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 Tools
Basics of tools - This is a small list of some of the tools commonly used by Pagans and Wiccans. These tools are used in ceremonies, for rituals, and sometimes during celebrations. These tools are generally considered personal in nature. They can be bought as ready-made implements, but many Pagans prefer to create their own. The time and effort placed into the creation of some of these tools is considered by many to be a tribute to their beliefs, and a labor of love for their religion. The tools are usually cleansed and blessed, before use.
They are always stored in a safe place away from negative energies, and are used only for their ceremonial and celebratory purposes.
Tools are never thought of as having any power. Certain tools are used to focus power, or energy, but this energy comes from within the person. The tools are used only as an implement for focusing that energy. The tools are considered by many to be more for ceremony, rather than necessity. Some Pagans choose to practice without the use of some, or any, tools.
Some of the common tools are edged implements. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the TRUE practices of Pagans and Wiccans, the harming of others is strictly forbidden. Human and/or animal sacrifices are NOT performed by Pagans or Wiccans. This may be in direct contradiction to what you may have seen in some movies, or heard at camp-fire stories. Those stories would have been a bit too boring if the simple rituals that are actually performed had been recounted.
Circle - The circle, sometimes referred to as a "Witch's Circle" or "Circle of Power", is the area in which Pagans and Wiccans perform many of their rituals, and perform spells. It can be of a permanent design on a floor. Most Pagans, however, prefer to worship outside, where they can be closer to nature. The circle is often created on the ground by scratching a circle in the dirt. Others do not create a physical circle, they simply create a circle of energy without any markings. Some use a cord, or rope, to create a circle. Whether or not the circle is physically marked, it is a circle of energy. Some prefer to envision it as a cylinder of energy reaching toward the heavens. Others prefer to think of it as a sphere of energy surrounding them. The size of a circle is usually determined by the number of practitioners it will need to accomodate.
Altar - The altar is an object with a flat surface on top. It is often round in shape, but doesn't have to be. Tree stumps, tables, and many other objects can be used as altars, or you can make your own. The altar is where most of the other tools are placed. The altar is usually located in the center of the circle. The diameter of the altar should be large enough to hold all of the tools you will be using.
Athame - The athame is basically a dagger, or short knife. It is often considered to symbolize the God. It can be single or double edged, but the double-edged style is often more desired. To some, the double edge reminds us of the duality of all things, and is also a reminder of only using power to help others. Power and magick can be considered "double-edged blades". The use of any power or magick to bring harm to another can only result in harm to the practitioner.
The athame is commonly used for focusing and directing your personal energies, for use outside yourself. It is often used in the casting of a circle. It is never used for cutting or slicing. It is a common tool for a solitary practitioner.
Sword - The sword can also be of a single or double edge design, but is almost always double-edged. The symbolism and uses of the sword are the same as for the athame. The sword is more commonly used by the High Priestess and/or High Priest of a coven, rather than by a solitary practitioner.
The sword is also never used for cutting or slicing.
Wand - The wand is sometimes used instead of the athame or sword. It's symbolism and uses are the same as for the sword and athame. It is commonly used by solitary practitioners, as well as by covens. Some prefer to use an athame or sword and the wand in their rituals. The athame or sword is often used to cast the circle. The wand is then used for the focusing of energy in ceremonies or spell-casting. Although, it can also be used for casting the circle. Some prefer not to use the wand for focusing energy, only for ritual invocation.
Chalice - A cup, usually placed on the altar, which symbolizes the Goddess. The round fullness of the cup is a reminder of fertility and birth. The chalice is often filled with juice or wine. Some worshippers drink from the chalice, in tribute. Others prefer to pour the drink on the ground, as an offering. Some prefer to do a combination of the two practices, sharing what they have with the Goddess.
Cauldron - The cauldron is another symbol of the Goddess. Fires are sometimes lit within the cauldron. It may sometimes be filled with water and/or herbs and plants. Flowers are sometimes placed around the cauldron, to further symbolize the fertility of the Goddess, or as tribute to her.
Censer - An incense burner. The incense is sometimes used to help in the purification process of the circle. The incense is also used to help heighten awareness between the physical and spiritual self. This is the same incense that is available in any local store.
Bowls - On an altar, it is common to find two bowls. Usually, one is filled with water, while the other is filled with salt. The salt and water are used together, or sometimes separately, for purification purposes. They may be used to help purify the circle, or they can be used for purification of the tools.
Candles - Two candles are sometimes placed on the altar, to represent the God and Goddess. Often, four candles are also placed near the edge of the circle, one at each of the cardinal directions (North, East, South, and West). |
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