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witchcraft's working tools
As in most religions, Wicca makes use of certain items as tools in ritual and in the performance of magick. Many of these tools have gained their own reputation, much of it misconceived, among the uneducated masses and with the popular media.
You may find your own personal tools anywhere, such as in antique stores, at markets, junk stores, garage sales, and of course nowadays, in occult and metaphysical stores. A true practitioner might want to make some of the tools as well, at least those which can be made by them. Just remember that the tool, be it a lavish, crystal encrusted athame or just an old, scratched knife, it must feel right for you. Wood for wands and staffs can be found in the forests and when it is right for you, they will present themselves to you and you must then ask the tree or shrub permission to take them, leaving a little "something" behind s an offering.
There are many systems, traditions and paths of Witchcraft toay. We are herein attempting to outline The basic Working Tools, giving also only a basic outline of their various descriptions. Actually, some Witches, especially from the more Traditional and the Old Religion use no tools at all excepting perhaps a walking stick (nowadays) or a special staff and in ritual might merely bathe in the moonlight and silently offer their words to the Goddess on their own. Of course there are many others, within and without the framework of Witchcraft, but mainly found amongst the many Ceremonial Magicians that work in very elaborate ritual settings, with many tools and props to carry out their work.
The tools might be classified as symbolic, but actually do have great purpose as well. They direct and receive energies, invoke the God and Goddess, and banish all realms of negativity. As witches, it is important that we gather at least some of these items, consecrate them, and use them. It is not necessary to have tools, but they do lend their energies, energies you've infused them with, to whatever magick or ritual you're performing.
ATHAME: (pronounced "a-thAM-ay"
or "ATH-a-may" or "ah-thah-may")
Many Witches own one or more ritual knives. These are commonly known as "athames" in Wiccan circles. In the Scottish traditions, the knife is called a "yag-dirk" and in Seax Wicca it is known as a "seax" (see-ax).
As with all ritual tools, the athame is a very personal magickal item-one which you will want to take some care in obtaining. It should fit well and comfortably in your hand and you should feel drawn to it in a certaiin way, (you will know it when you feel it)
Some Witches make their own blades or "personalize" purchased ones with runes, carvings and other symbols; all of which serve to blend the energy of the tool with their own magickal intentions, although I personally do not like to do this and my Mother Coven never did it either. I believe that this practice came more from the "Key of Solomon" though and High Magick and not from the very secretative and protected (especially during the Christian persecution) practice of Witchcraft.
Modern Witchcraft criteria almost always states that the Athame is a "black handled - double edged iron blade." You may call this , "the classical Athame" if you like, but nowadays many other practitioners are now using Athames made from stainless steel, copper, silver and various other metals, and even carved stone. It is entirely up to you! Some Wiccans have treasured family heirlooms, or even simple letter openers which serve the same purpose, if not more so because of the great sentimental value and therefore power within it. Some Traditional Witches, as said before, never use a blade at all! So you can see, it is more important that the tool you choose suits you personally rather than reflect the latest fashion craze.
The athame can be used to cast the magick circle, call the "quarters" or elements, and is part of many an opening ritual, handfasting (wedding) or initiation rite.
It is associated with the element of Fire and the South, (although some Wiccan paths, such as the older Alexandrian Tradition believe it to be of the element Air, and the Wand belonging to fire, which is their prerogative of course. But in saying this, I have always felt that our knife represents and feels more fire like, much more than it ever could feel air like, because of its very nature and inversely, the wand representing air which "feels" right and more airish to me). As most everyone by now is aware, the Alexandrian Tradition is very close to Gardnerian with now only a few minor changes.
It is customary in some traditions to have your Athame given to you as a gift. Some Witches or ceremonial workers even give their tools a magickal "name". (This practice has become a common reference in many role playing games and fantasy novels.) The important thing is to properly consecrate any Tool before you use it and in the case of the Athame, we always suggest that after consecration, you do not let any other person handle it, but that you yourself must handle it as often as you can to start with and even sleep with it under your pillow (in its sheath) to imbue it with your own personal vibrations and power until it becomes one with you. Please remember the Wiccan Never let another person handle your Athame without your express permission and of course, never handle another Witch's Athame without asking first.
Almost all materials written state-and most Witches/Wiccans, with the possible exception of the Sax Wiccans, agree- that magickal tools should not be used for any other purpose than ritual work. Often the blade is left "dull" or unsharpened because of this. (Another blade, the "boleen", with a white handle is sometimes used to harvest herbs or carve symbols, but not used for ritual work.) Some Witches will not let their tools be touched by anyone other than themselves. Some covens or working groups share common tools. It is, other than for those who are dedicated into a specific Tradition, what you are comfortable with.
The Athame is the tool of the South and is associated with the element of Fire.
The Athame is phallic in nature and is therefore a masculine tool and linked to the God.
