Altar
An altar is a sacred area that pagans use. On the altar witches will place certain implements of magick and sacred objects. The altar is usually placed at the front of the circle being the direction of earth. The altar usually has two levels, one to represent the physical plane and one to represent the astral plane. Upon each level something from each of the elements are placed. A cloth of appropriate colour should cover the altar. Much ritual work involves an altar.
Altar Cloth
Many witches believe that the colours presented by the altar cloth will depict what energies will emanate from the altar in general. (see colours)
Amulet
An amulet is a charm worn around the neck for general good luck. These can be a holey stones, four-leaf clovers, lucky pennies, rabbits feet, medals.
Athame
The athame is a ritual knife, it is never used in cutting anything in the material world. Traditional the handle is black so it can absorb energies, the blade is usually at least four inches long, dull and double bladed. The athame is used for the channelling of energies.
Bell
Bells like other musical instrument are associated with the element of air. A ritual bell can be very important significant part of a ritual. A bell is often used as it very simplistic and easy to use unlike most other instruments.
Boleen
This is the mundane counter-part of the athame, it is used for the cuttings and carvings of objects. It is white handled, but usually sharp and single bladed but still generally over four inches long.
Book of Shadows
A book of shadows is a witch s personal journal of records. They will keep records of spells, rituals, thoughts, ideas and sometimes even a daily journal.
Besom
The besom, or broom, is a very common tool for witches. Associated with the element of water it is often used for cleansing energies and purification spells. Traditionally a magick broom is made from an ash staff, birch twigs and a willow binding. Historically is was placed across the door to protect the home.
Balefire
An open fire used in rituals, this can be a bonfire.
Candles
Candles are very common in witch craft, it symbolises all five elements. The wax representing earth and water, the flame air, fire and spirit. They have many uses and will channel different energies depending on their colour.
Cauldron
The cauldron is a very important and often focal point of many rituals. Associated with the element of water the cauldron represents the womb of the mother goddess, and is a centre for magical transformations. The cauldron can also be filled with water and used for scrying and divining. Traditionally it is made of iron with three legs to represent the trinity of maiden mother and crone.
Censer
A censer, or incense burner, represents both the elements of air and fire. They can either be made of metal or and heat resistant earth, like clay or ceramic. The incense either sticks, coals, or cones, cast a meditative feel around the area and can often relaxes body but can also help clear the mind for concentration or meditation.
Chalice
The chalice had long been associated with water and its emotional aspect. The contents of the chalice can either be poison or elixir, sweet or bitter, plentiful or diminished. It is also usually associated with fertility and has strong feminine aspects. It can be used to hold ritual drinks like wine. The chalice is a cup made from any material but preferable either wood, silver or some similar metal.
Circle
A magic circle is actually a sphere surrounding a certain area set aside for magickal purposes.
Cord
Cords are very important in spells involving binding whether that be between people or a single person. The knots in the cords each signify something different and a goal in the spell. These useful tools need not remain of the altar during ritual work.
Crystals
Crystals are earth aspects, they are containers for energy, and will change them according to their composition. Crystals will work better if they have a pyramidical form and a point to focus the energy. They are often used to channel energy on tools such as staffs, wands and other implements.
Drum
The drum is used in rituals to create a rhythm. This can be to create a meditative trance-like and tribal atmosphere and to help maintain a rhythm for chanting.
Figurines
Many traditions place them on the alter. The nature of these images are of great variety. Some simply use candles; others natural objects representative of the God/dess. Still others use hand-crafted sculptures or drawings.
Grimoire
A grimoire is a book of spells that is usually made by a great practitioner of the craft.
Herbs
This is a plant that has magickal properties.
Peyton
A peyton is a disk made of metal with a symbol escribed on it. This represent earth, this can be worn around the neck like a talisman but is usually used in ceremonies and rituals.
Poppet
The poppet a doll-like representation of a human or animal. This is then imbued with life through magickal means. It can affect the object it represents and is mainly used for healing.
Robe
A witch s robe is usually of a dark colour mainly black. This is to absorb energy and pass on it information to the wearer. The robe is used a lot in ceremonies.
Salt
Salt is a factor of earth, is often used for protection and cleansing.
Staff
The staff has a very strong earth association and it aspect of nature and plants. It can often be used as either a travelling tool or as a beacon for guidance. The staff is traditionally made of wood and is shoulder height with a focal point at the head which can be a crystal or an object of similar use.
Stones
Stones are like crystals but they channel energies in a different way, they are more passive.
Sword
The sword is a very powerful tool is witchcraft, associated with either fire or air it has a strong authoritative and masculine presence. It is a very good channeller and is usually held by the head or high priest of a coven. It is a sovereign symbol and generally is used with the same purposes as an athame.
Talisman
A talisman is like an amulet but made for a specific purpose.
Thurible
A thurible is a ceramic or clay incense burner, also with a concave dish at the top for an oil and a niece for a candle below this. A thurible represents all five elements.
Wand
The wand is a common tool for witches, associated with the element of air its purpose is to channel energies. A wand is traditionally is a cubit long (length from the end of your middle finger to elbow) and made from woods such as willow, elder, oak, hazel and apple and symbols are carved to personalise it. Also there are usually two crystals on either end to channel the energies, the one on the head is called the channeller and the one at the tail is called the grounder .
Water
Water is used mainly for purification.