In Magick many different types of tools are used. Whether it is a wand or a cauldron they are all very important. I am just going to list the main tools used for Magick on this page.
THE ATHAME
~The Athame is normally a dark or black handled, double-sided knife or dagger. The athame is normally dull, for it is not used to cut. The athame is used to direct energy and is often employed when casting circle. Symbols and words are sometimes engraved on the handle, but it is not necessary. The athame is the tool of the East and is associated with the element of Air. In some traditions it is the tool of Fire. The athame is phallic in nature and is therefore a masculine tool and linked to the God.
THE WAND
~The wand is one of the most renown of the tools and one of the most versatile. Traditionally, the wand is made from the wood of many different kinds of trees including willow, elder, oak, hazel, and fruit trees. The length of the wand varies from tradition to tradition, but it is safe to say that the wand should be fairly straight, comfortable in your hand and is not so long as to be unwieldy. When searching for wood for your wand, even wood from a building supply store will work. If you take your wood from a living tree, remember to ask the tree first, then thank it for its sacrifice. Wands can also be made of crystals and metal. Make the wand your own by carving or painting symbols on it, adorning it with ribbons, whatever makes the wand special to you. The wand is used mostly to invoke the God and Goddess, direct energy, and to charge other objects. It is used to draw symbols on the ground and even to stir the cauldron. The wand is the tool of the South and is associated with Fire. In some traditions it is the tool of Air. The wand is phallic in nature, is a masculine tool and is sacred to the Gods.
THE PENTACLE
~Of all the symbols and tools used in witchcraft, this is probably the most misunderstood. The pentacle is usually a flat piece of metal or wood inscribed with a pentagram, a five-pointed star. The pentacle came from ceremonial magic and has been used in ritual and magick for thousands of years. It is used to represent feminine energy and to consecrate objects such as amulets and charms. The pentacle is also a traditional symbol of protection and is one of the official symbols of a Wicca.The pentacle is the tool of the North and is associated with Earth. The pentacle is feminine in nature and represents the Goddess.
THE TRIPPLE GODDESS SIGN
This is the symbol of the goddess. It is used in certain spells such as the simple wish spell on the assorted spells page.
THE CAULDRON
~The cauldron is an ancient tool of magick and ritual. It is normally a three-legged vessel, ideally made of iron and has the opening smaller that the body of the cauldron. They come in a variety of sizes from little ones that can be held in one hand to giant cauldrons that take three strapping young men to move. Finding cauldrons may not be easy, but there are mail order houses that they can be ordered from or possibly a metal smith could help you out. The cauldron is used for many different purposes. It is used for magickal brewing and cooking, and is used for scrying. It is used many different ways during ritual, especially the rituals of the Sabbats. The cauldron is the tool of the West and is associated with Water. The cauldron is feminine in nature and represents the Goddess, fertility and femininity.
THE CENSER
~The censer is an incense burner. It can be an ornate brass burner that hangs from chains or something as simple as a small ceramic bowl. The censer is used to burn the incense that are often offered to the Deities, as well as being used to invoke the spirits of the Air, the Sylphs and Faery. The censer is a tool of the element Air.
THE BROOM
~The broom is a tool of magick and ritual that is still used by Witches today. The traditional Witch's Broom is made of ash, birch and willow because of the attributes of those woods, but it can be made of just about any wood available. Although not employed for flying purposes, the broom does have many uses. It is used for protection. It is also and most commonly used for physically and magickally cleaning an area that will be used for sacred space. The broom does not have to touch the ground to sweep away the psychic clutter that often collects in well used spaces. Brooms are also often used in handfasting rituals. The broom is associated with Water and is sacred to both the God and Goddess.
BOOK OF SHADOWS
~This by far is the most important tool used in Magick. The Book of Shadows is a book that contains a witch's rituals, spells, runes, dreams, recipes, etc. The Book is normally a secret book. What is found with in the Book is often spells and such copied from other sources and, of course, those that are uniquely your own. The Book is a record of a witch's magickal work. What is wonderful about it is that every Book of Shadows should be a little different. To make a Book of Shadows, any blank book will do. Most are hard bound, but that's not mandatory.
THE STAFF
~The Staff directly relates to the wand and has the same attributes and uses. Staves are used very frequently by witches today. I've seen some of the most beautiful hand crafted staves that are both functional and works of art.
THE STONE
~The Stone is used in much the same way as the pentacle and relates to it in many ways. It is a tool of the North and represents the Earth. Again, the Stone is another tool that is often thought to be a trade off for many witches. Where a pentacle can be an inflammatory symbol, much misunderstood, just about everyone has rocks lying around in some form or another. Only you need know what meaning it really has.
THE SWORD
~The Sword directly relates to the athame and has the same attributes and uses. The sword is still used by many witches in ritual and magick.
THE CHALICE
~The Chalice is actually used more today than its direct descendent, the Cauldron. The Chalice has the same attributes and is used in many of the same ways as the Cauldron. This is again an example of witches using what they had and what would not get them burned at the stake. During those dark years, everyone had drinking vessels, but not everyone had cauldrons. Witches just used their chalices for more than quenching thirst.
Thats it for the main tools used in Magick. Some are related and some aren't. I hope this page was of use to you.
Blessed Be, Conscious