THE SWORD:
The Sword directly relates to the Athame and has the same attributes and uses and can be used in place of, or in addition to it. The sword is still used by many witches in ritual and magick today, especially with the coming of the modern "Celtic Revival", the sword has actually become a very popular-and quite a showy- magickal tool.
Most groups who hold rituals indoors usually limit the use of the sword to just one for the Priest/Priestess. Thirteen five- foot swords in a nine foot Circle could get a bit messy.
However at festivals and outdoor rituals, Witches often bring their own swords to mark the boundaries or quarter points of the circle.
THE CAULDRON:
One of the most common symbols of Witchcraft, the cauldron was once found sitting by the fireplace in almost all homes. The cauldron-traditionally with three legs- represents bounty and blessings. In some Celtic Traditions, it is associated with otherworldly figures such as Bran the Blessed and the Goddess Cerridwen. Based on these myths, the cauldron has also come to represent the concept of reincarnation and the cycles of birth, death and rebirth. Many Witches believe in some form of reincarnation or the transmigration of souls.
The cauldron is an ancient tool of magick and ritual and is used for many different purposes, such as when being used to represent water and used for scrying. It is sometimes used in association with elemental fire as well and small "bonfires" can be lit in them to burn spells or incense. Jumping over the cauldron has replaced the "bonfire" leap in modern times and urban spaces. It can, depending on intent and use, be placed in the Female West (as water) or Male South (with fire). Cauldrons range in size from the small altar models to the antique "floor" type. Many Witches have cauldrons in various sizes for different workings and purposes. Of course, it can also be used for magickal brewing and cooking
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 CHALICE:
The chalice or cup is used on the altar to represent the Female principle of Water. Another chalice or cauldron is sometimes placed in the West as well.
The chalice along with the Athame, Sword or Wand are the modern tools which are used in the enactment of the "Great Rite"- the union of the male and female principle from which Life will spring.
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 (minus the cooking parts).
Chalices may be of any material. Many use wood, coconut, silver or pewter, (in saying that though, be careful with untreated metals when serving wine, and also pewter that goes an off colour), but ceramic ones are now quite popular and readily obtainable. Some Witches have many different kinds for different types of rituals. Many practitioners will try to avoid real "lead" crystal because of the Saturn energy influence.
The chalice is sometimes passed around the circle so each participant may take a sip from the cup. This is a bonding experience and often the words "May you never thirst!" are passed throughout the circle with the chalice.
Libations of wine or water are often then poured outside to honor the Old Ones and "Sabbat" cakes are also offered back to the Source in a similar manner after partaking within the Circle by all present.
The ALTAR PENTACLE OR PATON:
Of all the symbols and tools used in Wicca and witchcraft, this is probably the most misunderstood. The pentacle is usually a flat piece of metal, wood, stone and even wax inscribed with a pentagram, a five-pointed star. Today, many traditions also inscribe special marks and signs that represent the degree structure also. This is set upon the altar and used as a focal point of concentration for many magickal workings.
The pentacle actually evolved from ceremonial magic and has been used in ritual and magick for thousands of years. It is used to represent feminine Earth 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 WAND:
The wand represents the element of Air and the Male East. The wand is one of the most renown of the tools and one of the most versatile.
The wand can be used to cast the circle or direct energy in other magickal ways, such as in spells and incantations. There are even wands nowadays made of glass, copper, silver and other metals, but I still insist that the "classic" material is still wood. Various woods have different magickal associations and uses.
Traditionally, the wand is made from wood of many different kinds of trees including willow, elder, oak, hazel, and fruit trees. It actually replaces the staff and can be thought of being very similar to the Cup sometimes replacing the ancient cauldron, or the Sword with the Athame.
You should preferably make your own Wand, or at the very worst or last case, purchase a ready made one. However, let's face it, it doesn't take much to make a Wand after all and it's the dedication and commitment of a Witch that drives the necessary interest and will to actually go out into the arms of Mother Nature and look for, or wait until a calling attracts you towards a certain tree of shrub, where you see your Wand. Don't forget, when you collect the wood from your friendly tree or shrub, you must ask first, when harvesting from a living tree - and then leave a small token of thanks, whatever it may be, for that is in your own heart. Witchcraft and Wicca is not a club, it is a way of life and it takes dedication to become a Wiccan or Witch of any kind. you cannot buy a lifestyle!
The actual length of the wand varies from tradition to tradition, but the accepted measurement is usually taken from the tip of the middle finger to the elbow, (others say the inside crook of the arm). However, 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.
As the wand is traditionally extremely phallic and is treated as such in all ancient and traditional witchcraft, the shape of it should resemble in some way the phallic itself, by having some sort of bulbous phallic end in one end of the wood, whether natural or carved, or even from a crystal embedded in the end and then perhaps a female cut, slit or hole in the other end of the Wand to give balance. Make the Wand your very own by carving or painting symbols on it, and/or adorning it with ribbons if you want, or just leave it very rustic and natural, whatever makes the Wand special to you.
