~Witches Tools~
The Athame
The athame is a magic knife. It is not used for cutting, but to direct energy raised during rites and spells. It is usually a dull, double-edged knife with a black or dark colored handle. Black absorbs power. Athames are sometimes engraved with magical symbols, but this is up to you.
The Bell
Vibrations are released when a bell is rung. The effects differ, depending on the tone, volume, and material of the bell. Any type of bell may be used.
A bell may be rung to signal the beginning and ending of a ritual. It also may ward off negativity or evoke good energies. It is protector if hung on a door. The bell is a feminine symbol. It is often used to invoke the Goddess in ritual.
The Boline
The Boline is a white-handled knife. It is an actual cutting knife. It is used to cut herbs, wands,
to inscribe symbols on other magical items, or cutting cords. It is not used just in circle.
The Broom (Besom)
Brooms have long been associated with witches because they were used in pagan rituals of marriage and birth. The stick is traditionally made of ash for protection. It represents the male. The brush is traditionally made from birch twigs for exorcism, purification, and also protection. It represents the female principle. A branch of willow is used to bind the stick and the brush together. The willow represents protection, healing, and love. Because of the sexual symbolism involved, the word "besom" was used as slang to describe a "loose" woman.
The broom is used in ritual and magic. This tool is sacred to both the Goddess and God. The broom became a powerful tool against curses. Even today many people hang a broom on the
front door of their home, but most do not know the symbolism of it. The area to be used for ritual is swept clean with the broom. The sweeping is more than a physical sweep of the area. Visualize the broom sweeping out all the negativity in the area. This clears the
way for more effective magic. The broom is a purifier that is linked the Element of Water, which is also a purifier. It is used in all types of water spells.
The Censer
The censer holds the incense burned during ritual. It may be one made of fancy metal, or a
beautiful shell from the sea. The censer represents the Element of Air.
The Cauldron
The word "cauldron" is from the Latin cauldus meaning hot and Sanskrit cra to boil. The cauldron is an ancient vessel of cooking, full of magical tradition and mystery. It is often the focal point of rituals. During spring rites it may be filled with flowers. During winter you may have a small fire in it to represent the returning heat and light of the sun (the God) from the cauldron (the Goddess). The cauldron may be used for scrying (gazing) by filling it with water.
The cauldron should be of iron with three legs. The opening should be smaller than the widest part. The shape of the cauldron represent mother nature, and the three legs the triple face of the moon goddess. They come in many sizes. This is usually the hardest tool to find.
The cauldron is a symbol of the Goddess, the essence of femininity and fertility.
It is a symbol of the Element of Water, reincarnation, immortality and inspiration.
The Cup
The cup may be make of silver, brass, pottery, stone, or anything. It is also a symbol of the
Goddess and fertility. It is used to hold water, or any beverage to be drunk for ritual.
The Pentacle
The pentacle is a flat piece of brass, gold, silver, wax, clay, wood, or other material. It is
usually inscribed with the pentagram. Objects that are to be ritually consecrated are placed
upon the pentacle. The pentacle represents the element of Earth.
The Wand
The word "wand" is derived from the Gothic word windan, meaning "wind" or "bind". The wand is used to bind the energy of the spell together.
The wand has been used for thousands of years in religious and magical rites. The Goddess and God are invoked with the wand. The wand is also used to direct energy, to draw magical symbols during ritual. Wands may also be used to stir a magical brew in your cauldron.
The wand represents the Element of Air and evokes the energy of the spell.
The energy is sent in the direction the wand is pointing.
Making a Wand
You may construct your wand using metal or wood.
Metal Go to your local hardware or home improvement store.
Find a length of metal tubing with a diameter that is comfortable for your hand.
Attach a crystal at one end using leather to wrap the crystal and secure it to the metal.
At the other end use fabric, leather or other material for a grip.
Engrave the wand with runes or symbols of your choice using an etching tool.
Decorate your wand with what you feel is appropriate.
You may use things like stones, feathers, shells, beads, or anything you feel belongs there.
Candles
Since the earliest times candles have been used in religious ceremonies.
They represent the power of light out of the darkness. It is knowledge and spiritual illumination. Ancient people used fire to symbolize the life force within each of us.
Candles are used to represent the Elements in ritual.
They are also used to focus the thought during meditation and create a special
atmosphere. Some Witches carve special patterns or runic symbols on their candles,
although this is not necessary.
Use fresh candles that are not cracked for each spell. Let the candles burn down.
Beeswax is best as it comes straight from nature. Because of this, they are considered more powerful. Try to keep at least two candles of each color.
Robes
Some Witches like to wear ceremonial robes for their rituals.
They feel it adds an intensity that might not be there otherwise.
It helps change your mind set from the days normal happenings to the special time of ritual.
Others believe that clothes hinder the energy that is built during ritual and perform in circle "skyclad" (nude).
If you prefer being clothed, represent the earth elements and chose a natural fiber cloth.
Most Witches go barefoot or wear leather sandals.
