Tools of the Craft P02

The Tools of the Craft 02

Personal Power

The Most Important Tool of all. There is one tool in The Craft that surpasses all others. Every other tool, no matter how expensive, will be useless with out it. It is really the only tool you need. That tool is YOUR personal power. You need to exercise it. Practice visualization, concentration and meditation techniques. Be able to ground and center yourself. No ritual or spell will ever be successful with out personal power. The more practice the more you will enhance your personal power.

Book Of Shadows link to BOS page

One of the major tools, also known as the workbook or the spell book. This should be a blank book in which you will record all of your invocations, ritual patterns, spells, runes, rules governing magic, ceremonies, magickal recipes, etc. -BEFORE use. These records serve as a valuable reference for the practicing witch as well as being a source of inspiration and learning for future rituals and spell work. A Book Of Shadows may be the traditionally bound and covered in either leather or other animal skin, or any other 'natural bound' book with unlined parchment (virgin parchment is optimum). However, even a standard book of high quality drawing paper will suffice if need be. As with all tools the more natural the better. In our modern times some are even electronic. Although this is convenient it is important to empower your BOS by writing it personally. If yours is kept on your computer or a disk you should at least have an additional journal for your spells, rituals and to record transformations. I keep a lot of reference materials (correspondences and such) on the computer/web page but keep a full Book of Shadows for actual ritual work. Mine is a 3 ring binder so that I can rearrange the pages if I choose to. Some believe the more important works should be translated in magickal language for either secrecy (secrecy was more needed in the past then in present times), empowerment (the more you put into something, the more your get out of it), or simply desire. Many magickal translation tables and alphabets can be found in books or on the web. You may also make your own.

Altar

This is your place to do your work. A simple table, rock, shelf or other flat surface to place your basic tools on. It doesn't have to be anything fancy but then again, you can make it as elaborate as you wish. Make it comfortable for you.

Athame (ATH-am-EE, ATH-am-ay)

-also known as Seax or yag-dirk Element is Fire, South (the place of heat).
a Sword or a Wand can be used
It is always a double edged knife or "dagger" with a blade usually from five to six inches long (preferably at least four inches). The athame is a witch's primary tool for rituals and circle magic. It is used to direct energy, for commanding and manipulating power. It is the instrument we use to draw magical circles and other diagrams, in the midst of which many of our spells are cast. There is no reason for this tool to be sharp because it will never be used for cutting (anything on the physical plane), some paths see no need for this restraint. Traditionally the athame will have a black handle. The Athame is symbolic of the God in some Wiccan traditions and may stand for intellect, right thinking, and calculation. A sword may be used in place of the athame. It is also known as Seax or yag-dirk. Contrary to anti-witchcraft propaganda, an athame is never used to cut anything (see Burin). This is against its purpose. Highly coveted, once consecrated, this tool is extremely precious to the Wiccan. The athame represents fire, and the God, which is apparent in its phallic nature. You do not have to go buy an expensive knife. One witch I know even uses a letter opener made of brass is designed to resemble a dagger. Some witches have white-hilted knives for cutting food or inscribing other ritual implements (see Boline).

Boline, Burin or Kirfane

Similar to your athame but with a sharp cutting edge and commonly with a white handle. A minor tool, a white hilted knife, sometimes called a Bolline, is used mainly for cutting herbs or CANDLES. This tool will be used for cutting various things in different rituals, or piercing a pomegranate, etc. and any other use save magickal ritual in which the athame is implemented. Many paths differ on the need for the Burin. Gardnerian Wicca absolutely forbids the use of the athame for any purpose other than rituals. Seax-Wica on the other hand finds no need for it. It is a tool either abandoned or accepted by the various paths.

Bowls of salt and water Element Earth

Sea salt (or non-iodized) and water are frequently encountered on Wiccan altars. Mixed together, these two substances form a purifying liquid which may be sprinkled around the ritual area before religious and magical workings. It is also used as a cleansing solution for items such as crystals. Chemical reaction on some serfaces

