A Witch's Tools

The Tools you use should be comfortable to YOU. If you don't feel the need for a wand or a
cauldron etc., don't use them!

Altar: A key item in most magickal practices. Usually covered in a silk cloth when in use, and
stored in a silk bag when not in use. An altar can be made out of just about anything, though it
must fit in the magick circle. It is used to hold the other ritual tools, and can also be used as a
focal point for meditation.
Athame: (Pronounced a-THAM-ee or ATH-a-may) Used to direct raised energy. Usually a dull,
double-edged knife with a black handle. (black is used for energy obsorbtion.) Purly for ritual
purposes.
Bell: Ring the bell and it gives off vibrations which have powerful effects. Good for warding off evil, halting storms, or to envoke energy.
Bolline: Used as a working knife. Has a white handle to distinguish from the athame. It can be
used to cut herbs, carve wands, inscribe symbols into things etc.
Book of Shadows/Book of Spells: Used for recording spells, invocations, instructions,
incantations, prayers, recipes and magickal diagrams.
Broom: Used in rituals. It is used to purify an area at the beginning of a ritual. It sweeps away all the "astral buildup" caused by people every day.
Candles: Candles represent spiritual illumination and knowledge. Can be used to represent fire,
and to help focus the mind during meditation. They can also be placed on the altar to represent
the God and Goddess. They come in all different colours, each colour can be used for a different purpose. Runes and symbols may be carved into the sides of them. Candles should always be lit with matches, not a lighter, and once they are lit, they should not be touched. Candles which are used for decoration or lighting should not be re-lit for ritual purpose.
Cauldron: Used for cooking and making the oh-so famous witch brews, for rituals. You may think "why not just use a pot?" The cauldron has a way of seeming to transform something from common to magickal. It has a different feel than using a regular stove and pot. Though many witches do use the more modern way now. The cauldron is also a symbol of the goddess. The cauldron often sits near the middle, on or in place of an alter. Other than cooking, a common use for this tool is scrying.
Censer: Used to burn insence. Usually some type of bowel or cup is used.
Chalice: Used for holding ritual beverages. Directly related to the cauldron, and has the same
attributes. (In the past, witches would use a chalice or cup instead of a cauldron for two reasons. One: They were readily available and easy to find, and Two: It was less likely to get them burned at the stake.)
Crystal Sphere/Ball: A divination tool. Used for scrying, calling upon past life images, storing
raised power, or recieving messgaes from the Gods. It helps to heighten psychic awareness, and exposing it to moonlight once in a while can help even more. When looking for a Crystal Sphere, Quartz crystals are the best. They are also the most expensive (sometimes thousands of dollars.)
Cords: Made from silk, other natural materials, or perhaps nylon. A 9' red cord can be used for
initiations. Knots can be tied in a cord in certain patterns, and then untied later at a specific time
to release the spell's energy. They can be either be tied by a group of people, or an individual
while a spell is being chanted. Different colours have different symbolic meanings.
Pentacle: A flat piece of wood/metal/clay etc. inscribed with symbols, and of course the
pentagram (five pointed star) in the center. Amulets and other objects can be placed on it to be
consecrated. Can also be hung over doors for protection.
Staff: Directly related to the wand. Has the same attributes and uses. It is becoming more and
more popular with witches now.
Stone: Used in many the same ways as a Pentacle. Used as a tool of the North.
Sword: Same properties essentially as the athame. Used in outdoor rituals more than indoor, (for
obvious reasons.)
Wand:The wand is mainly used for invocation of the deities. It can also be used to direct energy or consecrate an object. Usually made of wood.