Ritual Tools
Many pagans, though it isn’t necessary, use ritual tools to perform their rites, spells, and other practices. These tools may have to fit certain descriptions if you follow a specific tradition, however if you don’t these tools just have to be what feels right to you. They don’t have to come from any one place or all look the same. These tools may be purchased just about anywhere like dollar stores, grocery stores, flea markets, yard sales, websites, and many others. These tools can even be handmade. Below is a list of the most common tools and a description about them.
Athame – a double-edged ritual dagger. It can be either dull or sharp and its handle is normally black or dark colored. Some pagans even engrave magickal symbols or writing onto the athame. The dagger isn’t actually used for cutting anything, but is used for directing energy, casting circles, and cutting doors into circles. It is linked to the element of Fire and is masculine in nature.
Bell – a simple bell; any kind will work. However, use a bell that seems to bring a peaceful mood and call the attention of the divine. Its purpose is to create vibrations that help with mood, focus, and etc. The bell may also be used to evoke good energies, halt storms, and ward off evil spells and spirits. It is a feminine tool.
Besom – a broom. It is used to cleanse ritual areas. There is no specifics for the besom, just what feels right to you.
Bolline – a double-edged working dagger. It is normally sharp with a white handle. The major difference between the athame and the bolline is that a bolline is actually used for cutting objects like wands, herbs, and inscribing and not working with energies in ritual.
Book of shadows – a magickal journal. It’s your personal book that you create about what your magickal workings. Common things in a BOS are experiences, rituals, spells, meditations, misc. knowledge, and etc.
Cauldron – the cauldron is a symbol of femininity and fertility and belongs to the element of water. It is used to scry with, burn objects in, mix ingredients together, and etc.
Censer or thurible– an incense burner. It is used to burn incense which creates mood. Any bowl may be used as long as it is able to with stand high temperatures. It’s element is air, and is commonly used to represent it.
Cup/Chalice - is used to represent fertility and the element water. It isn’t needed, but I generally and is generally a replacement for the cauldron.
Pentacle- a five pointed star in a circle. These can be engraved or just simply drawn onto an object like brass, gold, silver, wood, wax, or clay. It’s five points stand for the elements: earth, air, fire, water, and spirit.
Staff – a long piece of wood used for walking. It’s a really just the larger version of a wand. It is also some times referred to as a blasting rod.
Robes or cloaks – these are worn by many practitioners. They can be plain or decorated. Their purpose is to help put your mind into a more focused state. They also do not carry the hectic vibes of daily life which is not wanted during ritual.
Wand – one of the most common magickal tools. It can be made out of wood, metals, or anything that feels right. It can be decorated with paint, engravings, ribbons, crystals or other stones, and etc. Its length is generally said to be about the length of your elbow to the end of your middle finger. Its use is to direct the follow of energy just like an athame. In fact the athame and wand are commonly used to replace one another.