Tools Of A Witch
Athame a traditional ritual dagger. Usually black handled and double edged. It is a tool of command. It is used to direct what power we pass through it. It is used to cast a circle, consecrate objects, and banish negative energies. It is never used in mundane life! It is a phallic symbol associated with the God. As an elemental tool, sometimes it is associated with Fire or Air.
Pentacle usually a round solid disc made of stone, wood, or copper. On the disc is an upright five point star enclosed in a circle engraved or painted. The pentacle is usually the centerpiece of the altar on which objects are placed to be consecrated or charged. The pentacle represents Earth although all five points represent all the elements including Spirit.
Wand traditionally the wand is made from wood of a sacred tree; willow, elder, oak, apple, peach, hazel, or cherry. Length should equal the crook of your elbow to middle of index finger. The wand is a tool used to invoke the gods, goddesses, and spirits. It is also used to bless, charge objects, and draw down the moon. The wand represents Air or Fire.
Censer an incense burner used to contain burning incense. It is normally placed before the images of the God and Goddess on the altar. The censer represents Air.
Chalice a symbol of containment. Represents the womb of the Goddess. The base symbolizes the material world, the stem symbolizes the connection between man and spirit, and the rim symbolizes receiving spiritual energy. The chalice holds blessed water or wine. Represents the element of Water
Besom sacred to both God and Goddess. The God through it’s phallic shape. The Goddess through it’s three piece make up (stick, brush, cord) being symbolic of The Tripe Goddess (maiden, mother, crone).Traditionally made of three different woods; Ash for the handle, Birch for the brush, and Willow for the binding cord. Ash is protective and commands over the the four elements. Birch is purifying and Willow is sacred to the Goddess. In ritual it is used to symbolically sweep away negative energies and astral build up. It is also used in weddings and handfastings. The couple leaps over the broom together to ensure fertility, longevity, and harmony.
Bolline white handled practical knife. Use it to cut wands and herbs, to mark and carve candles, and to cut cords used magically.
Cauldron this is the container where transmutation, germination, and transformations may occur. Symbolizes the womb of the Goddess and manifests the essence of femininity and fertility. Everything is born from the cauldron of the Goddess. Afterwards, everything returns back. Also symbolizes Water, reincarnation, immortality, and inspiration.
Bell ritual tool of invocation and banishment. Symbolizes the Goddess. Typically rung at the beginning of the rite by banishing negative forces. Sometimes rung at the four quarters to call forth the Watchers.
Book Of Shadows the workbook. All things related to rites, spells, and the individual witch’s practice are recorded within the pages. Traditionally it is handwritten but choose the best method for yourself.
