| Broom or Besom
A Witch's broom or besom usually made from birch or willow twigs used to purify spaces. It can be used as a Witches' "calling card" by placing one by the front door. Besoms are also used to guard the home by being placed across doorways, in windowsills, on doors and under beds. It is linked with water. It is used in magickal rituals to sweep the ritual area clean of negative energies and unwanted spirits, and sweeping out the old to make way for the new. Sweeping things such as bad habits, troublesome people, mischievous spirits, and unwanted feelings out the front door along with dirt is to ensure they never return. Wand A wand is one of the prime magickal tools. It is traditionally made of wood, be it a stick, branch, dowel, etc., and is an instrument of invocation, used to raise and direct energy and spirits, and to draw magical symbols or a circle on the ground. It is representative of air or fire in some traditions. Some Witches choose a crystal or other stone for a wand. While these to do work, tradition holds that the wand be wood. However, many a Witch will increase their wand's power by adding etchings, carvings, stones and other decorations. Sometimes wands are inherited from another practitioner or family member. However, if crafting your own, the length of the wand is traditionally determined by measuring the length of the Witches' arm from the elbow to the tip of the forefinger. Staffs are also used in the same manner as wands. Bells Bells are used to invoke deities and spirits, to halt storms, as well as to ward off evil spirits and spells. They are placed in cupboards and hung on doors to protect the home. It symbolizes a calling, a need, and it's element is air. Chalice Stemmed glass or cup, or alternatively a simple bowl. It can be used to hold water but traditionally it's used to hold the ritual beverage imbibed during a rite The chalice represents fertility and its element is water, with feminine atributes representing the divine womb. Bolline White handled knife, used to cut or inscribe symbols; it is a working knife. This instrument is more practical then symbolic, therefore it is more of a tool for your use than a magical tool. Athame The Athame is traditionally a double-edged blade with a dark handle that is used to direct and raise energy. It does not cut anything on the physical plane. It is an instrument of commanding and power manipulation. It is a tool that causes change. It holds the power to force change, and is often representant of the element fire, or air in some traditions. Cauldron Iron or cast iron kettle resting on three legs, usually black in colour . Used for cooking and brew making, it's a container in which magical transformations occur. Can be an instrument used for scrying when filled with water. The cauldron symbolizes the Goddess. It's the manifested essence of femininity and fertility. The cauldron also is symbolic of the element of water, reincarnation, immortality, and inspiration. Sacred to Cerridwen. The Paten or Pentacle The Altar pentacle is usually a disk or plate of metal or wood inscribed with the five pointed star in a circle. This is set upon the altar or working space and used to consecrate various other tools and as a focal point of concentration for magickal workings. It is associated with the feminine and the element of Earth. Patens (sometimes "peytons" or "patons") can now be found made of ceramic and glass. You can even make your own from clay or simply draw and color one on stiff paper. In some references, it is stated that patens in the 'old days" were only made from disposable materials so that evidence of your practices could be quickly burned should the authorities come knocking at your door! Feathers Feathers are used in spells to promote change. They are used as catalysts to help focus concentration while carrying out spells and wishes, much like herbs and other natural tools of the Witch. They are magically ruled by the element of air, which makes them good communication helpers. But each feather also can hold other special powers; depending on the bird it came from, its color and place of discovery and other factors. Feathers can also be bound together to make fans. Shells Shells are used similarly to feathers, and each type has its own properties. As a tool connected with water, they have the power to purify and bless when water is poured from a shell onto an object of power. Stones Stones have a long association with witchcraft being used by witches for many magickal purposes. Stones, gems and crystals contain their own unique powers and energies that can be used to influence differing occult functions. Many contain healing properties; some are used for protection and to ward of evil, while others are used for divination and spiritual communication. Herbs Herbs and flowers are used for their own powers of healing and attraction in witchcraft, and