ALTAR TOOLS

Remember that before you use any of your tools that they must be cleansed and consecrated. Also never use them for anything but magickal purposes.

ATHAME

The Athame is a double edged knife used for directing energy. It doesn't have to be sharp because you will never be used it to cut things in the physical world. Some people say it has to have a black handle, but it doesn't really matter (mine is made of silver). This tool symbolizes the God because of its phallic shape. The athame represents the element Fire, so if you have an elemental layout for your altar, it would be placed on the South side

BOLLINE

This tool will be used to cut things. If you ever want to cut cords, rope, herbs, inscribe tools or handles... this is the tool that should be used. Again this is used only when doing magick so don't use it to slice your sandwich at lunch. It is usually a curved knife with a white handle.

BOSSOM OR BROOM

The Bossom is used to sweep out negative energy prior to a ritual or magickal working. It is also used with you create you sacred space.

CANDLES

Candles are used for illumination, candle magick or representation objects for the Elements and the Deities. Remember that they should also be cleansed and consecrated prior to use.

CAULDRON

The cauldron is a symbol of the Goddess and can be placed on the West side of the altar, representing Water. These can be used for brewing and scrying during a ritual or spell. Since cauldrons are usually rather large and expensive, many people don't use them. A chalice is a good substitue for the Goddess symbol

CHALICE

A chalice is a cup and as stated above a symbol for the Goddess and fertility. Any cup will do and it usually holds water, wine or juice. If you will be needing holy water and wine, I usually use another cup or bowl for the holy water. Dipping the athame into the chalice is symbolic of the Great Union between the God and the Goddess. This action can and usually is done during ritual.

INCENSE BURNER

As suspected, the incense burner is used to burn incense. Incense comes in stick, cone, cube or raw form, and the burner used is determined by the type of incense you wish to use. Incense is representative of the element Air and can therefore placed East side of the altar.

PENTACLE

The Pentacle is a flat disc with a pentagram inscribed on it. It can be placed in the center of your altar, or if you use an elemental setup, it would be placed at the North representing Earth. Again, if you don't have the funds to purchase a disc, than a piece of paper with a pentagram drawn on it will work too.

SALT

I was debating whether to put this on here, but I consider salt to be a tool as well. First of all it can be used to make holy water. It is also used to cleanse items or can be used when casting a circle as a representation of Earth. It would therefore be placed to the North in a bowl. Many Pagans prefer to use Sea Salt, but whatever you have kicking around the house will do just fine.

WAND

A Wand is very similar to an athame in that it is used to direct and project your energy. You can make your own by using a branch from a tree (remember to ask the tree's permission before removing it). You are than free to decorate it as you wish. I've seen some with crystals and beads and others that are just plain.