Altar ~ the altar provides the foundation or form on which to build and execute magickal operations. The altar is where all obeisances is directed and focused during ritual magick and ritual. The altar allows one to express symbolically in what one wishes to bring about. The altar becomes a 'stage' on which you arrange ideas in physical form, using tools and symbols.
Altars come in all shapes and sizes, and are always flat topped. Altars can be used indoors or outdoors, or some have altars which can be used both for indoors and outdoors.
Athame ~ Is NOT used for cutting purposes but to direct the energy raised during rites and spells. The athame is often dull, usually double-edged with a back or dark handle {black absorbs power}. When the athame is used in a ritual to direct energy, some of its power is absorbed into the handle - only a tiny amount - which can be called upon later. However, some practitioners scratch words, symbols or runes onto its blade or handle. Because of its symbolism the athame, which is a tool that causes change it s commonly linked with the element of Fire.
Bell ~ the bell is a ritual instrument of incredible antiquity. Ringing a bell unleashes vibrations which have powerful effects according to its volume, tone and material construction.
The bell is a feminine symbol and so is often used to invoke the Goddess in a ritual. It is also rung to ward off evil spells and spirits, to hail storms, to invoke good energies. Placed in cupboards or hung on the door, it guards the home. Bells are sometimes rung in a ritual to mark various sections and to signal a spell's beginning or end. Any type of bell may be used.
Besom ~ Besoms are used in both magick and rituals. The besom is a tool sacred to both the Goddess and the God. Today, the besom is still used in Witchcraft. A ritual may begin by sweeping the area {indoors or out} lightly with the magick besom. After this the altar is usually set up and the tools are carried out, and the ritual is ready to begin. The sweeping is more than a physical cleansing. In fact, the besoms bristles needn't touch the ground. While 'sweeping', the Witch visualizes the besom sweeping out the astral buildup where humans live. This purifies the area and allows smoother ritual workings.
Since it is a purifier the besom is linked with the element of Water. It is also used in all types of water spells including those of love and psychic workings.
In general, the besom is a purificatory and protective instrument, used to ritually cleanse the area for magick or to guard a home by laying it across the threshold, under the bed, in windowsills or on doors. The besom is used for these purpose and these purposes only.
Boline ~ The Boline is a practical working knife. It is used to cut wands or sacred herbs, inscribe symbols onto candles, can also be used for wood, clay, wax and in cutting cords for use in magick. The Boline is usually a white handled knife, and some only dictate it to be used within the magick circle.
Book of Shadows ~ The Book of Shadows, which is also know as the BOS
{ BOS is the abbreviation for Book of Shadows } is a personal journal which can contain rituals, spells, formulas - basically anything that a Witch may gather through the magickal journey that one wishes to keep. It is good to have since you can always look back into it for a reference.
The Book of Shadows can be made in any way that one chooses. It can be made in a leather bound book {homemade or store bought}, written on parchment paper in doves ink with a quill. Some do prefer to make photocopied versions, some even store them on there PC disks. Also, some may use a store bought note book, with or without binders. The most important thing is that it contains things that you wish to keep, in case you may have forgotten a herb to a recipe, or a verse in a spell.
Cauldron ~ the cauldron is an ancient vessel of cooking and brew making, steeped in a magickal tradition and mystery. The cauldron is the container in which magickal transformations occur.
The cauldron is the symbol of the Goddess, the manifested essence of femininity and fertility. It is also symbolic of the element of Water, reincarnation, immortality and inspiration. The cauldron is often the focal point of rituals. The cauldron may also be a instrument of scrying.
Censer ~ the censer is an incense burner. It may be complex as a swinging metal censer like those used in the Catholic Church or a simple seashell. If you cannot find a censer you can use a bowl or cup {heat resistance ones should be used} which is half filled with sand or salt will work well. Incense used in ritual and magick is an art in and of itself. Incense comes in stick form, cone, block or the raw granulated type.
In ceremonial magick 'spirits' are sometimes commanded to appear in visible form in the smoke rising from the censer. To some the censer represents the element of Air. The censer is often placed on the altar before images of the Deities {if any are being used}.
Chalice ~ the chalice is basically a cauldron on stem. It symbolizes the Goddess and fertility and is associated with the element of Water. Although it can be used to hold water or wine, it may also contain the ritual beverage imbibed during the rite.
The chalice is usually made of natural substances such as silver, brass, gold, earthenware, soapstone, alabaster, crystal.
Element Bowls ~ the element bowls are two bowls set upon the altar. One bowl contains the element of salt and the second bowl contains water. The elements are combined and used to bless and consecrate sacred space, symbolic tools and even participants during rituals.
Pentacle ~ The pentacle is usually a flat piece of brass, gold, silver, wood, wax, clay, stone that is inscribed with a pentacle and/or also certain symbols.
The pentacle represents the element of Earth and is a convenient tool upon which
to place amulets, charms or other objects that are to be ritually consecrated. It is also sometimes used to invoke the Gods and Goddess.
Pentacles can also be hung over doors and windows to act as protective devices, or they can also ritually manipulate to draw owing the pentacle's Earth associations.
Robe/Ritual Attire ~ The Robe is considered by some Witches to be an optional item, it is basically a matter of preference whether one wishes to wear a robe, ritual attire, everyday clothing, cape or skyclad. For many by putting on ones magickal attire { which ever it may be } can automatically switch from the world of mundane activity to the realm spiritual expression. Most prefer to wear dark colored attire to which will not distract during a ritual. Few though do go for lighter colors. The style of attire that one chooses to wear should be free for movement and to not present to be a hazard while working with candles. Whatever you do decide to wear it should be made of all natural fibers.
Wand ~ the wand is the primary working tool of the Witch. It represents his/her rod of power and authority. It is an instrument of invocation. During a ritual the wand becomes an extension of the Witches' magickal jurisdiction. It may also be used at times to draw magickal symbols or a circle on the ground and even to stir a cauldron. The wand represents the element of Air to some Wiccans and it is sacred to the gods.
There are traditional woods used for the wand such as Willow, Elder, Oak, Apple, Peach, Hazel, Cherry and etc. Your wand can be store bought or handmade if you are crafty.