healing, and as decoration, among many other uses.
Flowers are placed all around on the altar and in the circle. The types of flowers used will vary by season and / or area. The decorative items used, are changed and kept fresh, changing to an appropriate flower or plant as �the Wheel� turns through the different seasons.
A representation of the God, may be a (set) of horn(s), a statue, a �phallic� tool, a certain colored candle or stone, etc. A representation of the Goddess may be a moon, a statue, a cup or bowl, a tool, a certain colored candle or stone, etc.
There are no laws or rules requiring what representations you need to have. A representation may be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be. A cup of water and chip of horn or a red and blue (or green) candle are just as acceptable to the God and Goddess as the most costly image. It is the intent, honor, love, and attention that you give that matter.
The God representation can be place on the right, around or behind the Goddess representation that is used. The Goddess representation can be placed on the left, the center, or in front of the God representation. Experiment until you find what feels right, as this is largely a matter of personal preference.
The labrys is a double-edged sickle or ax with a crescent shaped moons back-to-back. The labrys is originally from Crete. It is currently used as an identification symbol of lesbians, and is a primarily used by Dianic Wiccan�s in t he U. S. It has also been equated with the butterfly symbol.
The labrys is a tool that is used by the �Matriarchal traditions such as the Dianic Wiccan tradition, among others. The labrys is usually placed in the center as a Goddess representation. The labrys may also be placed in the south because of the forged blade. The labrys may also be placed in the west as a �feminine tool�. It is common to compromise and place it in the southwest.
The libation dish is usually a small bowl or shallow dish. The dish may be of any material or design. There is no set design or pattern that is traditionally required.
The libation dish is placed in the center of the altar. It is attributed to spirit because of the offerings poured / placed in it for the God/dess and / or the Ancients ones (spirits).
A magick mirror is a tool that is used in most Wiccan traditions. Taking a concave mirror and blackening the backside of it usually the most common way of making a mirror. A mirror will commonly have a wooden or other natural material frame around it.
The exact shape or size of a mirror will vary and is not important. A circular or oval shaped mirror is by far the most common shape used, however. The frame around a mirror is usually black or another dark color, with your name written around it, and / or other inscriptions.
The mirror is commonly used for scrying, as a portal to other worlds, a place of storage for psychic energy, as well as a focal point for meditations. The magick mirror is placed in the North, due to the scrying aspect of it.
A pentacle is a pentagram within a circle. There is debate about the materials to use to make a pentacle, the color one should be, as well as the pentacles size. The pentacle is often embedded into a tray, a wooden disk or bowl, a shield, or embroidered onto an altar cloth.
A pentacle is usually made of wood, metal, or clay. In the old days, the pentacle was made of any material that was easily breakable or burnable. The pentacle may range anywhere from four to twelve inches in size. The coloration of a pentacle is usually dark, though some people favor painting one side of the pentacle black and the other white.
The pentacle is a symbol of the Ancients and / or spirit. The pentacle is also symbolic of earth. The pentacle is usually placed in the center, but may otherwise be placed in the north or partially in the center and north.
The scourge is a form of whip. The scourge consists of one to nine strands, always consisting of an odd number. A scourge is generally made of leather or cord and wood, but can be made of leather and ribbons as well for a gentler tool.
The main purpose of the scourge is to purify and transcend. The scourge is used to remind people that pain is a part of learning. The scourge is used commonly during initiations or ritual purification.
The scourge is generally considered to be masculine in energy because of its shape. In some traditions, the scourge is considered to be a �Priests tool�, because it was common to record the lineage of the priests of the tradition upon it in a similar manner to that of the Priestess�s on the besom / broom. The scourge is commonly placed in the southwest. This placement is to balance the south�s purification by pain aspect with the west�s aspect of transcendence.
A sickle is a metal bladed tool associated with the harvest. It may also be in some cases be used as a Dark Goddess representation as well though this is extremely rare. The sickle is a rarely seen or used tool in a majority of Wiccan traditions.
