Tools of the Craft

t cannot be emphasized enough that a witch's most important tool is

his/her mindthat is what summons and directs magickal power. Physical tools are only external aids which enable you to focus better. Without focus, you can have all the tools in the world and they will do you no good. You will undoubtedly find however that using some of the above will make your spells more effective because they increase your concentration and help you to visualize. The spells that work are the ones that have intense concentration and emotion behind them. The Altar: For spell-casting purposes, the altar is the surface on which the spell is worked. It symbolizes the centre of the self and the centre of the universe. It is the focus and support for the magickal energy you raise.

Amulet: An item that, when worn, protects the wearer from evil.

Athame: The witch's magickal knife. The athame is a highly personal tool of The Craft and represents the witch's magickal identity and will. The athame is used to draw the magick circle, making ritual objects and projecting power. When an athame has been in use for some time it becomes palpably charged with magickal energy.

Book of Shadows: The witch's journal of rituals, prayers, meditations, charms and other bits of magickal information. The BOS contains a complete record of the witch's magickal workings. You should regard and treat your Book of Shadows with esteem and honour. When you are not using it, it is best to wrap it in silk or velvet and keep it in a safe place. Don't let anyone else have access to it. You can share the spells in it by writing them out and passing them on but don't let anyone else actually see or handle your Book of Shadows because it is a repository for your magickal energy.

Bell: Sometimes used in rituals because of the magickal properties of certain vibrations of sound.

Broom: Witches use brooms in magick and ritual. It is a tool sacred to both The Goddess and The God. You may begin a ritual by sweeping the area in which the circle is to be cast clean and visualizing as you do so all negative energy being swept outward and away. The magickal broom should only be used for ritual purposes. In other words, don't use it to do your housework!

Candles: Candles are used by almost every religion on the planet. Symbols and sources of the element of Fire, long tapers can be substituted for wands in most rituals, while votives and tea lights may be left on the altar, and figural candles (hands, hearts, etc.) are common in candle magick. In these rituals, a candle of the appropriate colour is anointed with a magickal oil and burned as part of the spell. Large votives may also be hollowed out at the base and packed with herbs and/or gemstones to increase the power.

Candlestick: Candlesticks, candelabra, and refillable glass votives are all commonly used in magick. Candlesticks marked with the Moon and Sun are available at most decorator stores (and can be used ritually for The Goddess and The God), and when practicing any spell requiring candles, a votive glass may be affixed with the image of an appropriate god, goddess or saint (or god the saint is standing in for). These votives may often be bought premade at African and Hispanic shops, and even some grocery stores, depending on your neighborhood.

Cauldron: The quintessential witch's tool, the one most people associate with a witch. The cauldron is for mixing potions and symbolizes the Goddess and Fertility.

Censer: The censer is an incense burner. Burning incense cleanses and purifies your sacred space.

Chalice: One of the four elemental tools, the chalice or cup represents the Element of Water in the Calling of the Quarters. It is placed on the West quadrant of the altar.

The Cord: The cord is used for binding things and for performing cord magick.

Dip Pen and Inks: These are used for writing out your desires during workings. Dove's Blood ink and Dragon's Blood ink are generally used.

Incense: One of the four elemental symbols, incense represents the Element of Air in the Calling of the Quarters. Carries your prayers to the Gods. It is placed on the East quadrant of the altar.

Mortar and Pestle: These are used for grinding herbs and mixing other ingredients.

Parchment Paper: Used for writing your desires on for particular workings Pentagram: The five pointed star with the single point on top. It has been used in magick for hundreds of years. The pentagram originates from ceremonial magick where it was often used as an amulet for protection or to invoke spirits. In witchcraft, the pentagram represents the human figure and the four elements fire, water, earth and air with the fifth element spirit governing the rest. It

is sometimes used to summon The God and Goddess.

Salt: One of the four elemental tools, salt represents the Element of Earth in the Calling of the Quarters. It is placed at the South quadrant of the altar.

Sword: Sometimes used by witches in much the same way as an athame or wand. It projects power and invokes and compels spirits.

Wand: The wand is sometimes used, like the athame, to project the magickal will of the witch. More commonly it is used in ceremonial magick where it is viewed as the physical embodiment of the magician's magickal will.

White-handled knife: The witch's knife used for common purposes such as cutting herbs for rituals.