~Sacred Tools~

There are several tools that are sacred to Witches. They are used in ritual, to help ground or move energy, and also in spellwork. The most basic, and important, tools are:

Athame (ATH-a-may)- This is traditionally a double edged dagger with a black handle. It represents the element of air. In ritual, the athame is used for invocation during the calling of the quarters, to consecrate the cakes and ale, and to cut a door in the circle should any have to step outside of it before the ritual is complete. The Athame is a male symbol, recognizing the Hunter aspect of God.
The athame should never be used to cut anything physical, nor should it be used to harm someone. It is a tool, not a weapon.
Finding an athame: If you are under 18, you may have trouble purchasing a dagger. Also, in some states, a double-edged knife is illegal. Look at Renaissance Fairs, Occult bookstores, or even stores that specialize in swords and daggers. You should avoid purchasing a dagger simply because it's pretty, or expensive, or because someone tells you it's "special". Let the dagger talk to you. Ask it if it's the right tool for you. When you find the right one, you'll know.
Consecrating the athame: Before you do magic work with any tool, you should consecrate it. Consecration drives out all the stray, weird, or bad energy that was in the tool before. This is very important if this is a tool that's been touched by many people (i.e.: if it came from a bookstore).
Take your bowl of blessed water (for directions on how to bless water click here.) and either place the blade of the athame into it, or sprinkle some of the water on it, saying words that are meaningful to you. Then, holding the athame by the handle, hold the blade in the incense smoke (again, say a prayer that is special to you). Hold it up, and present it to the Gods (You can say something like, "Allow this tool to be a vessel for your light and love." Make the words meaningful to you). It is now ready to be placed on your altar.
Wand- The wand represents the element of fire. During ritual, the wand is used to outline the circle, and can also be used for invocation. Some people call the quarters with a wand instead of an athame because both can be used to move energy. Traditionally, the wand should not be any longer then the distance between your fingertips and your elbow. If it is any longer, than it is a staff. It is also a male symbol, recognizing the Sage aspect of God.
Finding a wand: A wand is the easiest tool that you can make yourself. It can be made of any material, but I feel that wood is best. I have also seen wands made of metal, glass, and stone. Making one of wood is easiest. Find a good-sized branch. Peel away the bark, whittle it to the shape you wish it to be, and then sand it down. You can then add a gloss coat if you wish, or carve special symbols into it (such as a pentacle, runes, or your Craft name). Another good thing to do is to add crystals and/or stones. Having a clear quartz crystal at the top of your wand helps amplify the energy it draws in.
If you decide to buy one that is already made, BE CAREFUL! New Age and Occult bookstore have wands that are very elaborate, very beautiful, and VERY expensive. We bought our wand from a man standing outside of a bookstore selling ritual tools and doing tarot readings. He was a Witch, which made me feel better about buying a pre-made wand. The wand we got was very beautiful, and it moves energy very well! And, we didn't go broke buying it.
Consecrating the wand: Since your wand is most likely going to be made of a material that shouldn't be wet for too long, you may lay it beside your blessed water, and simply sprinkle the water on it. Then, run it through the incense smoke, and finally, present it to the Gods.
Chalice- Also called a cup, glass or goblet, this tool represents the element of water. The chalice is a relatively inexpensive tool to purchase. You can usually find handmade ceramic cups at any Craft fair or Renaissance festival for fewer than twenty dollars. The chalice can be made of any material, including glass and wood, but beware of pewter. While pewter may be beautiful, it contains lead, and is not always safe to drink from. During ritual, the chalice holds the ale (or wine, or juice, whatever you use). It is a female symbol, recognizing the Maiden aspect of Goddess.
Finding a chalice: Again, when you find the right one, you'll know. Keep in mind, however, that if you are working in a group or Coven, get one large enough for all to drink from. Our chalice is a beautiful, cobalt blue, with a silver pentacle on it. We have a coven of 5, and it serves us very well.
Consecrating the chalice: Since it was made to hold liquid, this is the easiest one to cleanse. Simply lay it in the dish of blessed water. Then run it through the incense smoke. Finally, hold it aloft, and present it to the Gods.
Pentacle- Traditionally a flat stone or metal disk with a five-pointed star inscribed on it, the pentacle represents the element of earth. During ritual, it is used to round up any stray energy, and is used a focal point for the Cone of Power. There is often confusion between a pentacle, and a pentagram. A pentacle is three-dimensional and is made of a physical material (metal, stone, wood, clay, etc.) Examples include, jewelry, amulets, charms, or those made for altars. A pentagram is the same five-pointed star, but it is either drawn or traced in the air by a finger, wand, or athame. It is two-dimensional, not an object. The pentacle is a female symbol, recognizing the Crone aspect of Goddess.
Finding a pentacle: Pentacles can be found at Occult and New Age bookstores, Renaissance festivals, and, sometimes, online. Your pentacle doesn't have to be elaborate or expensive. Let it talk to you. Get the one that means the most to you.
Consecrating the pentacle: Depending on what type of material your pentacle is made of, you'll want to either lay it in the dish of blessed water, or simply sprinkle the water on it. Hold it in the incense smoke, allowing the smoke to go between all the holes. Then, hold it aloft, and present it to the Gods.

Here are some other tools that are also very important to have. These are things that you can get after you get your basic tools and have your sacred space already established. Most of these can be found in Occult or New Age bookstores, and can be consecrated in the same way.

Book of Shadows: The Book of Shadows is a large, blank, unlined journal, used to hold your spells, rituals, and important happenings.
Bell: A brass bell makes the best sound, but any bell will do. It's used in the Calling of the Quarters. It's also said that the ringing of a bell draws the attention of angles and faeries.
Staff: A staff is usually a larger wand, without crystals and symbols. This tool is used primarily by Covens for special occasions, and moving lots of energy.
Sword: Again, this is usually a tool used by covens. It is a large version of the athame.
Candles: Our coven does all of our ritual by candle light. You should have at least three candles on your altar: a large pillar in the center, and two smaller candles on either side. The candle in the center (I call it the source candle) can be used to light all the other candles and the charcoal for the incense. The candles on either side represent the God and Goddess. On our altar, we have a silver ball candle for Goddess, and a gold ball candle of God.
Stones and crystals: Having different stones and crystals on the altar help draw more energy to it. They can also help you ground, help move energy, etc. depending on which stones you choose.
Ritual clothes and jewelry: You really shouldn't do ritual in jeans and a T-shirt. In our coven, we all have special robes, head dressed, jewelry, etc. that we use. I feel it makes the ritual more powerful when you wear clothing that is only used for that occasion.
Candles for the Quarters: I think it's best to have the quarters marked with special candles. We use candles that correspond in color to their respective elements: East- air- yellow, South- fire- red, West- water- blue, and North- earth- green.

There are many other things you can add to your altar, or the room where you keep your altar. It's all very much up to you! If you'd like to share some ideas about things you keep on your altar, I'd love to hear from you! Blessed Be!

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