Tools

Athame: The magick knife (or athame) has an ancient history. It isn't used for cutting purposes in Witchcraft, but to direct the energy raised during rites and spells. The knife is often dull, usually double-edged with a black or dark handle. Black absorbs power. A sword is sometimes used in Witchcraft, as it has all the properties of the knife, but it can be difficult for indoor rituals due to its size. Because of the symbolism of the knife, which is a tool that causes change, it is commonly linked with the element of Fire. Its phallic nature links it with the God.

Bolline: The white-handled knife (or bolline) is simply a practical, working knife as opposed to the purely ritualistic magick knife. It is used to cut sacred herbs, inscribe symbols onto candles or on wood, clay, or wax, and in cutting cords for use in magick. It is usually white-handled to distinguish it from the magick knife. Chalice/Cup: The chalice or cup is simply a cauldron on a stem. It symbolizes the Goddess and fertility, and it is related to the element of Water. Though it can be used to hold water (which is often present on the alter), it may also contain the ritual beverage imbibed during the rite.

Cauldron: The cauldron is the Witch's tool par excellence. It 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. Ideally speaking, the cauldron should be of iron, resting on three legs, with its opening smaller than its widest part.

Pentacle: The pentacle is usually a flat piece of brass, gold, silver, wood, wax or clay, inscribed with certain symbols. The most common, and indeed the only necessary one, is the pentacle, the five-pointed star which has been used in magick for millenia. The pentacle was "borrowed" from ceremonial magick. In this ancient art it was often an instrument of protection, or a tool used to invoke spirits. In Witchcraft, the pentacle represents the element of Earth and is a convenient tool upon which to place amulets, charms or other objects to be ritually consecrated. It is sometimes used to summon the God and Goddess.

Wand: The wand is one of the prime magickal tools. It has been utilized for thousands of years in magickal and religious rites. It is an instrument of invocation. The Goddess and the God may be called to watch the ritual with words and an uplifted wand. It is sometimes used to direct energy, to draw magickal symbols or cast a circle. The wand represents the element of Air and is sacred to the Gods.

Censer: The censer is an incense burner. Burning incense cleanses and purifies your sacred space. The incense represents Air. While the charcoal (if you are using any) represents Fire.

Bell: The bell is a ritual instrument of incredible antiquity. Ringing a bell unleases vibrations which have powerful effects according to its volume, tone and material of construction. The bell is a feminine symbol and so it is often used to invoke the Goddess in ritual. It is also rung to ward off evil spells and spirits, or to evoke good energies. Bells are sometimes rung in ritual to mark various sections and to signal a spell's beginning or end.

Broom: Witches use brooms in magick and ritual. It is a tool sacred to both the Goddess and God. A Witch may begin a ritual by sweeping the area (indoors or out) lightly with the magick broom. After this, the altar is set up, the tools carried out, and the ritual is ready to begin. The sweeping is more than a physical cleaning. In fact, the broom's bristles needn't touch the ground. While brushing, the Witch visualizes the broom sweeping out the astral buildup that occurs where humans live. This purifies the area to allow smoother ritual workings. Since it is a purifier, the broom is linked with the element of Water.

Book of Shadows: The Book of Shadows is a workbook containing invocations, ritual patterns, spells, runes, rules governing magick, and so on. To make your own Book of Shadows, begin with any blank book -- these are available at most art stores and bookshops. Simply write in this book any rituals, spells, invocations and magickal information that you have either composed or found somewhere and would like to preserve. Remember -- all Books of Shadows are suggestions as to ritual, not "holy writ." Never feel tied down to these words. In fact, many Witches use three-ring binders, shuffling around pages, adding or subtracting information from their Book of Shadows at will. It is a good idea to copy your spells and rites by hand. Not only does this ensure that you've read the work completely, it also allows easier reading by candlelight. Ideally, all rites are memorized (there's nothing more distracting than having to read or glance at a book), or created spontaneously, but if you would read your rites, be sure your copies are legible by flickering firelight.

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