Tools of the Craft Witches use tools to concentrate and direct energy during spells and ritual. The tools are an extension of the one using them, but the real magic comes from within. Tools are just that "tools". They become receptacles of energy but cannot work on their own.
Tools should be purified and charged when you first acquire them. An easy way to purify a tool is to rub it with Mugwort (available in most ocult and Pagan shops) and wrap it in a cloth. Visualize removing all negativity and past vibations from the tool. You can also smudge the tool with white sage to purify it.
To charge a tool after it is purified, your need to pass it through the elements--incense for east/air, salt or dirt for north/earth, water for south/water, and flame for south/fire. Affirm that this your tool, your gift from Mother Earth, and it will be used in only positive and helpful ways.
Your tools should be kept on your altar, or some special place where they will not be handled by a lot of people.
Primary Tools
ATHAME~ A double edge knife or dagger, usually black handled, never used for cutting. The tool of the East and Air. Energy swirls down one side of the knife, into the hand, and up the other side where it can be directed. It is pronounced "A-Thame", "Ath-a-may" or "Ath-ommy" depending on where you live. (I've heard all three)
WAND~ Wood is often the recommended material, although I have seen beautiful wands of glass and metal that are just as powerful. The tool of the South and Fire. It is an extension of the user's arm and is used to direct energy.
CHALICE~ Often glass or metal, it holds water for purification with salt on the altar. It can also be used for passing wine/ale/water etc, during the Simple Feast. The tool of the West and Water.
PENTACLE~An plate or disk with a pentagram etched or drawn into it. It is a power point where energy is concentrated, and is also used as a meditation tool.The tool of the North and Earth.
CAULDRON~Usually cast iron, but a fire proof bowl is sometimes used. This is a multi-purpose tool. It can be used to burn incense, mix herbs for spells, filled with water it can be used for scrying (divination). The tool of Spirit/Akasha/Center.Other Tools:
STAFF~Used primarily in Celtic traditions, a tool of directing energy
SWORD~A tool of command, often used to cast circles
CANDLES~Used to concentrate and direct energy. Certain colors are used depending on the desired results
BROOM/BESOM~ It's use probably relates to the Burning Times when it was dangerous to own "tools" and ordinary household object were used. Used much like a wand
SCOURGE ~Primarily a tool in Gardnerian covens, a whip used for purification during ritual. The desire effect is not pain, but awakening of the senses
WHITE HANDLED KNIFE~ an all purpose tool used for cutting fruits and herbs.
CRYSTALS/STONES~ Hold energy, used on the altar or to mark the corners of the circle
ROBES~ Many Wiccans own ceremonial robes that they wear only for ritual. Some prefer to work skyclad (naked) and some wear street clothes.
SMUDGE~ A twisted stick of dried herbs, usually white sage or cedar that is burned for purifying and to aid in concentration
DRUMS~ Often used to increase the groups energy and excitement and/or as a meditation aid
HEADBANDS/ARMBANDS~ Symbols of the God and Goddess, usually worn by the High Priest and High Priesess
CORDS~ used for binding a member during some rites (usually Gardnerian) or for marking the Circle
DIVINATION TOOLS~ Scrying mirrors, tarot cards, crystal balls, etc. Used for prediction and as meditation tools.
OF HOME THE WICCAN REDE THE PAGAN CREED THE CHARGES OF THE GOD AND GODDESS THE WHEEL OF THE YEAR THE DIRECTIONS AND ELEMENTS ALL ABOUT CIRCLES WITCHES' TOOLS PENTAGRAMS SYMBOLS CHANTS CANDLES AND COLORS ABOUT SHIELDS HERBS ABOUT MEDITATION ABOUT SPELLS GODS AND GODDESSES PAGE
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