Wiccan Tools of the Trade

Everyone loves toys and Witches are no exception. We have a wide variety of tools we use to aid us in our workings. None of these are mandatory. You do not need tools to be Wiccan or to perform Witchcraft. Tools have no energy, save the power we give them. You will need to decide for yourself what you want to work with. Before using any tool, especial if it is old, it needs to be cleansed and consecrated. And remember, never touch another Witch's tools without express consent.

Altar - Usually wooden, it is a shelf, table, etc. that faces North or East and 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.

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.

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.

Cauldron - A cauldron is the main tool in Witchcraft. 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. It is usually the focal point of a ritual.

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

Chalice - A Challis 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.

Salt (Rock or Sea) - Salt is used to represent Earth. When mixed with blessed water, it can be used to purify space and tools and self.

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.

Wand - A wand is one of the prime magickal tools. It is made of wood, be it a stick, branch, dowel, etc., and is an instrument of invocation. It is used to raise and direct energy. It is representative of air and West. Some Wiccans choose a crystal or other stone for a wand. While these to do work, tradition holds that the wand be wood. However, many a Witch will increase their wand's power by adding etchings, carvings, stones and other decorations.

Other items to consider: candles, lighter, snuffer, herbs, essential oils, blessed water, an offering dish, smudge sticks, candle holders, crystals, gemstones, minerals, material for making talismans/mojos, cord, string, parchment paper for writing spells, Tarot cards, Runes, scrying mirror and anything else you may want.

Consecrating tools

Before using tools, they should be properly consecrated. First thoroughly wash each tool and then perform a consecration ritual. Here are some samples.

*****

Consecrate and cleanse this (thing)
That it may be purified and fit to dwell within the sacred circle
In the name of the Goddess and the God,
I consecrate this (thing)

*****

I bless this (thing)
That it may be purified and fit to dwell within the sacred circle
In the name of the Goddess and the God
I bless this (thing)

*****

Formal ceremony

Rub Salt on the Tool then:

"I consecrate thee with Earth...
May this {tool} be endowed with all the Virtues of Earth, a
And the blessings of the elements of Earth be multiplied with its every use."

Then pass the tool through burning incense, (see herbs for blessings) visualize the air as you speak:

"I consecrate thee with Air..
May this {tool} be endowed with all the Virtues of Air, an
d the blessings of the elements of Air be multiplied with its every use."

Now pass the tool through flame, dedicating it to fire:

I consecrate thee with Fire...
May this {tool} be endowed with all the Virtues of Fire,
and the blessings of the elements of Fire be multiplied with its every use."

Sprinkle water over the tool:

I consecrate thee with Water...
May this {tool} be endowed with all the Virtues of Water,
and the blessings of the elements of Water be multiplied with its every use."

Hold the "tool" aloft in offering to Goddess

"Lady and Lord hear me,
I offer this [tool] for Your blessing.
May it ever serve me in earnest, and thee in Honor... So more it Be!"

*****
Place whatever you're going to consecrate on the pentacle, and touching it with our projective (right) hand, and using the name and material of the tool, say (for instance, if it's a sword):

I consecrate you, sword of steel,
to cleanse you and purify you,
to serve me into the circle.
In the name of the Mother Goddess and Father God you're consecrated.

*****

I charge you by the Old Ones: By the omnipotent Goddess and God:
By the Virtues of the Sun, Moon and Stars:
By the power of the Earth, Air, Fire and Water,
that I shall obtain all that I desire through you.
Charge this by your power, Old Ones