different herbs correspond with different requirements in witchcraft. Witches often keep a herbal diary or journal seperate to their Book, containing all their knowledge on herbs, flowers, oils, stones and incenses. Flowers Flowers are often used in similar ways to herbs, and each one has its own unique attributes and power. Oils Essential oils have long been used for their power of healing and to help specific states of mind. In witchcraft, oils have many purposes and different oils are linked with different usages. Incense Incense comes in sticks, cones and powders, with aromas varying from floral to herbal mixtures. The incense burned depends on the purpose of each ritual, though frankincense is considered to have many properties and can be used for most spells. It conditions the mind by stimulating our senses of smell. In connection with spells, it draws down the spirits through it's magickal association with the elements of Air, and according to ancient beliefs, when a spell is done it raises the spell up into the ether and sends it on its way. Candles Candle magick is probably the oldest and simplest form of ritual magick still performed today. Ever since fire was discovered, the naked flame has been regarded as sacred. The use of candles symbolizes the nature of intent and ultimately the outcome of a particular spell; their particular colours, fragrances, shapes and inscriptions serving a symbolic purpose. Such specialised candle forms include male and female figure candles which represent the target of the spell, and seven knob candles which are used for spells that require a period of working across seven days. Amulets An amulet is generally a small item made of natural materials - wood, stone, shell or gems - charged for the magical purpose of protection. Amulets are often ornate and can be either carried in a pouch or worn as jewellery. Cords A cord is a heavy string used for binding or releasing spells. The colour and thickness depends on the spell being cast. Tying knots in cords is a common way of working magic, as intent is declaired with each knot made. To undo the spell, the knots are undone in reverse order. Cloth Felt, cotton or velvet cloths are often used in magic to contain charms and herbs that have been charged with power. Poppets The use of Poppets is an age old practice, the poppet itself is similar to a luck charm only much more powerful. Not ALL Witch Poppets are used for cursing. Poppets can be used to promote health, healing, love, and happiness, to protect loved ones from harm, and to charm friends and enemies alike. In modern days, the most common poppets are filled with herbs and incense, but some Witchcraft traditions still use blood, fingernails and hair in poppets to provide strong bonds to the target. Wrap it in white cloth and keep it somewhere safe. To dispose of a poppet, dig a deep hole and bury it. Be sure to sever the magickal link between the poppet and the person before disposing of. Types of poppet: WAX- soften candles and shape them into poppet figurine. Rub lavender oil, or similar onto your hands first for ease, and ensure the wax is not too hot. Use small pieces of coal or gems to adorn the poppet. For a more powerful effect use hair, fingernails, or some token or possession of the recipient. CLOTH- Cut round a template on two pieces of cloth, stitch almost all the way up, then fill with herbs, or hair (depending on the spell) Adorn with coloured threads, or draw symbols on. The name of the recipient can be written on the poppet. PAPER- (quickest way) simply cut paper into poppet figure, you can anoint with oil it draw symbols on it. You can even stick a photo on it of the person the poppet is intended for. WOOD- carve poppet into figure, glue on hair or use a piece of cloth from the clothing of the recipient of the spell. Use paints or colour crayons to adorn the poppet. ROOT- several plant roots can be carved into poppet figures. (potato, apple, ginseng..)Make sure the poppet is finished before using it, do not carry on carving once you start using it. This poppet is for short term use as it will inevitably rot within a short time of making it. Mandrake root is also used as a poppet as the roots themselves resemble the human form. CLAY- mould into poppet shape, be sure to create a hollow to place hair, fingernails or herbs, etc, before sealing. Adorn with paints or by carving with a sharp object. Pins Many superstitions exist regarding pins. For example, stray pins should always be picked up, otherwise, a witch will take them and use them in magic. Witches were rumoured to throw bent pins into their brews to break or cast spells on others. They are also used to prick poppets to drive intent into them, or to place in Witch jars or bottles along with broken glass, iron nails, and earth to protect a home. Witches blessed friends with prosperity and happiness by plucking a lemon at midnight