Broom/Besom

A tool of paganism in the modern sense, it was often utilized in the magickal practice of the Middle Ages. Like the cauldron, the besom was an everyday household object and could not be held up as a sign of witchcraft in the courts. This fact elevated their prominence as magickal tools, often taking the place of wands and staves. Used in ritual to purify by being lightly brushed around working area as an alternative, or in addition to, the use of salt and water. Of ancient religious usage seen as a symbol of the Goddess and the God. Besoms were often placed near the hearth of the home to protect the opening, and many pagans still believe a besom at the fireplace will prevent evil from entering. If negativity is a problem, just take your besom and visualize yourself sweeping these feelings out the door. Using the besom to sweep away negativity from a circle site was common practice, one still observed by many pagans. The besom is a phallic symbol and was used by female witches in fertility rites, and it is from this that the idea of the Halloween witch riding around on a broomstick also may have materialized. The sweeping end was usually made of the European broom herb, a feminine herb. Thus the broom was complete as a representation of the male and female together. They are easy to find in craft stores, markets, or fairs. Sometimes it is used in a ritual. Afterwards, it may be lain against the altar.

MAKING A BESOM

You can also invest your energies into making one, some use it in place of a wand or other ritual tool.
To make a besom you will need:
A dowel rod or other branch/stick approximately one inch in diameter and about 4 feet long.
Twine, or hemp –any strong natural fiber.
scissors or ritual cutting tool
straw or other long strands of pliable herbs
Take the straw, or another herb you have chosen for the bristles, and allow them to soak overnight in warm, lightly salted water. The water softens the straws to make them pliable, and the salt soaks out former energies. When you are ready to make your besom, remove the straws from the water and allow them to dry a bit, but not so much that they lose the suppleness you will need to turn them into your besom. Find a work area where you can lay out the length of your dowel, and begin lining the straws alongside the dowel. Starting about three inches from the bottom, lay the straws, moving backward, along the length of the dowel. Begin binding these to the dowel with the twine. You will need to tie them very securely. You can add as many layers of straw as you wish, depending on how full you would like your besom to be. When the straw is secured, bend the top straws down over the twine ties. When they are all gently pulled over, tie off the straws again a few inches below the original tie. Leave the besom overnight to allow the straw to dry The dowel part of the besom can be stained, painted, or decorated with pagan symbols, your craft name, or any other embellishments you choose. Dedicate your finished besom in your circle as you would any other ritual tool. The broomstick is symbolic of the magical powers of females and is used to cleanse ritual spaces.

Bell or musical instruments

The bell is used by some in magickal rituals employing the vibrations of sound. It is sometimes used to "clear" the air at the beginning of a ritual, or even to represent the element of Air. For centuries it has been thought to have certain magickal properties, including the ability to dispel unwanted spirits. Sometimes is used during ritual to mark specific parts of the workings or to shift consciousness. The bell is scared to the Goddess.

Candles and a Candle Snuffer

Candles are used in almost all rituals in almost all religions. There are
corresponding colors for the days of the week, the planets the elements, etc. You can make them or buy them. Hobby shops carry a lot of candles as well as supplies to make them. Some Traditions only use tapers for the ritual but some say that any candle that it taller than it is wide is fine. Others say that only the color and representation of fire is important. In any case you can use the other shapes when meditating or for gifts. They can also be made in shapes to represent correspondences to the elements in addition to your ritual candle on the altar. I have never heard of a variation that recommends blowing a candle out. You should either let it burn until the end. Burn for a time related to a corresponding number to the ritual or as long as you can and then use a snuffer or pinch it to put it out.

Making Candles
Directions for a money candle. Adjust as needed.

Cauldron or Bowl

Element Water, West (the place of the setting sun).
The cauldron is an ancient vessel of cooking and brew making. Generally a black (some say painting is fine) metal pot. Best with three legs and a handle (usually made of iron). The cauldron represents the womb of the Goddess the element Water and all the Goddess encompasses-the universe, completion, reincarnation, fertility, abundance, and love. It has many uses on the altar. The pot for magical transformations and scrying -- seeing the future in the water's surface. Mixing herbs and liquids, holding small fires or burning objects are just a couple of the many examples depending on the owners particular rituals, spells and preferences. Fires may be lit within it, or the cauldron may be filled with water and flowers. If you really shop around you may find one reasonably prices. They can be found at second hand stores, flea markets or if you would rather have a shorter search and pay the higher price you can go to a local metaphysical store or order off the web. Keep in mind the weight that will add to the shipping. Many traditions believe that the chalice is equal. If you choose this tradition you can use the chalice until a suitable cauldron is found.

