Witches Tools of the Craft
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In order to keep
your Magical Tools vibration properly aligned, use them for your magical
workings only. Don’t use them for everyday purposes if possible. By doing
this, the vibration will remain free of negativity and mundane thoughts. This is a list of some
of the Witches Tools that you will eventually need for your alter and
magical work. Example: If you were told you needed a white bone handled knife for your boline to harvest your herbs, but gardening shears or scissors work better for you, then get them! It’s easier to keep your focus on harvesting than worrying about keeping the blade sharp. Purchase the new tool and use it solely for your herb harvest and preparations.
WITCH'S ROBE:
If you are a
solitaire, then black, blue, purple are very good colors to wear simply
because it helps you to connect when you are "Between the Worlds". Meaning
it helps put you in an altered state of mind, away from the mundane world
(waking consciousness). It puts you in that ritual frame of mind. White
can be difficult because it can be guaranteed that you will spill
wine on it! It does not have to be 100% cotton, whatever material makes
you feel like the Goddess you are - you use. It can be made out of any
material you like, but be careful, make sure it is flame retardant and
does not have large bell sleeves. (Yes, we had someone catch on fire while
in Circle! Remember you are in an altered state, you don't want to be
distracted by your robe.) During first Degree initiation, the High Priestess charges the Initiate's robe, (whether it has been bought or sewn) ensuring that the initiate feels empowered no matter what they choose to do while wearing it - the robe will be sacred.
CHALICE:
CENSOR: The Censor is used to hold the charcoal and incense to sweeten the air, change the vibration of the area and heighten our minds that the Circle will be a fit place for the Goddess. Incense used in ritual is an art in itself. The censor can also be considered a cauldron brewing up your incenses for the ritual at hand. Please make sure when acquiring one that you get one big enough to hold your charcoal and will retain any sparks.
BROOM: The Broom is also not considered a magickal tool to some, but "The Church" was terrified of the Witch on her broom, flying through the night sky. Actually, the broom is used to "sweep out negativity from your hearth and home or your pre prep for Circle setup. It, again, aids in your focus of cleansing your area.
BELL: Ringing a bell unleashes vibrations, which have powerful effects according to its volume, tone, and material of construction. The bell is a feminine symbol and is often used to invoke/evoke the Goddess in ritual. It is also rung to ward off evil spells, evil spirits, and to evoke good energies/spirits. Hung on the door, it guards the home. Bells are sometimes rung in ritual to mark various sections of thought/speech, like a period used at the end of a paragraph.
CAULDRON: Now what would any good Witch do without her Cauldron? A small cauldron or bowl is placed on the alter. Its purpose is to hold consecrated water and the consecrated salt (that will be added to) then cast around your circle for cleansing. Not only is it a magickal tool, it symbolizes so much. The Cauldron is the symbol of the Goddess. It is used often in ritual as a focal point. Ideally, it should be of iron and resting on three legs. Most Witches have a bowl on the alter instead of the iron cauldron due to it’s size. They have the large iron cauldron sitting someplace of importance like a fireplace or by the broom.
PENTACLE: Usually made out of brass, gold, silver, wood, wax, or clay with a flat surface having the Pentagram and other related magical symbols embossed on it. The Pentagram, the five-pointed star was taken from Ceremonial Magic. In this ancient art, it was used for protection or a tool used to evoke spirit. In the Craft it represents the element of Earth and generally is used to place amulets, charms or other items to be consecrated and charged. Some Witches buy a piece of round wood and using a burning tool to inscribe the Pentagram and other various items on it like runes and symbols. Some Witches also add gemstones and crystals for more empowerment.
WAND: The wand is used to draw in and direct energies. It carries energy in a specified direction. You can make your own by acquiring a branch from a tree. (Please ask permission from the tree first). Willow wands are considered to be very magickal. You can also put gemstones in the wand and a crystal at the point of the wand. (Instead of a wand, you can simply use your fingers during rituals.) The Wand is related to the element of Fire and the Staff/Wands in the Tarot Cards.
STAFF:
The Staff is just a
long extension of the Wand. It has all the powers of the Wand, and can be
energized in the same manner by adding gemstones, a quartz crystal,
and/or feathers.
ATHAME: AND WHITE HANDLE KNIFE - much emphasis has been put to the white-handled knife and athame due to Gardner. He brought in the double-edged athame using it to cast a circle. Thinking of times of old, Witches that wanted to cast a circle more than likely used their index & middle finger of their power hand or a branch off a tree. Night Wing uses the athame due to it’s authorities properties. There are times on the astral you will need that double edge blade. It may have been Gardner that brought it out, but I personally like it! It seems to me that I can take care of business better with the Sword or Athame, then to have to ‘bonk ‘em on the head’ with your wand or staff. Since it is a phallic symbol, I also honor my male side by using it. Since it is of male energy, the athame is also used for consecrating of the elements on the altar (tip of athame is inserted into the chalice which represents the womb), and of the blessings of the cakes and wine. The athame is related to the element of Air and The Swords in Tarot Cards, although we have used and seen it used in the South for power and will.
SWORD: In organized Wicca, covens that use the sword feel it is used: to channel the Will of the entire coven, in the opening and closing of the Circle, (if it is used to cast or cut the circle, that is), to pass and reserve power, and control - channeling of energies from entities that are outside of our physical domain. Because it represents the Will of Both the Witch and the Goddesses, Gods, all Covenants are sworn upon it. "With this in thy hand, thou are ruler of the Magick Circle".
SCOURGE: Witches of old did not use a Scourge. Gardner was into a lot of things and he brought this "beauty" into the Craft. He called it Magickal Art, stating that it represented the inner suffering the Initiate must endure on the path to enlightenment! Actually he had a good point, how many of us get impatient and want to be able to master the Craft NOW! You do suffer to learn.
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