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The Quick and Dirty on the Tools of the Trade

Certain tools are used in Wicca for ritual purposes, such as to invoke the God or Goddess, banish negative influences and cast circles. While these tools are not necessary to practice Wicca, I find they are helpful in increasing concentration and directing energy. Most tools correspond to certain elements of nature, such as Earth, Air, Fire and Water, and are particularly helpful when performing rituals centering around that particular element. Some of these tools may be difficult to find, but don't worry - the right one eventually will come to you. On my links page, I have listed several on-line merchants that carry many of these items.

Athame

The magick knife is commonly linked with the element of Fire. Most Wiitches do not use it for cutting purposes, or for any purposes outside the circle. The athame is used in ritual to direct energy and is an instrument of power and manipulation. The blade is often dull and double-edged and the handle is black or some other dark color to absorb power.

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Book of Shadows

The Book of Shadows is your personal collection of rituals, spells, ideas and thoughts about Wicca, etc. Many covens have a group Book of Shadows, while solitaries keep one for themselves. Traditionally, it's supposed to be handwritten and many Wiccans may suggest strict adherence to that. I, however, keep most of my Book of Shadows on my hard drive on my computer and know several others who do the same thing. Again, whatever is most comfortable for you is what you should use.

Broom

The broom often is used to purify space before a circle is cast. It is related to the element of Water and is used in many water spells involving cleansing. It also historically has been used to protect the home by laying it across the door. To make a magick broom, it is suggested that you use an ash staff, birch twigs and a willow binding. Ash is protective, birch cleansing and willow sacred to the Goddess.

Cauldron

The cauldron is a symbol of the Goddess and corresponds to the element of Water. It is used in ritual as a container in which magickal transformations can occur and is often a focal point of a ritual. During spring rites, it can be filled with water and fresh flower petals and in winter, fires can be lighted within the cauldron to symbolize the rebirth of the Sun. It can also be filled with water and used for scrying into the future. Cauldrons often are three-legged and made of iron. They come in all sizes ranging from a few inches in diameter to several feet across.

Chalice

The altar chalice symbolizes the Goddess and fertility and is related to the element of Water. I generally use mine to hold the ritual wine that is imbibed at the end of a rite, but it can also be used for holding water for scrying into the future or other ritual purposes. The chalice can be made out of any substance, from silver or brass to wood or soapstone.

Censer

The censer, or incense burner, represents the element of Air. It can be a big, swinging metal contraption like those used in Catholic churches or a small wooden stick incense holder - whichever feels most comfortable for you. I personally use both the stick holders and the metal ones for powdered incense. If you can't find a suitable censer, a bowl filled with sand or salt works fine. The sand or salt absorbs the heat from the charcoal, or incense sticks or cones can be pushed into it. I find that incense greatly increases my concentration and is especially useful in meditations.

Pentacle

The pentacle is often used an an instrument of protection - it can be hung over doors and windows or worn about the neck as a pendant. The five points on the pentacle represent each of the five elements; Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Spirit. In ritual, the pentacle can be used to consecrate other ritual tools. It can be made out of brass, silver, wood, clay or any other material that can be engraved.

Wand

The wand, an instrument of invocation, corresponds to the element of Air. It is sometimes used to direct energy, to scratch magickal symbols in the ground or to stir the contents of a cauldron. Woods such as willow, elder, oak, hazel and apple are traditionally used for the wand, but any fairly straight piece of wood can work. Many carve special symbols into the wood to personalize the wand. I've also seen some beautiful wands made out of crystal with gems and stones set into them.