The Meaning of the Tools Although consecration techniques are not listed here (we hold these as unique and quite personal) the basic tools are listed. These tools are OUR primary tools. Many paths of the craft choose types and numbers of tools although the ones listed here are the most commonly known. ATHAME This is the black-hilted Witches' Knife also knows as Seax, Bolline, yag-dirk. It is always a double-edged knife with a blade usually from five to six inches long. The athame is a witch’s primary tool for rituals and circle magic. It is the instrument we use to draw magical circles and other diagrams, in the midst of which many of our spells are cast. CUP The witch’s cup is a variant of the cauldron of Cerridwyn. The cup is also known as the chalice, bowl and cauldron. It is used to contain the salt water of exorcism or, alternatively, the wine of libation. This is the sacramental wine, which is consumed in some ceremonies, and also used to consecrate things at times. CORD The cord is also known as the girdle, cingulum, or cable tow. The latter name derives from its use in various initiation rituals. The cord is basically used to measure the radius of our circles, for binding things - and even on occasion, for binding one's self! THURIBLE The thurible, also known as the censer, is quite simply used for burning incense during ritual, whether it is Mercurial, Saturnine, Sabbat, or standard incense. BOOK OF SHADOWS To us the last of the five major tools, also knows as the workbook or spell book. This is the book where all rituals, spells and magickal recipes are written before use. Traditionally bound and covered in either leather or other animal skin, but even a standard book of high quality drawing paper will suffice. BURIN A minor tool, a white hilted knife, is used for cutting herbs and any other use save magickal ritual in which the athame is implemented. Many paths differ on the need for the Burin. Gardenarian Wicca absolutely forbids the use of the athame for any purpose other than rituals. Seax-Wica on the other hand finds no need for it. It is a tool either abandoned or accepted by the various paths. WAND Used for various magick in rituals. Deemed necessary in some paths, we do not believe in this necessity. BELL Used by some in magickal rituals employing the vibrations of sound. For centuries it has been thought to have certain magickal properties. |