| The Tools Of The Witch |
| The most important tool a Witch has, is Herself (or Himself). Within you is everything you will ever need to cast a spell, weave magick, seek knowledge, and gain Wisdom. The only tools a Witch truly needs, is the intent in her heart, the concentration of her mind, the focus of her energies, and the desire in her soul. That all together makes a Witch. Some Witches never have tools, and rely in the instinct they have, and the power that resides within me to manipulate each spellcast. I have not included the PENTACLE here, as I have already covered that tool ( I consider my Pentacle a tool). The Witch herself is possibly the only 'tool' that I can write about here, and not have anyone disagree with me, as everything else here will be down to personal preference, and the way in which you follow the Path. Written here is what I use my tools for ~ I do not expect you to use your tools in the same way as I do, nor do I expect any two Witches to feel the same way about their respective tools. Whatever works for you, is what is best. |
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| The Other Tools |
| Athame |
| Bell |
| Cauldron |
| Chalice |
| Paton |
| Clothing |
| Staff |
| Thurible |
| The tools listed here, are explained in very simplified terms. Every different Tradition, Path, and Way will have a slightly different view of what may be consider the correct way to use or weild a tool ~ I say there is no right way ~ and no wrong way either. I reached a point in my Path whereby I found little use for my tools. I find there is greater closeness and meaning for me when I stand and bathe myself in the Moonlight, and offer a silent thought or a quiet word into the night. I am the tool, I am the Witch. |
| Boline |
| Altar |
| There are tools not listed here (such as the Crystal Ball), as they are considered more of use in divination and scrying than in actual spellweaving. Also, many items such as candles and crstal balls are used mainly for focusing and meditation. |
| The Athame is a double edged blade, with a black handle. It is a ritual tool, and is used to direct energy. Many Witches uses their Athame to cast a circle ~ I rarely cast a circle, as every space is sacred to me. If I need to cast, I do so with my finger ~ focusing my energies within and seeing a protective light spread round a circular area. Many Witches will not use the Athame for cutting anything other than air ~ perhaps opening a 'door' or portal in a circle, or raising power. Some consider that this tool should be used for cutting the cake at a handfasting ceremony, whilst others still believe that the Athame is a knife and a tool, and as such may be used for cutting anything to do with their Magick and Rituals. I have heard it say from some Pagans that an Athame is kept dulled (not sharpened) for a reason ~ and that is to stop a Witch from using her Athame for "mundane purposes". My belief is that when I etch (not cut) runic symbols into hand-warmed candles, I am NOT performing a 'mundane task'. To me that is a ritual, and by using the Athame as a ritual tool in this, I am doing what feels right for me. Another reason this is quite important to me, is that I consider almost everything I do to be representing of ritual. So mush of what we do in normal everyday life reflects that we are Witch/Pagan/Wiccian...and in that sense we are ritualistic people ~ almost by habit.I would not use my Athame for heavy-duty work, or anything that would ruin the blades. I certainly wouldn't feel comfortable using it out of any Ritual Magick purpose. The handle of the Athame is black because that is an absorbing colour, and so a little bit of your energy will be stored within the handle. I have often rested the hilt of my Athame over fresh herbs, and left it there for a few moments whilst I am preparing other items for spellcasting or Magick. I know the energy I have gathered in the handle will be positively affecting the herbs, and it also helps to cleanse my Athame ready for the fresh Spellworkings. To me, the Athame is a tool, and I do not imbibe it with representations of the Elements and directions, etc. I do believe that it is associated with the Element of Fire and the direction of South, and is of the Female aspect. The same applies here as with any tool ~ you must use it as you feel comfortable doing so. The blade must fit into your hand well, and you should trust your own instincts on how best to use your own tools. They are, after all, only an extension of yourself. |
| Wand |
| Sword |
