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The basic working tools of the craft include athame, Wand, and White Handled Knife. Other items needed for your altar are candles, chalice, pentagram, incense burner, salt dish, water dish, and cauldron.
Athame
The Athame has a double edged blade to remind us that what ever we do will return to us three times over. The handle of the Athame is usually black although some have them made of a particular stone or wrapped in strips of leather. The Athame is used to cast the circle, invoke and dismiss the Watchtowers, consecrate the Cakes and Wine, and to direct energy into the Universe.
Wand
The Wand is a gentler tool than the Athame. It can be used for many of the same purposes as the Athame. But, when you are working with softer elements such as the Nature Spirits it is more appropriate. Whenever possible, you should make your own wand. Use a slender piece of wood from an oak, ash, hawthorne, elder, or apple tree. (Apple is especially good for love wands.) Wrap it with copper wire and attach crystals to the ends. For fertility wands, pinecones and acorns are nice attachments. I ascribe the Athame to to the Fire Element and the Wand to the Air Element. Many people reverse this order. But to me, air is much gentler than fire. You should work each tool with both Elements and decide which feels right for you.
White-Handled Knife
This is you working craft knife. It is used to carve candles, chop herbs and incenses, and do general cutting of items used in the craft.
The remaining items listed above are self-explanatory. They are used at specific times during a ritual.
Robes
You may have noticed that I did not mention a robe. I work sky-clad (nude) or robed, depending on what I am doing. If you decide to work robed, may I suggest you set aside a specific garment for ritual purposes and use it for nothing else. Also avoid anything that is tight, especially around the waist, ankles, or wrists as the tightness tends to inhibit the flow of energy.
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