THE ALTAR

Usually wooden, it is a shelf, table, etc. that holds your tools. It should be big enough to allow you room to work. What you keep on it and how it is arranged is up to you, though specific traditions or covens may have a specific display.

AMULET

Generally a small item made from natural materials (wood, stone, shell, or gem), charged for a purpose or intent of protection. Amulets are often ornate and can either be carried in a pouch (felt is recommended) or worn as jewelry.

ASPERSER

A device used to sprinkle water for purification at the beginning of a spell or ritual. It is usually made from silver or brass.

ATHAME

The Athame is a double-edged blade with a dark handle that is used to direct and raise energy. It does not cut anything on the physical plane. It is the tool associated with South, fire and the God.

BELL

Bells are used to invoke deities as well as to ward off evil spirits and spells. They are placed in cupboards and hung on doors to protect the home. Sacred Flame Circle uses them to signify the creation of sacred space before ritual.

BESOM

A Witch's broom usually made from an ash staff, birch twigs and willow binding used to purify spaces. It can be used as a "calling card" by placing by the front door. Besoms are also used to guard the home by being placed across doorways, in windowsills, on doors and under beds. It is linked with water. It is used in magickal rituals to sweep the ritual area clean of negative energies. The bristles should be gathered in a circle, not a rectangle. The besom should be used for magickal purposes only.

BOLLINE

A Bolline is a white-handled knife used to do work in the physical realm such as harvest herbs, inscribe candles and trim wicks.

BOOK OF SHADOWS

A BOS, or Grimoire, is a workbook for Witches. It is a place where they keep all their notes, spells, rituals and workings. Entries are usually handwritten, but in today's world of technology, it is not uncommon for a BOS to be typed or even photocopied. There is no one Book of Shadows. However, each coven may have a private BOS just for their members that is handed down upon initiation.

CANDLES

Candles are used for focusing energy and as batteries for spell work and ritual work. Many altars have candles representing the God and Goddess (gold and silver) or a single candle (usually white). Frequently used in spells, with their particular colors, fragrances, and inscriptions serving a symbolic purpose.

CAULDRON

It is usually a cast-iron pot with three legs that serves a Witch in many ways. It is a container in which magic transformation occurs. It is used for making brews and holding fires, incense and/or candles. It is a symbol of the Goddess. It represents Water.

CENSOR

A censer holds smoldering incense during rituals. It represents air and East. They can be bought or made.

CHALICE

A Chalice is a cup used to hold the ritual drink. It is a symbol of Goddess and fertility and is associated with water and West.

CRYSTAL BALL

A crystal ball is made of quartz (you can tell if it is true quartz by its cold feel and the inclusion of irregularities). It is used for divination. Periodical exposure to moonlight will increase it's psychic power. It can be the center of Full Moon rituals.

INCENSE

Incense is a powerful asset to help you "set the mood." It was believed that the smoke would carry your wishes up to the gods. Incense can help you cleanse and purify your space. The right scent can help focus your thoughts and aid in your magick or ritual working.

OFFERING DISH

Used to make offerings to dieties.

PENDULUM

Used for divination.

PENTACLE

A pentacle is a five-point flat star that is used as a protective device. The points represent Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Self. It is usually hung over doors and windows. It is a symbol of Earth and is associated with North.

ROBES

Robes are worn during ritual, usually to help shift the energy. It is a 'key' that tells the mind that sacred work is being done and helps alter consciousness.

RUNES

A set of symbols that are used both in divintion and magickal workings.

SALT

Salt is used to represent Earth. When mixed with blessed water, it can be used to purify space and tools and self.

SCRYING MIRROR

Used in divintion to see visual pictures or mental pictures.

SMUDGE STICKS

Used for cleansing, especially aura's, before ritual or meditation.

STAFF

Usually a wooden pole often of shoulder height, used basically in the same manner as the wand. Like the wand the staff may be decorated with crystals, symbols, feathers, or just about anything that makes it your own.

TAROT CARDS

Used in divintion. Past, Present and future events can be forseen through the use of The Tarot.

WAND

The wand has been known as a tool that is gentle in nature and has the male aspect, it is the symbolic representative of air. It is another tool that can be used for casting circle, invoking and releasing the quarters, and casting of spells, and some have used this in place of the athame or sword in the performance of the symbolic ritual of the Great Rite.

Note: Of course all tools are not complete without the individual's own charge and energy to make it whole. All tools are an extension of oneself to direct and focus ones energies and power on the purpose of spell or magic intended. Most people purchase their tools as they progress and find tools that are comfortable for themselves, however, if you are talented and skilled enough to make your own this is even better.

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