Basic Tools of the Craft

Wand: The wand is used to move and direct energy and to cause changes by the will of the Witch. A good wand should be as long as your fingertips to your elbow as it is an extension of your body. Wands can be made of virtually anything although different traditions will have different ways. Good basic suggestions are oak, willow, mulberry and copper tubing. Different woods and metals have different magickal associations. Research and individual experimentation will show which one and which combinations work best for the individual.  Wands are most commonly used to cause changes by sending  the energy of a spell, but can also be used to cast the circle. 

  Athame: A knife, traditionally black handled, doubled sided, and dull of blade, that is used to direct energy in much the same way as a wand. The athame is more likely used to cast the circle while the wand is more likely used to send the energy of a spell. Some witches also use the athame as a working tool to inscribe candles or to cut ritual food.  Other witches will cringe at the thought of this. Personally, my athame serves me well in casting a circle and in sending the energy of spells. Again, personal research and experimentation will show the individual witch which is best for them.

 Chalice: Symbolic of the womb of the Goddess, the Chalice is used to hold ritual beverages thus making these beverages symbolic of the fluids of life, birth and creation. The use of these beverages will vary from tradition to tradition. Most commonly, the chalice is used to hold water or libations in symbolisms for the Great Rite.  

Altar Pentacle: Symbolic of the earth, the alter pentacle is a large flat disk inscribed with a pentagram. It is used as a focal point for cleansing and consecrating and as a general representation of the element of earth. It can also be used to invoke or release the quarters. 

  Grimoire: The personal book of the witch. In the Grimoire or Book of Shadows, the witch stores all their personal spells, rituals and information of their tradition. The grimoire is much like a diary and can contain anything from spells to the use of healing herbs or healing techniques. The grimoire can contain any and all of the magickal information that the witch deems important to their tradition.   

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