| Ritual Tools |
| I have compiled here a list of basic ritual tools, what they are used for, and where you can find them. The use of tools is a personal decision, and is not completely necessary. Most Wiccans, however, find them very helpful for directing energy, blessing, or whatever their purpose may be. It may also help you to feel closer to your Pagan roots. What coulod be more witchy than having a nice round-handled broom on display? Your ritual tools will become very much a part of you, so choose them wisely. Be sure to consecrate each one after procuring it, and then use it right away in works of magic. Learn about what the tools can be used for, and become comfortable with that. Athame - This is the Witches sword, or magical knife. It is not used for cutting, but for directing energy raised in ceremony. The blade should be dull, double-edged, and no longer than 6-7 inches. The handle is traditionally black or a dark color, as black absorbs power. Many athames, however, are made of metal of some sort, and some have gems or crystals in the handle. Choose whatever appeals to you the most. When you hold your athame in your hand, you should feel it pulsate with power. Your power. Athames can be found in magical shops and catalogs, in Internet stores, or if you use your imagination, wonderful and exciting athames can be found in the strangest of places, such as yard sales, thrift shops, antique stores, and estate sales. If you buy a used knife, be sure to do a cleansing ritual on it to clear it of any negative influences it may have. Bolline - The white handled knife. This is a smaller knife than the athame, and should be sharp. It is used for the cutting of herbs, scratching symbols onto candles, and anything that needs cutting in magic. Bollines are easily found anywhere. Broom - What would a Witch be without her broom? Brooms are a wonderful link to your past, and a very helpful tool in magic. Brooms have a rich and colorful history. It was once believed that putting a broom across your threshold would protect you and your family from evil spells. Brooms have also been linked with good dreams, fertility, and marriage ceremonies such as American slave marriages, gypsy nuptuals, and they are still used today in Wiccan handfasting rituals. They are a symbol of both the God and Goddess. Many Witches collect brooms, and keep one special one for magical workings. They are used in ceremony to "sweep" away negative influences. It is easy, of course, to find a broom, but you may be lead on a search to find a witchy-looking round one. Try yard sales, or even making one yourself! When you do find it, reserve it only for magic, and keep it on display to add a spicy historical touch to your decor. Wand - The wand should be one of your first tools to procure, as it is one of the most helpful. Wands can be used to raise energy, direct energy, and are instruments of invocation. The wand has been used for thousands of years in works of magic and religious rites. You may use it to draw a circle of protection around yourself, draw magical symbols on the ground, or even to stir your couldron. Wands come in all sizes and materials, and are easily found nowadays. Pick the one that seems to fit you the most. Cauldron - The cauldron is an ancient vessel of cooking, brew making, and spell containment. It is a symbol of fertility and the Goddess, and is often the focal point of ritual. Cauldrons can be used for scrying (gazing) when filled with water, and smaller ones can be used for burning incense. Cauldrons come in many styles and shapes. They range in price from about $20.00 for a small altar-sized one, to thougsands for a large historical-sized one. Buy what is nost convenient for you. Censer - Quite simply - a container to hold incense. Chalice - The cup used in magical ritual. It is a symbol of the Goddess and fertility. It is used to hold ritual water, wine, or anything drank in ritual. They can be made of anything - wood, copper, brass, gold, clay, metal, whatever you like. Chalices with pentacles inscribed can be found in magical shops. Altar Pentacle - The altar pentacle is usually a flat piece of wood, glass or gold with a pentacle inscribed on it. You place objects on the pentacle on your altar during ritual, and they can be hung over doors and windows as protective devices. They can be found on the Internet, or you could even make one yourself! Bell - used to mark the beginning and end of ritual. Book of Shadows - The Book of Shadows is, simply put, a book of spells. You can buy any number of spell books to use, but a lot of Witches believe in hand-writing each spell before they perform it. Your personal Book of Shadows is a constant work in progress: it can start out as a few simple love spells, and end up as a 10 volume set! Gather your spells from as many sources as possible, and never stop reading! This is partially taken from the Book of Shadows Back to Main Page |