Tools of the Trade

Altar: This can be any shape or size. It is a flat surface, or sometimes tiered, which you will rest ritual items on, your Book of Shadows, candles, etc.

Athame: Keep several around for different purposes. Don't use your herb athame for casting a circle. An athame is a two-edged knife, usually black, white, or wood handled. Some people use swords instead. Either is fine and you must make a personal choice. This is a knife that is used to command and focus energy and to draw the magic circle. It is associated with the Eastern direction and the Element of Air and generally represents intellect.

Bell: A feminine symbol sometimes used to invoke the Goddess, to ward off negativity, or to invite positive energy. Some covens use bells during ritual to signify the beginning or end of a particular part of ritual or spell.

Bolline: This is a knife with a curved blade and, usually, a white handle. It is used to cut herbs, carve magic symbols, to inscribe, and cut chords.

Book of Shadows: Your Grimoire. Your personal journal containing notes as you progress through your studies. It's like a lesson book and will hold all your notes about everything you learn. You will also keep records of spell workings here. Typical entries are: instructions, spells, recipes, prayers, rites, herbal lore, ceremonies, crystal notations, correspondences, poetry, dreams, songs, chants, and a calendar.

Broom: Also called besom, the broom is used to literally sweep away negativity and purify space. You can make your own broom with an ash staff, birch twigs, and willow to bind it. During handfastings, couples jump over a broom to solemnize their union. It is considered unlucky to move from one place to another with the broom from your original residence. i.e.: buy a new broom for a new home.

Candles: Different colored candles are used for different spells. They can be used for divining, by staring into the flame. They are also used to represent the deities, the element of fire, and for illumination. An important tool for focusing and meditation.

Cauldron: A symbol of woman/goddess. Can be utilized symbolically, for scrying, for an indoor bonfire, as a censor for incense or to hold items that are being burned. A large Cauldron can also be used for cooking, brewing, candle making, etc.

Censer: Used to burn incense in. A shell, a ceramic bowl, a cast iron Cauldron and others can be used as a censer and to burn petitions - be sure to put in some sand, a heat pad or salt. These are used to invoke mood, setting, and frame of mind as well as to purify ritual tools and areas. Some call the burner a Thurible. It is should be heat resistant and fireproof since it will hold hot coals or incense.

Chalice: A female symbol, the chalice is used for the great rite, cakes and wine, or may simply be placed on the altar with water in it to represent the element of water. This is a symbol of fertility, emotions, and the subconscious. Some traditions have a custom of lowering the Athame into the chalice; this represents the Great Rite of union between the god and goddess.

Crystals: see "Stones" below

Divining tools: Divining is a method in which a person can seek advice or ascertain possible events yet to take place. There are many ways to divine, as well as many tools used for divining. Use a scrying mirror, a pendulum or tarot cards.

Herbs: Herbs can be used for magickal purposes, such as in spells or sachets, or for medicinal purposes. Cooking goes without saying.

Incense: Burned to purify space, used in spells, burned to create atmosphere for a reason. You can use stick, cone, or powdered. The powdered form is burned on charcoal blocks found in pagan shops or religious supply shops.

Oils: Essential oils are commonly used to dress candles or to anoint items, and can also be used for medicinal purposes. It is important to use only essential oils, not those that say essential fragrance. You can use olive oil if you don't have any other oils.

Pentacle: A flat disc with a five-pointed star. Used to represent earth, the elements, spirit, etc. Objects can be placed on the pentacle for magickal workings. It is used to invoke, protect, bless, consecrate, etc. Generally, a single point is up, representing life/spirit, and the other four points represent the elements.

Staff: A long, usually wooden stick, about shoulder height. It is used as both a walking stick and in the same way as a wand, to focus energy to a certain point.

Stones: There are many uses for gemstones and crystals. They can be used to represent earth, carried for protection, used in spells, added to magickal pouches. They will enhance your power to focus.

Sword: In some traditions a sword is used instead of an athame for directing power. Or, a coven might have a coven sword while each person still retains their athame.

Wand: Also can be used for directing energy. Usual length is from the elbow to the middle finger. Some witches use dowel rods, others use ash or birch, and others make wands of copper and set it with crystals. Generally they represent fire, but some traditions use the wand for Air and the Athame/Sword for Fire.