| Tools used Athame The Athame is the Black Handled Knife used to cut the air for the circle such as the pentagrams in the quarters and the circle. It should be mentioned herein that the Athame need not be a black handled knife. It is the opinion of the authors that it suit the person who uses it. It is also used to invoke and banish things that are unwanted or needed in the circle. It is considered to be an extension of the users "self". This includes will, spirit, thought, emotion and manifestation as well. It should be mentioned here that the Athame is never used for cutting things like meat, thread, plants or anything else considered a solid object on this plane. (Use of this blade for self defense will make it null and void for any magickal use again.) ALTAR Your altar can be basically any type of platform, table, etc, large enough to accomodate tools and not be cluttered. If you are unable to use something specifically for your altar - you can use an end table, nightstand, etc., and use it for it's original purpose as well. Just cleanse the table well before using in your rites to dispell negative energy. Ankh-Egyptian, represents vitality and fertility. May be used as a holy symbol for Osiris or Isis. Bolline The Bolline is a white handled knife, single edged to reflect it's working nature, and used in ritual purposes of cutting herbs, or engraving candles, etc. It is a working tool as opposed the magickal Athame. The white is to tell it apart from the black handle.Sometimes pictured as a miniature scythe, a curved bladed tool; a magickal sickle, used to cut herbs and mistletoe. Besom The Besom is used to cleanse the ritual area. There are those who insist that a besom must be made of broom, but this isn't necessarily true. In fact, it is said that fairies hate the scent of broom. Straw or grass brooms are fine for indoors, while outdoors, any leafy twig found on the ground will work well. Many stores and craft shops carry the old-fashioned "witch" broom made of straw or grass that is perfectly acceptable as long as it feels right to you. I made my besom with an oak branch and eucalyptus, rosemary, lavender and twine. It works and that's what matters most.To cleanse your ritual area, start in the center and moving deosil (clockwise) sweep the circle from the center to the outer edges, all the while envisioning and chanting that negativity is being swept out and the circle is being cleaned Book of Shadows/spellbook In this, you must write all your magical recipes, spells, and rituals before you use them, using a good clear hand which will be legible by candlelight. Our old friend the tradition-minded witch will insist on making her own workbook out parchment, sewing it herself, and sticking a cover on it. However, if this seems over complicated to you, buy a thick book of good quality drawing paper, about the size of a large exercise book. Then, when the moon is waxing, cover the book and binding of this book with a material of your own choice. Many practitioners favor velvet or moire silk. Others prefer a leather or skin, often reptile. The choice of color ranges from black to white to red and green, even an occasional silver or gold. The Bell The bell is usually a small piece that fits in the palm of your hand. It it used when the Witch wishes to 'call' the Gods, Goddess and spirits to attend a ritual like your initiation or something like that. All in all, it is something sacred that actually lets you contact the holy ones. But after practicing and meditation, some Witches are able to call them on their own. Chalice The Chalice,also known as the cup, or goblet is associated with the female forces in the universe:fertility, beauty, the womb, earth, emotion, love, compassion, receptivity, instinct, intuition and the subconscious mind. It is the receptacle of spiritual forces. It is associated with the element of water. Held upright, the cup is the open womb, ready to receive. Held inverted, it symbolizes birth and realization. The chief purpose for the cup in neo-pagan witchcraft is to assist in concencrating the circle, toast the gods, spellcasting, scrying, and ritual work. Cauldron The cauldron is an ancient vessel of cooking, full of magical tradition and mystery. It is often the focal point of rituals.. The cauldron may be used for scrying (gazing) by filling it with water. They come in many sizes. This is usually the hardest tool to find, but is sold at many home decorating stores. The cauldron is a symbol of the Goddess, the essence of femininity and fertility. It is a symbol of the Element of Water, reincarnation, immortality and inspiration Censer This is your incense holder. It can be an actual incense burner you purchase from a store, or you can make one. If you use a bowl, just fill it with either salt or sand, and place your incense on top to burn it. This protects the bowl. When you begin practising, or if you aren't able to be public about your practise, you can just use any bowl you own as your censer. But, keep this bowl especially for this purpose, don't continue to eat cereal from it if you are using it as a Craft tool! Candles You can have a candle on your altar to represent the god, and one for the goddess if you wish. You should light these candles as you invite the deities to your circle. You can also place candles at the four corners of your circle to represent the elements/guardians. And, you should always have an altar candle. This is lit first, and all other candles should be lit with the altar candle. I use taper candles mostly (stick candles). Candleholders You can use any type of holder for your candles, just consecrate them and use them in your rites only Cord The cord is sometimes known as the cingulum, rope tow or girdle. It was used in initiation rituals. The cord is now used for measuring the radius of circles and for binding things. Sometimes, even for binding yourself! . Circle oneness, union, protection, cyclical nature of life. Circles are very important and are often a part of other symbols. For example, a circle with a dot in the center is used to represent the sun. Crystal Sphere/ball Sacred to the Goddess. Sometimes placed on the altar to represent the Goddess. May be used to receive messages from the Gods, or to store energy raised in ritual. Periodic exposure to moonlight will increase its ability to spark our psychic powers. It may be the center of Full Moon rites. A genuine quartz crystal is best, placed on a stand. Incense You can also burn incense to honor the God and Goddess |
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