Consecration/charging of the tools that will be used during ritual
and spellworking is of utmost importance. Why? Well for one thing,
if you buy your tool, you'll want to cleanse it of unknown negative
energy that it may have accumulated in it. Then you
consecrate/charge the tools as an act of making known to the gods
your intentions that these items will be sacred and used for craft
purposes only and bringing the power of the cosmos and of yourself
into the object.
Imagine being in a church where there is a chalice used for the rite
of communion. Could you see the priest then taking that cup which is
supposed to be sacred and going to the water fountain for a drink?
It is no different with your tools.
As we talked about earlier, the athame is used for casting the
circle. It reaches into the dimension of the unseen and creates
protective boundaries for your sacred space. It would be unheard of
to then use that blade to open an envelope that has arrived in the
mail or to cut a piece of meat you're having for dinner. (Appologies
to my Veggie friends.) The point is this, our tools are just as
sacred as those items found in a church or synagogue, maybe more so
because they have special meaning for us, so we are to treat them as
sacred once they are consecrated and charged.
The first ritual tool that should be consecrated is the athame, the
wand or the staff, because these items are the ones used for casting
the circle. Most people choose the athame, but depending on the
method you choose that is right for you, the wand or staff serves the
same function. Now usually, ritual items are to be consecrated
within a cast circle. How would you cast a circle with your athame,
wand or staff if they aren't properly charged to do it? You could
cast a circle of sea salt. The traditional circle is 9 feet in
diameter. You could mark the circle with the appropriate length of
rope and then cast the circle with the salt. Of course all of your
ritual items that you will be charging will need to be on your altar
BEFORE casting the circle because once it's cast, you don't step
outside of it until it is uncast. So do whatever you need to do
before ritual starts.
Another option is to approach someone who is a practicing witch and
have them cast a circle for you and consecrate your first tool, then
you will be able to consecrate the rest of your tools later on. At
that time, you would also consecrate your Book of Shadows. The Book
of Shadows will be your bible, and you can use the same method of
charging your tools as you will your Book of Shadow.
I purchased a black book from my local witchcraft shop and inside of
it was a paper with some nice info and a ritual that can be used. I
thought it was really great, so I'm going to share it with you now.
Of course, if you have come across other methods that you like better
in your independent study, feel free to use them.
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The Book of Shadows
A Book of Shadows, used by an individual, is a journal of one's
magical experiences, thoughts, meditations, etc. When used by a
group it also will contain that group's own unique set of magical
instructions, methods of operation, philosophy, belief systems, etc.
A book of Shadows should also contain a record of all magical
workings done, including the background to these events as well as
the influences present at the time, such a s the sun's sign, moon's
phase, aspects and planetary hour (if used) and the like. As well,
note the results of magical workings as they manifest. This will
enable you, or the group, to determine which magical methods are most
effective. It is also a good idea to list important books and other
recommended reading.
Your Book of Shadows is an important magical tool and must be treated
accordingly. Allow no one but yourself to see it or have access to
it. If used by a group, all initiated members should have access t
it but make one member (designated as the "scribe") be responsible
for the recording of the information. Use a special pen and ink for
this purpose only. When training new members of a group, allow them
supervised access to the book while they copy information by hand--do
not permit them to take the book home or make photocopies.
Wrap the book in silk and keep in a secure location. You Book of
Shadows deserves your greatest honor and respect.
CONSECRATION
Before using your Book of Shadows it must be consecrated. Several
books on the market have information on this, or you may already have
your own method. A consecration ritual is presented here which you
may adapt to your own style, etc. If the Book of shadows is for use
by a group,, the High Priestess would be the most appropriate person
to conduct the ritual.
Arrange to have this ritual conducted during a waxing moon. Cast a
circle in the usual manner. Place your Book of Shadows on the floor
in the center of the circle and sit in front of it facing north. (If
a group, members should form a circle around it with the High
Priestess facing north.) Enter a meditative state with the purpose
of the ritual firmly in mind. Visualize a beam of light shining down
from the heavens, and a beam of light from the top of your head,
meeting as a ball of light about six feet above the Book of Shadows.
(If a group ritual, visualize a cone of light rising from the group
and meeting the beam of light from the heavens.)
When the time seems appropriate pick up the book and take it to the
North Quarter. Say: "I consecrate this Book of Shadows with Earth so
that it may be a fitting repository for my (our) magical energy."
Then pass the book over the salt dish three times. (Sage's note: so
obviously you would have a dish of salt in the north quarter to
represent the element earth. An appropriate color candle would be
appropriate as well.)
Proceed to the East Quarter and say: "I consecrate this Book of
Shadows with Air so that it may be a fitting repository for my (our)
magical energy." Then pass the book through the incense smoke three
times. (Sage's note: Of course you could change the
word "repository" for "conductor" when consecrating other tools.
Style this ritual accordingly to fit the occasion.)
Proceed to the South Quarter and say: "I consecrate this Book of
Shadows with Fire so that it may; be a fitting repository for my
(our) magical energy." Then pass the book over the candle three
times.
Proceed to the West Quarter and say: "I consecrate this Book of
shadows with Water sothat it may be a fitting repository for my (our)
magical energy." The pass the book over the bowl of water three
times.
Return to your sitting position in the center of the Circle. Say: "I
consecrate this Book of Shadows with Life so that it may be a fitting
repository for my (our) magical energy." Then gently blow across the
book three times. (If a group, each person should do this.)
Place the book on the floor and return to visualizing the ball of
light above you. Slowly lower this ball of light until it is
absorbed into the book, then say: "I consecrate this Book of shadows
withSpirit so that it may be a fitting repository ofr my (our)
magical energy." All members of the group then say in unison: "So
mote it be."
Break the circle in the usual way. Your Book of Shadows or your
ritual tools are now ready for use.
I decided to forward this on to the group as a lesson because a few
individuals have asked about it, but may I suggest that you make use
of our Suggested Reading and Book Store on our website and start your
independent study if you haven't already done so. Methods for
consecration as well as other valuable information are available to
you there, all you have to do is READ. This is the first and
foremost way we learn. Then we learn from a teacher. All a teacher
can do is point you in the right direction to find the information.
The rest is up to you my dear hearts. Take advantage of all the
freedom we have now to study without fear of death or retribution
from governmental authorities...this may not always be so.
Brightest Blessings. Sage