and reciting an incantation while sticking the fruit full of different coloured pins. According to English folklore, a witch's power can be destroyed by sticking pins in the heart of a stolen hen, or by scoring the suspect Witches' cheek with a pin. Ribbons Using ribbon is one of the simplist ways to literlally weave magic. They are a basic tool in many spells, used to tie charms together and seal spells. As with candles, colours of ribbons are important to the type of spell they are used in. As with cords, tying knots in ribbons is also a popular way of working magic. To add strength to the spell, wax can be dripped on any knots to seal them. Wearing two ribbons tied together in a knot can help keep a lover tied to you. Tying a small red ribbon around a bundle of birch twigs will serve as a protective charm. Tying brightly coloured ribbons around tree branches near spings, rivers and lakes is a way of honouring the healing water spirits that live there, and they may bless you to cure an ailment. Ribbons can be charged by wearing them in your hair or around your wrist prior to a spell. Keys Keys are a sacred symbol of Hecate, and are used in magic to help unlock hidden knowledge, reveal secrets and also to help keep them. Horseshoes Often hung above doorways to protect and bless a house, horseshoes can be used in spells as symbols of luck and abundance. They represent a cup that holds love and wishes, so they must always be hung upright so as to not let it fall out. Fans A folding fan, held closed, may substitute for a wand. When open, they may also substitute for a besom when sweeping out unwanted energies. They can also be used to blow smudging smoke around a sacred space, or symbolise a protective shield. The power of a fan may be increased and maintained by passing it through sandalwood incense smoke. Fans made of feathers bound together can be used to drive unwanted energy or spirits out of a home or space. To purify them from the energies they may pick up while sweeping, shake the bundles off towards the four directions, and see the "dirt" shaken from them. Cards Tarot cards are sometimes used in spells to signify an intent, or target person depending on the cards used. As each card has its own meaning, different spells call for different cards. Further meanings and intents can be represented by using cobinations of more than one card in a spell. Pestle and Mortar A pestle and mortar is a wonderful tool for bruising and crushing herbs and spices to be used in brews, potions, and infusions. Quirins Also called a quirus, a quirin is a folkloric stone found in the nests of lapwings and hoopoes. Quirins were said to have the powers of a truth serum. Highly valued by witches, the stone was placed beneath the sleeping target's pillow. This caused them to confess their rogueries and misdeeds. Quilt Patches Swatches of material make up sections of a quilt. Each patch consists of the Witch's initials and their craft name, along with Various symbols which are indicative of the paths they follow. These quilts are kept within a family and are passed down from generation to generation. Witch Balls A Witch Ball is a hollow glass sphere hung at a window, or in a corner of a room near the ceiling, that averts or traps evil before it can bring harm to the occupants of the home. It may only a couple of inches in diameter, or large as a pumpkin. Old glass fishing floats, often hung in a loose string net, can also be used as Witch Balls. They are made in several colours, among which green and blue predominate. As well as a protective charm, Witch Balls can be used as divinatory devices when suspended, spun and gazed into. The reflective surface can induce trances and visions. Charm Bags These are small pouches or draw string bags which are used to contain spell ingredients, or to create a talisman to wear around the neck, kept in pockets, or placed around the home. A Witch may place things such as herbs, stones, and other materials inside to create the talisman. They are also known as mojo bags, gris-gris bags, or medicine bags. Salt Used for purification and sealing spells when placed in a circle around the working area or spell ingredients. Salt is also used as a substitute for soil, as well as any type of crystal, to represent the element of earth. Acorns These are used as a general charm for good luck when strung together. |
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| Tools of the Witch |
| Taken straight from my personal Book of Shadows, here is a list of the many tools Witches utilise when making magic! From the common to the unusual, almost every tool I can think of is listed here just for you... in no particular order. |
| Disclaimer: as with most of my information, some of it is borrowed and some is my own work. I did not keep track of my sources so if anyone has any information regarding extracts, please email me. Thank you. |