Tools and Their Meanings

Altar
A special flat surface set aside for magickal workings or religious acknowledgement.

Amulet
An object of protection that has been charged to deflect specific negative energies or thought forms.

Athame
Double edged blade usually with a black hilt. Used for directing energy flow while casting the circle; an extension of the arm. Also used for the Calling of the Watchtowers in the Opening Ritual. In the Great Rite, the blade represents the God in the form of the Element of Fire. Should never be used for physical cutting.

Censor
Heat proof container used for smoldering herbs, and burning incense. To reinforce the circle, purify the area, and carry prayers to the Gods. Represents the element of Air.

Chalice
"The Cup of Life" Holds the ritual wine/cider. In the Great Rite, it represents the Goddess and is passed clockwise for all to drink from. Also represents the Element of Water.

Charms
An amulet or talisman that has been charged by saying an incantation over it and instilling it with energy for a specific purpose

Chime (or Bell)
Rung before the Opening Ritaul, Sabbats, or other Rites, and after the closing Ritual.

Dowsing
Art/science of using a pendulum or stick to find the actal location of a person, place, thing, or element

God Candle
Usually colored Gold or Red, lit to honor the God. (Gold and silver candles are really easy to find around Christmas.)

Goddess Candle
Usually colored Silver or White, lit in honor of the Goddess.

Mood Candle
Colored and inscribed to represent the occasion of the Ritual. Also used to reinforce the circle as the Element of Fire. With the Goddess and God candles, completes the balance on the altar.

Offering Bowls
Some of the wine/cider from the Chalice is poured into this bowl as an offering to the Gods. All offerings are returned to the Earth after the Ritual.

Pentacle
The points represent the four Elements, governed by the fifth (top), Spirit. The center piece of the altar, and represnts the Goddess and the Element of Earth.

Sigil
Magickally orientated seal, sign, glyph, or other device used in magickal working

Talisman
Object that has been magickally charged in order to bring something to the bearer