The Tools
The Athame: a dark-handled knife used to direct energy in circle casting. The athame is a symbol of the Lord.
The Bowl of Salt Water: for cleansing and consecrating.
The Book of Shadows: a book in which a person writes prayers, poems, rituals, spells, herb lore, oil correspondences, meditations, recipes for oils, incense, and Sabbat & Esbat food and drink. Though the BOS has been traditionally handwritten by Pagans of the past, today some people type or photocopy entries into it. Some today have a "Floppy Disc of Shadows" lol
The Broom: used to sweep an area clean of negative vibrations before ritual work.
Candles (for all rituals): to add beauty and energy to all workings. Also may be lit in honor of the Lord and Lady, and in celebration of the holidays.
The Boline: a white-handled knife used forcutting hebs, wands, inscribing symbols on other items, or for cutting cords.
The Bell: vibrations are released when a bell is rung. May be rung to signal the beginning or end of a ritual. Also a protector if hung over a door. The bell is used to invoke the Lady during ritual.
The Censor: holds the incense burned during ritual. May be made of a fancy metal or a beautiful sea shell. The censor represents Air.
The Cauldron: for scrying, holding liquids, heating herbs, holding herbs/flowers. The cauldron is a symbol of the Lady. The cauldron can be small, or huge. Whatever fits your preference.
The Cup/Challice: for holding liquids to be drunk during ritual.
The Sword: If the Pagan desires, he/she may use a sword in place of an anthame. Most people prefer to use an athame, though, because a sword might be difficult to work with in indoor rituals.
The Wand: evokes the energy of a spell. Energy is sent in the direction that the wand is facing. The Wand represents the element of Air
Robes: Many wear robes in ritual, while others go skyclad (nude).
The Altar
A basic altar is as follows:
Any shaped table, windowsill, or floor area in which an altar is set up ( may have an altar cloth covering it ).
The Goddess candle and her tools are placed on the left, and the God candle and tools are placed on the right.
Create a space for your opened BOS (either on the altar or underneath it ).
The altar can be facing any direction.
Remember, the altar is sacred. Only put objects directly connected to your spirituality on it.
Dress & Jewelry
There are no strict rules as to dress in ritual. You can practice skyclad, or you may set aside special clothes and jewelry for these special occasions.
Just dress in what makes you most comfortable. It is up to the person as to what type of dress is right for ritual.
Color Correspondences for Robes
YELLOW: an excellent color for thse involved with divination.
PURPLE: for those who work with Magick or who wish to deepen their spiritual awareness of Goddess & God.
BLUE: for healers and those who work with their psychic awareness or for attuning with Goddess in her oceanic aspect.
GREEN: empowers herbalists and magickal ecologists.
BROWN: for thse who attune with animals or who cast spells for them.
WHITE: symbolizes pure spirituality and purification, for cleansing rituals and meditation. Also for Esbats.
ORANGE/RED: for Seasonal Celebrations, protective rites and for attuning with God in his fiery solar aspect.
BLACK: the blackness of outer space, the ultimate source of divine energy.