| The Bell has long been associated with beauty and the awakening to Spirituality and the Divine. It's sound is said to be symbolic of powers associated with creativity. Long ago, stories were told of how the sound of the bell was actually voices of Angels. The shape of the bell represents the female form, and a carrier of the female power and force. I use one ring of a small bell to help me in the start of any special ritual or spellcasting, as I can concentrate on the single, lasting note, and it it is an aid in drawing together my focus and energies. It is also a help in the end of a spell ~ to signify spell being released to the universe, carried away with the note of the bell. I currently use three different bells in spellcasting. Each has its own unique sound and shape. One is used as detailed above, another for the invitation of welcome and positive energy, and the final bell is used to cast away and ward off negative influences and energies. Every tool we use has a 'vibration'... the wonder of the bell is that you can touch and feel it's special vibration. I know that the bell is not a popular item within the Craft, but I would encourage everyone to try using a bell in their spellcasting and ritual workings ~ it may become a tool that you use regularly. |
| The Cauldron is possibly the common symbol of Witchcraft. Today, it is more usual to see the smaller cauldrons for sitting on the Altar, rather than the large, floor-based types. Traditionally, the cauldron has three legs, and many Witches use the cauldron for scrying ~ and is often used to represent the Water Element. Of course, the cauldron is used for many spell workings, filled with water, or with items placed inside for lighting, burning and smoking. Small fires may be lit inside the cauldron as a replacement for the bonfire (jumping over the bonfire is not easy to set up in urban areas ~ the fire in a cauldron is much easier to set up and control). To some traditions, the cauldron represents the gift of birth, death and rebirth ~ to me it represents wisdom and knowledge ~ as I use it for a tool where I can create the basics of many spells (hebal mixtures, etc), and also burn papers and such like where I have written symbols. Because of the associations with fire and water, the cauldron may represent either the male (South), or the female (West) aspect. |
| or Altar Pentacle, Peyton |
| The Paton is usually the centrepiece of the Altar ~ a circular disk with a Pentacle or other sacred symbol carved into it. It is used as a focus for concentration when weaving a spell. During the Burning Times Altar Pentacles were made from disposable materials ~ such as beeswax or paper. This was so that they could easily be burned or gotten rid of when the Witchfinder General and the authorities came knocking at the door. The Paton is used by some Witches in the consecration of other tools, when calling the Elements, invoking or releasing of the quarters. It is associated with the female aspect, and the direction of North. It also represents the element of Earth |
| My Altar is an old oak blanket-box. I find it useful to keep items stored inside ~ and because no light gets in, it is handy for keeping Moonwater stored inside too- covered and settled in with many other useful 'Witchy' items: candles, herbs, Grimoire...etc. I don't have all my tools on display on the top of my altar at all times ~ I used to have the 'Bell, Book and Candle', but now find it best to simply display three candles, and a plant or herb there. I keep a small Altar cloth over the top of the box ~ mainly for protection of the wooden surface, and also a cork mat ~ mainly for sitting the thurible and candles on when they are lit. The Altar is your own space, it is sacred to you ~ a place to keep your tools in, on or under ~ Where you can put a few tools and meditate or cast spells from, using it as a centrepiece ~ Generally practise your Craft. |
| The broom is used for sweeping away negative energies ~ from a sacred space, within a circle, or anywhere around the hearth and home that you want to cleanse (ritually ~ though it is useful for housework too *smiles*) It is used in Hand-fasting ceremonies, and the couple should jump over the broom if they wish to have children. Many Witches' stand their broom brush upwards at the side of the doorway into their home. This is for protection, and to encourage good energy and luck into the home. When sweeping a circle, it should be done deosil (clockwise) to 'sweep away' and banish negative energies. |
| Besom |
| or Broom |
| The Chalice is a cup, a vessel for carrying wine, water ~ any liquid used in your spellcrafting that you may wish to drink, or dip your fingers into. Many are made from metals, but you have to be careful that the metal is not untreated. Goblets made from glass are highly popular ~ mainly due to availability, but some Witches' don't like to use lead crystal because of the influence of the lead (Saturn energy influence). Ceramic cups and chalices are now available, and some much prefer these. I have a wooden cup, two glass and several of other meatals. It doesn't matter how ornate or simple your chalice is ~ use whatever is available and comfortable for you. Some people use christening cups as a chalice ~ and these can be bought plain or engraved. My chalice is used if I need to have moonwater or another liquid nearby whilst performing a spell. I often have my fingers dipped in the liquid more often than my lips to the cup. Once again...use it as you feel you must. The Chalice is representive of the female aspect and the Element of Water ~ it is symbolic in the 'Great Rite' as the waters of life |
