(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 practising, or if you aren't able to be public about your practise, 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 exhasted 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 practise.
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 accomodate 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 practise 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 dispell negative energy.
Wiccan tools 1
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When picking a tool, make sure that the tool feels comfortable, and appeals to you. The tool you choose doesn't have to be fancy or expensive just, like i said before comfortable.