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ATHAME (A-thuh-may) this is a ritual knife. This is used by a witch during rituals and spells to direct his or her energy. Generally, it it used just to direct energy when casting the circle. It would be pointed to the ground and to the sky when drawing the sphere of energy. Many witches have beautifully ornate athames, while others have very simple ones. Many also choose not to use one. I don't use an athame, I use my hands to direct energy. This is just as effective and is just a personal preference. The athame is never used to cut (especially yourself) but sometimes is used for inscribing words, sigils, symbols in candles, etc. WAND The wand would be used in place of the athame, for the same purpose. However, some witches do use both for different things. A wand directs energy and is normally made of wood. Many witches make their own wands using a stick from a tree. It can be decorated, you can make inscriptions in it, place a crystal or other gem on the tip, whatever you prefer. I don't normally use a wand, but I do have one, and I do use it from time to time. I usually save it for Sabbat rituals. CENSER This is your incense holder. It can be an actual incense burner you purchase from a store, or you can make one. I use a bowl I bought in Scotland that is made of stone. 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 practicing, or if you aren't able to be public about your practice, 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! CHALICE This is the cup you drink your wine or juice from in your rituals or spells. Generally, witches drink a ritual beverage after completing a spell. This helps to replenish your body with energy after you send all your energy out from you into the world. You can be very exhausted after a spell, and eating a cookie, piece of cake, and drinking your ritual beverage after the spell helps revive you a bit. This isn't necessary if you choose not to make it a part of your practice. PENTACLE The pentacle is the 5 pointed star you see on many of these pages. It is a symbol of the 4 elements, and also spirit (akasha). The 5 pointed star without the circle is a pentagram. With the protection circle, it is usually called a pentacle. It is used to invoke power and also to banish and to consecrate tools. You can draw an invoking pentacle in the air when inviting deities or the guardians, etc., to witness your rites. It is a powerful symbol and serves many purposes. Most witches have a pentacle placed on their altar. You can purchase one, or make one. I used clay to make mine. I flattened the clay into a circle and drew the pentacle on, then placed it in a kiln (a friend of mine has a kiln) to harden it. Drawing one on cardboard is sufficient if you have no other ways of creating one. CANDLES You can have a candle on your altar to represent the god, and one for the goddess if you wish. I have one for each. This isn't necessary, just a preference. 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). I also use tapers for my spells. INCENSE I always use incense in my spells. This, like candles, is a necessity for me. I use both store-bought stick and cone incense and I make my own. You can also burn incense to honor the god and goddess. I sometimes use incense to honor them in place of using candles. Normally I do this when making satchels. CANDLEHOLDERS You can use any type of holder for your candles, just consecrate them and use them in your rites only. ALTAR Your altar can be basically any type of platform, table, etc. Mine is about the size of an end table- large enough to accommodate my tools and not be cluttered. If you are unable to use something specifically for your altar- especially if you are a teenager or are just unable to practice freely and openly- 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 dispel negative energy. BESOM The besom is your broom. A broom is used to "sweep away" negative energy in your sacred space. I sweep the area where I will cast my circle, prior to casting it. I don't actually sweep the ground, just the air above the ground. This isn't something you must do, but it's a wonderful way to help you concentrate on being positive and rid the area of negativity. CAULDRON The cauldron represents the womb of the goddess. In your cauldron, you can mix herbs, oils, teas, and any brews you might make in your spells or rituals. Your cauldron can be anything- you can even use a pot from your kitchen if you can't buy something especially for this purpose. It doesn't have to be big- it can be as small as a bowl if you want it to. As with other tools, just make sure you consecrate it. Your cauldron should also be heat resistant so that you can heat up your teas or other brews if you need to. My cauldron is a round copper pot that I bought at an antique store. Use your imagination and you will find something suitable for your cauldron. Most likely, your cauldron will only be used occasionally. I don't make brews or teas very often, sometimes just in my Sabbat rituals. *These are just some of the tools used in witchcraft. Remember that your tools are just props. They are to aid you in directing your energy. It isn't absolutely necessary to use tools. But, it's a good idea to use a few, especially an altar, candles, incense, and your candle holders. Everything can be left out if you choose. But using tools can really help you FEEL powerful, help you to concentrate on your energy and direct it properly. They aid in "ritual consciousness," help you to have the proper frame of mind and spirit.  |
 Consecrating Tools Crafting tools are nothing if they aren't consecrated properly. Consecration purifies by means of salt, water, and incense. The salt, water, and incense stand for the four elements of the Wise - Earth, Water, and Fire, together with Air - symbolically constituting the basis for the material universe, in the language of alchemy and Witchcraft. By consecrating anything, you are, in effect, using these basic constituents to "wash" the article of all extraneous vibrations, prior to recharging it with your own will and concentrated power. Consecration must take place before a circle is cast, as of course the tools are used in magickal rites. Supplies: Representation of Goddess and God Bowl of Water Bowl of Salt, Rocks, or Earth Incense White Candle Cast the Circle Invocation to the Goddess  |