Censer or Thurible (Incense Burner)

Element Air, East (the place of sunrise).
In common with many religions ancient and contemporary. Wiccans usually smolder incense during ritual in honor of the Deities. The censer used for burning incense (to burn herbs, chemicals and other substances) during ritual. Its function is to purify the ritual space or area you are magickally working in. Burning incense also helps a Witch reach an altered state of consciousness, to shift awareness to the spiritual world behind the physical world. The censer is also known as the thurible. Many varieties and styles are available from the highly decorative (and expensive) to the simple a small bowl or ashtray filled with sand (make sure that your choice is heat resistant). Wiccans burn incense to both honor the Goddess and God Incense come in cones, sticks and powdered form. It is recommended if possible to use powdered or to grind your own. Even if you do this you will probably keep the other on hand for use when needed. If stored in a cool dry place they last a while.

Chalice or Cup

Element Water, West (the place of the setting sun).
A glass or goblet made of wood or metal, brass, animal horn, crystal, pottery or ceramic, traditionally long stemmed (can be of anything of the earth -no plastic or man made compounds). The chalice is used for wine (or other beverages) during ritual and is a symbol of the Goddess. Many believe that the cup is simply a cauldron on a stem. The witches cup or chalice is a variant of the cauldron of Ceridwen. Some paths use both the cup and cauldron and others believe both are identical in function, symbolizing The Goddess, a symbol of emotion and fertility. It has been used to contain the salt water of exorcism or, alternatively, the wine of libation. This is the sacramental wine which is consumed in some ceremonies, and also used to consecrate things at times. In ritual the chalice represents the female forces in the universe and is a receptacle of spiritual forces, where the athame represents the male. Both are very important in magickal works and rites. A cup associated with the female is the second Tool and holds wine, herbs, and symbolizes the Goddess.

Circle

Witches have no need to for temples or churches. To a Witch, all of Nature is a Temple. Any place the Witch draws their Circle is considered to be a Temple to the Goddess, so the Witch will lay out a Circle wherever they wish (or can) and delineate that area as a sacred temple. The Circle may be taken apart after that Ritual or it may be saved and used on other occasions if you have a place for it. Unfortunately most of us use temporary circles inside or may even get to hold a ritual outside but not in a permanent place for our use.

Cords or Cingulum

The cord is basically used to measure the radius of our circles, for binding things - and even on occasion, for binding one's self! Though the symbolism of cords vary, they usually signify the material world and manifestation. Cords of various natural materials may be present on the altar. Most often wool, cotton or silk. They are also symbolic of the bond between the Deities and the Wiccan. The cord is also known as the girdle, cingulum, or cable tow (derived from its use in various initiation rituals). Cords may also be used in Knot magick. You may braid, weave or spin your own cords to make them more powerful. Braiding itself is magickal. Knot magick is a powerful magick that has been used for thousands of years. As with all magick do not attempt it until you have studied and understand it.

Crystal Sphere

Traditionally, the crystal has been used for divinations purposes. In Wicca, it is sometimes used to symbolize the Goddess. Also, the crystal can be used to receive messages from the Gods, or to store energy raised in ritual.

Clothing/Dress

Some Witches wear robes as a sign of equality. Ritual clothing can help you to feel transformed from your every day self to your Wiccan self, to 'set the mood'. Ritual clothing can be expensive. You can buy 'costume' patterns intended for Renaissance Fairs or Halloween if you sew. Some of them are very nice. Of course if you sew you can also improvise. You can just wear comfortable natural fabric clothing accessorized with jewelry, silk scarves, hair ornaments (including flowers or herbs) or whatever makes you feel comfortable for your ritual. Other Witches prefer to worship naked because nudity is a symbol of freedom from the mundane world or because clothing tends to hinder the growth of psychic and magickal power. The attire, or lack thereof, depends upon the Tradition of the Witch and their training or their preferences.

Other objects

Other objects sometimes found on the altar include fresh flowers, herbs or greens, representing the bounty of nature or to present their energies to the rite or spell at hand. Other musical instruments (besides bells), which are used to create sacred music; mirrors (not the same as the scrying mirror which is used for no other purpose) or other reflecting surfaces which are Goddess-symbolic, and many other items. Images of the Goddess and God. These range from carved wooden figures to abstract representations such as round stones, acorns and other natural symbols. Some Wiccans utilize two candles to represent the Deities. In any case, the images aren't viewed as the abodes of the Goddess and God; they are simply symbols.

