Athame-A two-edged knife, usually black-handled. Some
witches use their athame only in circle to direct energy and
never use it to cut anything, others use their athame for any
magickal applications, still others will use it in the kitchen to
cook with. Back to top
Bell-A feminine symbol, sometimes used to invoke the
Goddess, to ward off negativity, or to invite positive energy.
Some covens use bells during ritual to signify the beginning
or end of a particular part of ritual or spell. Back to top
Boline-A white-handled knife used for cutting herbs, cords, etc. Back to top
Broom-Also called besom, the broom is used to literally
sweep away negativity and purify space. You can make
your own broom with an ash staff, birch twigs, and willow
to bind it. During handfastings, couples jump over a broom
to solemnize their union. It is considered unlucky to move
from one place to another with the broom from your
original residence. ie: buy a new broom for a new home
Back to top
Candles-Different colored candles are used for different spells.
They can also be used for divining, by staring into the flame.
They are also used to represent the deities, the element of fire,
and for illumination.
Back to top
Cauldron-A symbol of woman/goddess. Can be utilized
symbolically, for scrying, for an indoor bonfire, as a censor for incense or to hold
items that are being burned. a large Cauldron canalso be used for cooking,
brewing, candlemaking, etc. Back
to top
Censer-Used to burn insence in. A shell, a ceramic bowl, a cast iron Cauldron and
others can be used as a censer and to burn petitions - be sure to put some sand, ash,
salt, or kitty litter down first so as to prevent cracking or causing damage to your table. You may also want to place a wooden block or heavy ceramic tile underneath your censor.Back to top
Chalice-A female symbol, the chalice is used for the great
rite, cakes and wine, or may simply be placed on the altar
with water in it to represent the element of water. Back to top
Divining tools-Divining is a method in which a person can seek
advice or ascertain possible events yet to take place. There are
many ways to divine, as well as many tools used for divining.
Some of them are: Black mirror, runes, tarot, dowsing,
numerology, palmistry, graphology, I-ching, medicine cards, a
candle flame, inked water, etc. Back
to top
Herbs-The use of herbs is making
a huge resurfacing in today's society. Herbs can be used for
magickal purposes, such as in spells or sachets, or for
medicinal purposes. Today, you can find herbs medicinally
packaged anywhere- even Wal-Mart! Back
to top
Incense-Burned to purify space, used in spells, burned to create
atmosphere, sometimes just to smell nice! You can use stick,
cone, or powdered. I prefer the powdered because you can mix
up your own scents. The powdered form is burned on charcoal
blocks (not to be confused with the bar-b-q type) found in
pagan shops or religious supply shops. Back to top
Oils-Essential oils are used in magickal workings of all types,
to dress candles or to annoint items, and can also be used for medicinal
purposes. ex: eucalyptus oil rubbed on the chest relieves congestion, sniffing
rosemary oil relieves most headaches. It is important to use only essential
oils, not those that say essential fragrance. You can also just
plain wear oils
for the great smell, but use caution; some oils, like cinnamon, burn the
skin if applied directly. Dilute them in a base oil,
such as jojoba, first. Back
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Pentacle-A flat disc with a five pointed star on it. Used to
represent earth, the elements, spirit, etc. Objects can be placed
on the pentacle for magickal workings. You can make your own
with a piece of glass- just drip candle wax on it in the shape of
the pentagram. Back to top
Stones-Gemstones and crystals included in this category. Many, many uses.
Can be used to represent earth, carried for
protection, used in spells, added to magickal pouches, etc. etc.
Read Cunningham's Complete Gem and Metal Magic for more
info. Back to top
Sword-In some traditions a sword is used instead of an athame
for directing power. Or, a coven might have a coven sword
while each person still retains the athame. Back to top
Wand-Also can be used for directing energy. Usual length is
from the elbow to the middle finger. Some witches use dowel
rods, others use ash or birch, others make wands of copper and
set it with crystals. Back
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