Every Wiccan needs a few things to conduct rites and rituals. Here I shall discuss the types of tools ,there meanings, and uses.
Athame- ceremonial knife used in rituals to represent the god symbol. It is plunged into a chalice to symbolize the marriage of the god and godess or the earth and the sky.
Chalice- a cup or glass used to hold salt water, or wine, or other liquids.It represents the womb of the godess.
Boline-another ceremonial knife, usually with a white bone handle. Used to cut herbs to be used in conjunction with magic. It is a bit smaller than an athame and has a small curved blade.
Wand- Made mostly of wood this tool is used to guide energies either sent to or from the ritual participant. Represents and extension of the user. Sometimes used to cast a circle or in place of a staff.
Staff-Used for support and recognition within a cast circle. Usually a person with a staff is a priest/priestess or elder. Sometimes used to identify ritual presenter. It is also used to cast a circle and /or cut the circle and make a gateway or door while ritual is in progress.
Pentacle- Represent the 5 states of being or Earth,Air,Fire,Water,Spirit. Pentacles are used on an alter in place of candles at times and can be cast inside a circle in place of candles as well. Some people wear a pentacle as a representation of their status within a coven/circle. First year initiates wear a pentacle alone while second and third year initiates wear a pentacle surrounded by a circle to represent themselves. Third year initiates wear a pentacle and also usually a headband with the god/godess sumbols respectively.
You may make or purchase your magical tools. Although when possible you should always make them. The process of making the tools will allow you to put your own energies into the tools and will attune the tools with your body much quicker than buying them and tools made by you need no cleansing. Purchased tools need to be cleansed before use. ( YOU may do this in the simplest way by covering them in salt for 3 days and nights) All tools need to be blessed in the same way that all people do. (Blessin ritual for tools will be included at bottom of page)
Incense- Represent the air element within a circle. Can also be used to alter consciousness within a limited range and aid in the raising of power for magical purposes. Incense is primarily composed of powdered herbs,etc companioned with essential oil or scents and sometimes colored for extra effect.
Candles are used in a circle to represent the fire element. They can be of corresponding colors with the directional quarters as well. Also used for illumination during nocturnal rituals/rites.
Blessing of Tools
Mix a bit of salt and water in a glass or chalice. Take the tool to be blessed and sprinkle with salt water and repeat the following:
By the sprinkling of the earth and sea i cleanse this tool of all negativity.Forever more it is attuned to me. So mote it be!
Next light a stick or cone in incense and cover the tool with smoke and repeat the following: By the smudgeing of the air and fire this tool now used for my desires. For now til eternitys end this tool will forever be my friend.
If possible place tool under a window or outside where it wont be disturbed and let the moonlight shine on it for 3 days before use.
