I am not going to recommend that now you have decided to become a Witch you should suddenly run out to the nearest Pagan Store or jump online and buy everything in sight. Let your tools come to you naturally. They will find you, or the Goddess will guide you to them. When I first began practicing, I thought I needed to have at least a Chalice, an Athame (ritual knife), and a Wand. Well, I did indeed find just the right Chalice for me in of all places, a specialty hardware store. I tried using an Athame, my kitchen knife, and my jack knife, but I never really felt comfortable using one. I searched antique shops for something that spoke to me, but nothing really did. I still don't have an Athame, and have decided at this time, I really don't need one. Wands are another story. I have made a couple of different wands, but actually still feel silly using one. I decided I don't really need one of those either. The point again, is that you need to figure out what feels best for you. I am also a big beleiver in creating and making your own tools as often as possible. They embody your own energy and whatever energies you choose to infuse them with.
The standard Magickal Tools are:
The Wand: The wand is usually 12 to 18 inches in length and is a masculine symbol associated with the direction South and the element of Fire. It is used to channel energy for creating and casting circles, or projecting your energy into an object, person, or place. Wands are usually made of branches of trees and their properties vary according to the type of tree from which it was taken. One of my wands was taken from a poplar tree which I found on the ground. If you choose to take a fallen branch, you must make sure the wood inside is still good. Should you decide to take a branch from a tree, you should research the properties of trees in your area, and decide which you would find most useful in a magickal tool. When you cut, make sure the season is appropriate for pruning, and mentally ask the tree before you take. Pay attention to your feelings, they will give you the trees response. Atfter cutting, leave the tree a small offering, water, fertilizer, or a coin in return for it's gift.
The Besom (broom): The broom is primarily used by the Witch to cleanse a space of negative energies in order to make it sacred. Traditionally, the image of a witch on her broom was taken from an old spring rite, where standing in the middle of the feild, the witch would mount her broom and leap as high as possible in the air in order to show the crops how high to grow. It is possible to take a common straw broom and refasion it in the shape of the traditional Witches broom. It's a project that some day I would like to try. I do however have a small decorative broom by my fireplace, that I purchased from Walmart one fall and decorated accordingly.
The Chalice: The Chalice is a feminine water symbol of emotion, and fertility. It is associated with the the direction of West. It is also a symbol of another symbol.... that is a symbol for the Cauldron, which I will discuss further on. The chalice is used in the ritual known as the "Great Rite", in which it symbolizes the womb of the Goddess. It is also used in rituals where drink is necessary, and I like to drink out of mine all evening during the full moon as it makes me feel special and puts me into the magickal mood.
The Pentacle: The pentacle is a flat disc with a carving, or woodburning of the five pointed star upon it. It is an Earth symbol related to the direction north. It is often used by Witches to charge magickal objects by placing the object in the center of the pentacle to recieve increased power. It is a symbol of protection and can be used to bring material gain.
The Athame (or sword): The Athame is a double edged dull knife used to direct power in the same manner as a wand is used. It is associated however, not with fire and passion, but with air, intellect and the direction of East. It too is a masculine symbol and used with the Chalice in the "Great Rite" ceremony. The Athame is placed into the Chalice symbolizing the fertilization and impregnation of the Goddess by the God thus initiating spring, and growth. I have never taken part in this ceremony but understand that it is a powerful and mystical experience. Some witches prefer to use the sword. The use of the Athame or sword is ceremonial in magickal terms, and it does not suit my style of "Green Witchery". I think this is perhaps why I have never been comfortable with it from early in my practice.