Tools of the Craft

ATHAME
(A-thá-mee) this is a ritual knife. This is used by a witch during rituals and spells to direct his or her energy. Generally, it it used just to direct energy when casting the circle. It would be pointed to the ground and to the sky when drawing the sphere of energy. Many witches have beautifully ornate athames, while others have very simple ones. Many also choose not to use one. The athame is never used to cut (especially yourself) but sometimes is used for inscribing words, sigils, symbols in candles, etc.

WAND
The wand would be used in place of the athame, for the same purpose. However, some witches do use both for different things. A wand directs energy and is normally made of wood. Many witches make their own wands using a stick from a tree. It can be decorated, you can make inscriptions in it, place a crystal or other gem on the tip, whatever you prefer.

CENSER
This is your incense holder. It can be an actual incense burner you purchase from a store, or you can make one. If you use a bowl, just fill it with either salt or sand, and place your incense on top to burn it. This protects the bowl. When you begin practicing, or if you aren't able to be public about your practise, you can just use any bowl you own as your censer.  But, keep this bowl especially for this purpose, don't continue to eat cereal from it if you are using it as a Craft tool!

CHALICE
This is the cup you drink your wine or juice from in your rituals or spells. Generally, witches drink a ritual beverage after completing a spell. This helps to replenish your body with energy after you send all your energy out from you into the world. You can be very exhasted after a spell, and eating a cookie, piece of cake, and drinking your ritual beverage after the spell helps revive you a bit. This isn't necessary if you choose not to make it a part of your practise.

PENTACLE
The pentacle is the 5 pointed star you see many places. It is a symbol of the 4 elements, and also spirit (akasha). The 5 pointed star without the circle is a pentagram. With the protection circle, it is usually called a pentacle. It is used to invoke power and also to banish and to consecrate tools. You can draw an invoking pentacle in the air when inviting deities or the guardians, etc., to witness your rites. It is a powerful symbol and serves many purposes. Most witches have a pentacle placed on their altar. You can purchase one, or make one. Drawing one on cardboard is sufficient if you have no other ways of creating one.

CANDLES
You can have a candle on your altar to represent the god, and one for the goddess if you wish. This isn't necessary, just a preference. You should light these candles as you invite the deities to your circle. You can also place candles at the four corners of your circle to represent the elements/guardians. And, you should always have an altar candle. This is lit first, and all other candles should be lit with the altar candle.

INCENSE
Some people always use incense in spells. You can use both store-bought stick and cone incense and make your own. You can also burn incense to honor the god and goddess.

CANDLEHOLDERS
You can use any type of holder for your candles, just consecrate them and use them in your rites only.

ALTAR
Your altar can be basically any type of platform, table, etc. If you are unable to use something specifically for your altar- especially if you are a teenager or are just unable to practise freely and openly- you can use an end table, nightstand, etc., and use it for it's original purpose as well. Just cleanse the table well before using in your rites to dispell negative energy.

BESOM
The besom is your broom. A broom is used to "sweep away" negative energy in your sacred space. This isn't something you must do, but it's a wonderful way to help you concentrate on being positive and rid the area of negativity.

CAULDRON
The cauldron represents the womb of the goddess. In your cauldron, you can mix herbs, oils, teas, and any brews you might make in your spells or rituals. Your cauldron can be anything- you can even use a pot from your kitchen if you can't buy something especially for this purpose. It doesn't have to be big- it can be as small as a bowl if you want it to. As with other tools, just make sure you consecrate it. Your cauldron should also be heat resistant so that you can heat up your teas or other brews if you need to. Use your imagination and you will find something suitable for your cauldron. Most likely, your cauldron will only be used occasionally.