| or cup |
| Some Witches may wear certain items of clothing when they are spellcasting, as a symbol to them donning a Witch-like personality. I don't understand this aspect so much, as I feel I am a Witch and that is who I am ~ it is my pesonality, though I can understand the idea of wearing special clothing during a ritual or spellcasting to set this time apart from normal everyday life. Some sew Magickal symbols into or onto their robes and even hide small Magickal items into the lining and hems. Jewellry is also an added aspect of this ~ many Witches have special items of jewellry that hold special meaning to them whilst they are spellcasting ~ rings, pentacles, medallions, etc. These items are usually cleansed and empowered with specific energies and are a great asset to strengthening spells. Sometimes we wear special clothing to let other people know that we follow a certain path or way of beliefs. During the time when Witches were heavily persecuted, a hooded robe was an asset during night-time rituals ~ as when the authorities found the Witch, they could cover their heads with the hood, and disappear into the night |
| or robes of a witch |
| The Staff is usually used during rituals to mark the quarter points in a circle, or as a pole to hold banners or flags representing the elements or perhaps another symbolic emblem (when used like this the staff is sometimes called a 'stang'). The staff may be used in much the manner as the wand, though it is measured personally to reach your shoulder. And much the same as the wand, it may be decorated to your personal tastes ~ with carvings of runic or similar symbols, embelleshed with gems, feathers, crystals, or anything else that you feel makes the Staff your own. |
| A Thurible must be a heat resistant container, and is used mainly for burning hot coal and incense. Most commonly used are the Altar-cauldrons, as these are fire-proof and easily obtained. By burning incense in the thurible, we are purifying and cleansing an area ~ whather that be a sacred space, circle, or even the purification of a tool or a home. Incense is symbolic of air, and coal is symbolic of fire. It is the combination of these two that we purify and cleanse with. |
| or incense burner |
| The Wand can be used in replacement or instead of the Athame and the sword. You can buy a wand, or better still, make your own. Harvest a suitable branch from a tree (ask first! and leave a small token of thanks). DIY stores sell dowel rods, and these can be adapted and personalised to make a good wand ~ whatever works for you. The wand can be used to direct energy, cast circles, invoking and releasing the quarters and casting spells. Wands are made of many materials ~ glass, metal (including copper, brass, or silver), but the most found is still wood. I use my wand when directing energy in a small space ~ spell casting usually. Many Witches imbibe personal energy into a wand, and release that energy directly over an object when spellcasting (i.e. a candle, or symbols/words written on paper). The Wand represents the element of Air, and is the male East. |
| Swords have become very popular, and are used much the same in coven ritual as the Athame. During rituals, Witches may bring their own personal sword to use as a representation of authority and to mark the boundaries or quarter points of the circle. As a Solitary, I use the sword as an energy-release. I often hold the sword upright to the night sky, and send out positive energy and the wishes of a spell to the universe. |
| The Boline is a small white handled knife or dagger, that is used for ritual carving and cutting. Many Witches use their Boline when preparation, spellwork, or ritual calls for cutting some sort of material (i.e. herbs or ribbon). Other Witches use the Boline for all purposes ~ any cutting at all that they need to do. Because of this, some use a penknife, or kitchen knife. The main difference between a Boline and an Athame (other than the colour of the handle) is that the Boline has a sharp edge. More subtle differences include the main fact that most Witches believe the Athame to be used for the pointing of energies, whereas the Boline is a 'working' tool. My Boline is a working tool ~ I use it for cutting down candles, chopping herbs (I sometimes use the Athame for this purpose too), and I also use the Boline for preparing herbs before spellcasting. |
| or Boleen |
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