Pentacle

Element Earth, North. (place of greatest darkness)
Placed on the center of the altar the pentacle is a disc on which a pentagram is carved, painted or engraved. It will be found in many forms. It could be molded from metal, carved in wood, stone, painted on tile, clay, glass, wax or some other natural substance. It will usually be heat proof and is often used for purification and empowering of various objects. On it are engraved or carved various symbols. One of these is the pentagram, the five-pointed star used in ancient magic. The pentacle is sometimes used as a base on which other tools or objects are placed while being charged with energy during a ritual. It is one of the major tools. It is a protection object. It is thus the only one of the major tools that possesses power on its own. The pentacle is symbolic of the Earth and abundance.

Labrys

Two-headed axe used by Wiccans to represent the Goddess or for symbolic magical acts. Not used for cutting or chopping.

Runes & Tarot Cards

Used for meditation, divination, and fortune telling. The symbolic images are used to look inside doorways of the unconsciousness. They can also be used for spells. There are hundreds of decks of Tarot Cards to choose from. There are also many types of Rune Stones that you may purchase or make. Divination or predictions are also done with many other tools including dice, numerology, palmistry, the Mystic Seven Spinner, an Egyptian Tablet

Scrying/Magickal Mirrors

Scrying mirrors are like looking into a deep black pool of water. Handcrafted or bought, elegant in simple. For those who wish to learn the fine art of gazing but cannot afford the luxury of a quartz or lead crystal ball mirrors can be used. Herbs used are chamomile flowers, eyebright, and mugwort. Mirrors and all reflecting surfaces are held sacred to the Moon (the Moon reflects the sun's light). Because it is a lunar symbol they are usually round. If needed you may even use a pocket mirror. You should also keep a Scrying Diary.

Spirit or Ouija Board

Few practicing the craft of Wicca will use this object. It is recommended that you always use a partner. This 'tool' is used to communicate with spirits or to speak with your unconscious mind.
Make a Ouija Board:
You will first need a flat, smooth board. You can cut and sand your own wood or use a wooden cutting board. You can also find boards about the right size in craft stores already sanded. You will need to write on the board using wood burning tools or a permanent marker. If you burn the wood you will need to sand a little more to make sure it is a smooth surface. First YES in the top left corner, NO in the top right corner then two rows of letters. A to M then N to Z. At the bottom center write GOOD BYE. You should also put symbols of protection on the board. An often-used symbol is a pentagram in the top center middle. Other symbols of protection and power are usually put on the spaces left. You will need to make a pointer. This can be anything from a finely polished stone to a bottle cap. It must be able to slide smoothly and you will need to be able to make an arrow or triangle on part of it so you have an indicator (pointing to the letter or word).

Staff

This staff is used just as the wand. They are generally as near in length as the height of it's owner and just as the wand, can be carved and/or decorated to your personal taste.

Wand

Element Air, East (the place of sunrise).
This is a tool that comes in many forms. They vary from a few inches to a foot or more in length and made from various materials. This is a very personal item and should be handmade from the branch of a tree or bush. Decorated they will often be engraved with symbols be embedded with stones of significance and probably a crystal or other appropriate stone/gem attached to the end. Many witches will have several that are used for different types of work. It is used to invoke the Deities and can also be used to direct energy just as the athame. Some are made of silver. Deemed necessary in some paths, others do not believe in this necessity. The wand is usually a replacement of the athame. Always ask the tree for 'permission'. Wands are typically made of hardwoods such as Oak and Maple but may be of any desired tree. They represent communication in its entirety. These extensions of the life force within a witch are usually made of hazel wood, crystal, carved ivory or ebony, silver, or gold. The wand is one of the prime magical tools. It is an instrument of invocation. The wand is used to call to the God and Goddess, to direct energy, or to draw a circle on the ground. It represents the element of Air. Can be held and raised while speaking the words of invitation to the Goddess and God. It is rarely used to direct energy. Making a Wand: cut the wood to an appropriate length. A Wand can be natural or sanded then oiled. You can make a whole in the top with a power drill or other tool and insert a crystal. It will need to be secured with epoxy or wire. If you are binding the crystal to the stick with wire copper or silver is recommended (they are good energy conductors for crystal). You may want to mount smaller stones and crystals in hollows of the wood. You can carve or burn runes or other sacred symbols into the Wand. Try to decorate according to the woods natural lines and patterns.

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