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ALTAR - This can be any shape or size, it is a flat surface or
sometimes tiered, which you will rest ritual items on your Grimoire,
candles, etc. |
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ATHAME - This is a two-edged knife, usually black, white or
wood handled, some use swords instead. This is used to command & focus
energy & to draw magic circle. This is associated with the eastern
direction & the element of air & generally represents intellect. |
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BELL - This is a feminine symbol sometimes used to invoke
Goddesses, to ward off negativity or to invite positive energy. Some
covens use bells during ritual to signify the beginning or end of a
particular part of a ritual or spell. |
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BOLLINE - This is a knife with a carved blade & usually has a
white handle. It is used to cut herbs, carve magic symbols, inscribe &
cut chords. |
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BROOM - Also called besom, this is used to literally sweep away
negativity and purify space. You can make your own broom with an ash
staff, birch twigs & willow to bind it. During handfastings, couples
jump over a broom to solemnize their union. It is considered unlucky
to move from one place to another with the broom from your original
residence. (buy a new broom for a new home) |
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CANDLE - Different colors of this are used for different
spells. They can be used for divining by staring into the flame. It is
also used to represent the deities, element of fire & illumination. An
important tool for focusing & meditation. |
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CAULDRON - A symbol of woman / goddess. Can be utilized
symbolically, for scrying, for an indoor bonfire, as a censer for
incense or to hold items that are being burned. A large cauldron can
also be used for cooking, brewing, candle-making, etc. |
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CENSER - Used to burn incense in. A shell, ceramic bowl, cast
iron cauldron & others can be used as a censer & to burn petitions --
be sure to put in some sand, a heat pad or salt. These are used to
invoke mood, setting & frame of mind as well as to purify ritual tools
& areas. Some call the burner a Thurible. It should be heat resistant
& fireproof since it will hold hot coals or incense. |
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CHALICE - A female symbol, the chalice is used for the great
rite, cakes & wine or may simply be placed on the altar with water in
it to represent the element of water. This is a symbol of fertility,
emotions & the subconscious. Some traditions have a custom of lowering
the Athame into the chalice; this represents the Great Rite of union
between the god & goddess. |
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DIVINING TOOLS - Divining is a method in which a person can
seek advice or ascertain possible events yet to take place. There are
many ways to divine, as well as many tools used for divining. Use a
scrying mirror, a pendulum or tarot cards. |
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GRIMOIRE - Your book of shadows, a personal journal containing
notes as you progress through your studies. It's like a lesson book &
will hold all your notes about everything you learned. You will also
keep records of spell workings here. Typical entries are:
instructions, spells, recipes, prayers, rites, herbal lore,
ceremonies, crystal notations, correspondences, poetry, dreams, songs,
chants & a calendar. |
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HERBS - These can be used for magical purposes, such as in
spells or sachets or for medicinal purposes. Cooking goes without
saying. |
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INCENSE - This is burned to purify space, used in spells,
burned to create atmosphere for a reason. You can use stick, cone or
powdered. The powdered form is burned on charcoal blocks found in
pagan shops or religious supply shops. |
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OILS - Essential oils are commonly used to dress candles or to
anoint items & can also be used for medicinal purposes. It's important
to use only essential oils, not those that say essential fragrance.
You can use olive oil if you don't have any other oils. |
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PENTACLE - A flat disc with a five pointed star. Used to
represent earth, the elements, spirit, etc. Objects can be placed on
the pentacle for magical workings. it is used to invoke, protect,
bless, consecrate, etc. Generally, a single point is up, representing
life / spirit & the other four points represent the elements as well
as human body. |
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STAFF - A long, usually wooden stick, about shoulder height. It
is used as both a walking stick & in the same way as a wand, to focus
energy to a certain point. |
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STONES / CRYSTALS - There are many uses of gemstones &
crystals, they can be used to represent earth, carried for protection,
used in spells, added to magical pouches, etc. They will enhance your
power to focus. |
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SWORD - In some traditions, a sword is used instead of an
athame for directing power or a coven might have a coven sword while
each person still retains his/her athame. |
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WAND - Also can be used for directing energy. Usual length is
from the elbow to the middle finger. Some witches use dowel rods,
others use ash or birch & others make wands of copper & set them with
crystals. Generally, ther represent fire, but some traditions use the
wand for air & the athame / sword for fire. |
