The Tools of Wicca

As in most religions, Wicca makes use of certain items and tools in ritual and in the performance of magick. The tools are symbolic, but do have purpose. They direct and receive energies, invoke the God and Goddess, and banish all realms of negativity. As witches, it is important that we gather at least some of these items, consecrate them, and use them. It is not necessary to have tools, but they do lend their energies, energies you've infused them with, to whatever magick or ritual you're performing.  Where can you find these tools? Just about anywhere. Antique stores, flea markets, junk stores, garage sales, and occult and metaphysical stores. Just remember that the tool, be it a lavish, crystal encrusted athame or just an old, scratched knife, it must feel right for you. What is good for one witch is not necessarily right for the next. Also remember, use what you have!

The Athame

The athame (pronounced ah-thah-may) is normally a dark or black handled, double-sided knife or dagger. It is normally dull, as it is not used for cutting. The athame is used to direct energy and is often employed when casting circle. Symbols and words are sometimes engraved on the handle, but it is not necessary.  The athame is the tool of the East and is associated with the element of Air. In some traditions it is the tool of Fire.  The athame is phallic in nature and is therefore a masculine tool and linked to the God.

The Wand

The wand is one of the most renown of the tools and one of the most versatile. Traditionally, the wand is made from the wood of many different kinds of trees including willow, elder, oak, hazel, and fruit trees. The length of the wand varies from tradition to tradition, but it is safe to say that the wand should be fairly straight, comfortable in your hand and is not so long as to be unwieldy. When searching for wood for your wand, even wood from a building supply store will work. If you take your wood from a living tree, remember to ask the tree first, and then thank it for its sacrifice. Wands can also be made of crystals and metal. Make the wand your own by carving or painting symbols on it, adorning it with ribbons, whatever makes the wand special to you.  For thousands of years the wand has been used in both magick and rituals. The wand is used mostly to invoke the God and Goddess, direct energy, and to charge other objects. It is used to draw symbols on the ground and even to stir the cauldron.  The wand is the tool of the South and is associated with Fire. In some traditions it is the tool of Air.  The wand is phallic in nature, is a masculine tool and is sacred to the Gods.

The Cauldron

The cauldron is an ancient tool of magick and ritual. It is normally a three-legged vessel, ideally made of iron and has the opening smaller that the body of the cauldron. They come in a variety of sizes from little ones that can be held in one hand to behemoth cauldrons that take three strapping young men to move. Finding cauldrons may not be easy, but there are mail order houses that they can be ordered from or possibly a metal smith could help you out.  The cauldron is used for many different purposes. It is used for magickal brewing and cooking, and is used for scrying. It is used many different ways during ritual, especially the rituals of the Sabbats.  The cauldron is the tool of the West and is associated with Water.  The cauldron is feminine in nature and represents the Goddess, fertility and femininity.

The Pentacle

Of all the symbols and tools used in Wicca and witchcraft, this is probably the most misunderstood. The pentacle is usually a flat piece of metal or wood inscribed with a pentagram, a five-pointed star.  The pentacle came from ceremonial magic and has been used in ritual and magick for thousands of years. It is used to represent feminine energy and to consecrate objects such as amulets and charms. The pentacle is also a traditional symbol of protection and is one of the official symbols of a Wicca.  The pentacle is the tool of the North and is associated with Earth.  The pentacle is feminine in nature and represents the Goddess.  The pentacle, as used by Wiccans, has a single point of the star pointing up, which is not to be confused with the Satanic version which is inverted (two points up).

The Censer

The censer is an incense burner. It can be an ornate brass burner that hangs from chains or something as simple as a small ceramic bowl. The censer is used to burn the incense that is often offered to the Deities, as well as being used to invoke the spirits of the Air, the Sylphs and Faery.  The censer is a tool of the element Air.

The Broom

The broom is a tool of magick and ritual that is still used by Witches today. The traditional Witch's Broom is made of ash, birch and willow because of the attributes of those woods, but it can be made of just about any wood available.  Although not employed for flying purposes, the broom does have many uses. It is used for protection. It is also and most commonly used for physically and magickally cleaning an area that will be used for sacred space. The broom does not have to touch the ground to sweep away the psychic clutter that often collects in well-used spaces. Brooms are also often used in handfasting rituals (broom leap).  The broom is associated with Water and is sacred to both the God and Goddess.

The Book of Shadows

The Book of Shadows is a book that contains a witch's rituals, spells, runes, dreams, recipes, etc. Within covens, the initiates copy the original Book by hand. A solitary may also keep a Book, recording within spells, etc. The Book is normally a secret book. What is found with in the Book is often spells and such copied from other sources and, of course, those that are uniquely your own. The Book is a record of a witch's magickal work. What is wonderful about it is that every Book of Shadows should be a little different. Maybe you've found clove oil works best for a prosperity spell while the original spell called for patchouli oil. Because of the multitude of personality and available resources, not every Book of Shadows should be the same and therefore not only ONE Book is the right Book. To make a Book of Shadows, any blank book will do. Most are hard bound, but that's not mandatory. The color of the book is optional, but black does seem to be traditional.

Other Tools

The Sword - The Sword directly relates to the athame and has the same attributes and uses. The sword is still used by many witches in ritual and magick.  

The Staff - The Staff directly relates to the wand and has the same attributes and uses. Witches use staves very frequently today.  

The Stone - The Stone is used in much the same way as the pentacle and relates to it in many ways. It is a tool of the North and represents the Earth. For those of the Faery Tradition, the Stone has a very rich history. Again, the Stone is another tool that is often thought to be a trade off for many witches. Where a pentacle can be an inflammatory symbol, much misunderstood, just about everyone has rocks lying around in some form or another. Only you need know what meaning it really has.