For thousands of years the Wand has been used in both magick and rituals. 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.
The wand is the tool of the East and is associated with Air. In some traditions it is the tool of Fire in the South.
The wand is extremely phallic in nature, and is therefore a masculine tool and is sacred to the Gods.
The Staff directly relates to the wand and has the same attributes and uses. Staves are used very frequently by witches today. In the old days most all travelers carried a staff and has only phased out in the last hundred years or so and in fact the gentleman's cane has only phased out in the last sixty or so years and in London is replaced by the umbrella to city businessmen, but where Boy Scouts around the world still maintain the tradition.
There are many beautiful hand crafted staves that are both functional and works of art even today and I had one specially made and measured and accompanies me (instead of the staff sometimes) on hikes and walks into the mountains, forests, jungles and glades wherever I happen to be traveling deep in the heart of Mother Nature''s loving hands.
The staff is a very important tool in some traditions. It is used to mark quarter points or as a "stang" to hold banners representing elements or other unique symbolic flags. Many traditional Witches use ONLY a staff as a working tool, or sometimes a smaller walking stick or cane and is driven into the ground to act as a makeshift alter to hang things from. It also acts as their one and true wand and directs energy and charge objects.
The staff may of course be used in much the same manner as the wand. It is usually matched "to your measure"- which originally meant it reached to your shoulder - although some were traditionally longer and nowadays somewhat shorter. If you are to use a staff, cut one that feels right for you, or if you are to continuously walk with a shorter cane or stick, have one crafted even.
Don't forget that the staff holds the same attributes as the wand and should have more or less a phallic shape at the top. mine has a large crystal embedded in the end, which can be withdrawn for special purposes. It was said at one time, some staffs had a hole drilled through into which a thin piece of magnetized steel was driven all the way through. Whether hearsay, or High Magick's ideal, that is going a little too far.
THE BROOM:
The broom or "besom" 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. The combination of the "brush" and the handle are actually a very powerful fertility symbol.
In the olden days, it would have been quite normal to mask a staff (wand) with its noticeable phallic end into a broom, where the bristles would cover such magick and fertility based symbols. Therefore, with at least the women, they could carry the brooms around to hide and thus avoid discovery and persecution by the Christians.
The broom is still used for magickally cleansing ritual areas for protection, hence the term "making a clean sweep". The broom does not have to actually touch the ground to sweep away the psychic clutter that often collects in well used spaces.
In handfasting (marriage) rituals, couples jump over the broom for good luck and more especially if they want children. Many Witches have a broom-brushy side up-by their door to protect the home from unwanted outside energies.
Although not employed for flying purposes, the broom does have many uses. It is used for . It is also and most commonly used for physically and cleaning an area that will be used for sacred space. Brooms are also often used in handfasting rituals (broom leap).
The broom is associated with Water and is sacred to both the God and Goddess.
THE BELL:
Bells have been around for many years and they come in all kinds of different shapes and sizes, as well as different tones and sounds. The rhythmic sound and vibrations cause certain waves and can be used for magickal purposes, while at other times it marks a plateu in a ritual.
The bell has magical associations and has been believed for centuries to possess a magical and/or spiritual power in of itself. Bells are associated with the divine, whereby their sound is symbolic of creative power, their very shape a symbol of the Female Force and its secret Celestial Vault.
Although the bell is an unconventional tool on the main, it is said that once you use it in a ritual, you might just feel the need to keep using it. High Magick and even some Christian churches use bells within their varied rituals.
THE THURIBLE OR INCENSE BURNER:
A container used to contain hot coals or charcoal for burning incense. This is best made from a fire resistant or fire proof material. The most common are the "mini-cauldrons' of iron and the various brass types which come in wonderful shapes and sizes, some of which even hang on a chain and many of these can be purchase at a Catholic Supply shop.
The incense itself represents the element of Air while the fire (charcoal) represents Fire. The combination of these two elements are used to purify ritual areas, and especially other tools or the circle itself.
THE CLOTHING MAGICKAL:
Clothing is considered "optional" for most
Witches and if you are dedicated into any Tradition, such as Wicca you would
probably practice "skyclad" most of the time wearing only special
jewelry. This historically stemmed from very Ancient times, where we
know from as far back as the writings of the Roman times in 30
BC, that Proserpine and Diana were worshipped
at night in secret ceremonies by Witches who gathered nude to worship their
Goddess and a God when
the moon is full and
When used in ritual work, the Witch's clothing consists of hooded robes, capes, and other occult items and jewelry and is usually dedicated to very special uses within ritual work and of course all outdoor meetings when on public land.
THE STONE:
The Stone is used in much the same way as the Pentacle and relates to it in rather many ways. It is a also tool of the North and represents the Earth. For those of the Faery Tradition, the Stone has a very rich history.
Degree System
within Wicca Working Tools of Wicca
Elements of Witchcraft More Witch
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Theban
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