The sickle is associated with the Dark Goddess because of the harvest and the crescent shape of the blade representing the moon. The sickle should be placed in the center during the harvest time as a Goddess representation.
The sickle may be placed in the north, due to the metal and cutting away aspect. The sickle may also be placed in the south due to being forged in fire. Place it where ever feels appropriate or most comfortable.The sistrum is a musical instrument not commonly used in many traditions. The sistrum is most commonly used or referred to among the Egyptian traditions or those that are closely related to them.
The sistrum is an eastern tool, due to its musical nature, however it may also be considered a southern tool because of the metal in it requiring fire to forge.
The stang and keppan are similar in shape and purpose. Although the keppan is Egyptian in nature, and not common to most traditions, the stang on the other hand is. The main difference between a keppan and stang is that the keppan has three prongs and a stang has two.
The stang is most commonly used to provide a rhythmic beat on a drum. The stang has the ability to double as a wand or stave. The stang is considered to possess masculine energy. The stang may also be used as a God representation, due to the forked nature of it. The stang is placed in the center, but also maybe placed to the south due to its secondary usage as a stave or wand, but also due to the fact that it is usually burnable.
The keppan most commonly is used as a God representation. The keppan is a wooden trident, such as would be carried by Neptune, wit the exception that is only a foot or so long. The keppan is also considered to be a masculine tool in intent. The keppan is used in the manner of a wand, and is placed in the south like a wand when not in use as a God representation.
The stave is more of a Ceremonial Magician�s tool than a traditional Wiccan�s tool. The stave is commonly used for mundane usages such as a walking stick, or to tap out a beat.
The stave has a few more traditional usages as well. The stave is used to mark a boundary around a circle, to attract spirits, as a power conduit, or as an aid to ground yourself out.
The staff is traditionally made of cane, elderwood, rosewood, birch, maple or oak. A stave can be made from whatever is available however, so use whatever feels right.
The stave is a considered to possess a masculine energy. The stave is commonly placed in the south. There is another school of thought that will place the stave in the north, because of the grounding aspect as well.
The blade of the sword should be double-edged. The length of the sword is a matter of personal preference. The sword used, should preferably be as old as possible. There are some traditions that decorate the blade or that add inscriptions / engravings to the hilt of the sword.
The sword is used to draw the circle, in the challenging at the gate, and may be used as a substitute for the athame. The sword is also considered to be a symbol of authority, which passes from High Priest to High Priestess when the God passes his reign onto the Goddess, and then back again as the Wheel turns.
The sword is attributed to two places. The sword is either placed in the south or east. It is placed in the east in some traditions, for the same reason that the athame would be, as they share most of the same powers. The sword is placed in the south, due to it being forged in fire, and the aspect of it controlling unruly spirits. Of the two directions mentioned, south is by far the most common placement. The sword is considered to have a masculine energy.
The wand is usually made of wood, however, other materials have been employed in crafting a wand. The wand may be plain or decorated, though most will have some form of decoration, whether it be painting, carving, wrapping, and / or a inset object(s).
Many wands will have inscriptions or engraved symbols in accordance to what the tradition requires or is what the owner of the wand finds pleasing. The woods most preferred for the crafting of a wand are hazel, willow, rowan, elder, oak, ash, laurel, or rosewood. More commonly now are crystal wands becoming a popular alternative.
Many wands are being tipped with crystals, which aid in healing, energy projection, and energy storage. Another common alternative is adding silver to the tips. Although glass can be a very beautiful addition, it is not a recommended addition due to its poor ability to conduct.
The purpose of the wand is to act as a focal point and / or a reservoir for energy. It is used to draw the boundary line for sacred space, and for the invoking / banishing of elemental spirits.
There are two common placements of the wand. The wand may be placed in the south, due to the fact that it is burnable, and is commonly used to work with fiery spirits by those of a �ceremonial bent�. The wand can also be place in the east. The wand is most commonly placed in the south or southeast. The wand is considered to contain masculine energy, and may be used as a god representation due to its shape.