Tools of the Craft

Description



altara small table made of wood or similarly flat surface that witches tools can be place on. The altar is also used in rituals as a centre point to work around. The items on an altar are usually arranged in a particular order.
athamea knife, traditionally double-edged that is used symbollically in rituals and not used for cutting.
pentaclea five pointed star surrounded by a circle. One point of the star is pointed upwards as opposed to the symbol commonly representing Satanism which has one pointed down. An exception to this in some Wiccan traditions is that a beginner or initiate may wear the pentacle upside down until they reach their "first degree"
sworda sword is used in rituals to cast the circle and represents the element of fire
circlea sacred space that has been set out to concentrate energy and protect the witch/es within from negative forces. Also considered a "church" or place of worship during Sabbats or Esbats
cauldronusually made of castiron the cauldron is a pot used for all sorts of purposes by a witch. From cooking to use in rituals
elementsthe four elements are Earth, Air, Wind and Fire and all play a part in rituals and circle casting. Altar's are setup with the elements in mind also and certain Goddesses and Gods may represent each element depending on the rituals being performed. The elements are important because the relationship with nature is an integral part of witchcraft
Norththe direction North is represented by the element of fire (Southern Hemisphere). Most Altars traditionally face North when you stand in front of them. A candle could be placed in the Northern quarter of the altar to represent fire
Eastthe direction East is represented by the element of water (Southern Hemisphere). A chalice (cup) of water can be place on the Eastern side of the altar to symbolise the water element
South the direction South is represented by the element of air. A burning incense stick is a good thing to place in the southern part of your altar to help visualize air.
Westthe direction West is represented by the element of earth. Salt is often placed in the Western quarter of the altar to represent the earth element.
candlecandles are used for many things in the practice of Witchcraft. Some of these uses include, spells, on the altar, to mark the element of Fire or just to give a soft ambience to a ritual or meditation.
incenseused to represent the element of Air in rituals. Can be used to purify participants entering a circle
oilsmay be burned in oil burner or similar for relaxation purposes or healing (aromatherapy). Also used to mark the pentacle on the forehead of those entering a circle for protection against negative forces.
wandtraditionally made of Oak, the wand is used in ceromony and in the casting of spells to channel energy.
broomstickused in the Handfasting ceromony (Wiccan wedding) to represent the home and hearth. Despite popular belief Witches don't fly on them they do help with the housework though!
crystals - many different crystals are used for healings, channelling of energy, meditation and to represent the chakras
idols/figurinesused to represent the Goddess and God on altars or in ritual
robessome Witches choose to wear robes they have especially created for ritual purposes
quartersthe four corners of a circle, represented by the four directions and elements


Book of Shadows


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