The
tools used in witchcraft are more symbolic than magical in their own right.
But
the function they perform is undeniably important.
Although there are many varieties of magic and
witchcraft performed today, the basic ritual tools remain the same. Ritual
tools are not absolutely necessary in witchcraft, though many people find
them helpful as tangible symbols of the process initiated by the spellcaster.
The tool should be recognised only as a symbol of power used to evoke an
appropriate setting and should not be treated with fear.
Ritual tools can be either made yourself, purchased
in occult shops or passed on to you as a gift. Often it is best to make
your own tools so that they are perfectly attuned to you and your creative
needs. If you choose to purchase, ensure that each item is ritually cleansed
before use. The simplest method is to immerse the item in running water,
or to bury it in earth from the full moon to the following New Moon. If
you would like to adapt a gift or a family heirloom into a ritual tool,
personalise it by painting or engraving upon it a symbol that is significant
to you.
When you obtain a new tool, consecrate it with
the full moon. The new tool should be blessed with Earth (salt) Air (incense)
Fire (flame) and Water (or wine) and a spell (of your choice) should be
cast over the new tool to grant that it may be used for goddness.
Tools should be kept safety stored when they
are not in use, wrapped in a cloth made from natural fibre and placed in
a pouch. Keep all tools clean and polished and once a year (choose a time
that has special significance for you) ritually cleanse and reconsecrate
each tool. Do not let anyone else handle your tools without your consent,
and use each tool wisely and with love.
Some Modern Day Ritual Tools. Amulet: An
amulet is generally a small item made of natural materials - wood, stone,
shell or gems - charged for the magical purpose of protection. Amulets
are often ornate and can be either carried in a pouch or worn as jewellery.
Asperger: An
asperger is a device, constructed of either brass or silver, used to sprinkle
water for purification at the beginning of spells.
Bell: A
bell or gong os often used in the early stages of witchcraft to summon
the power of the Elements: Earth, Fire, Air and Water.
Bolline: A
bolline is a white-handled knife used by witches for cutting, carving or
inscribing things (candles, talismans etc) during the course of a ritual.
Book Of Shadows:
The book of shadows is a magical journal kept by witches whereby
spells and invocations, dreams, herbal recipes, ritual notes and divination
results can be recorded.
Candles: Candles
are used frequently in spells, with their particular colours, fragrances,
shapes and inscriptions serving a symbolic purpose.
Chalice: The
Chalice is a goblet or cup used to hold the wine shared around the circle
of those participating in a ritual.
Charcoal: In
ritual, charcoal is often used for inscribing and ceremonial incense is
often burned on a charcoal saucer.
Chord: A
Chord is either a heavy string used for binding or releasing spells. The
colour and thickness depends on the spell being cast.
Cloth: Felt
or velvet cloths are often used in magic to contain charms and herbs that
have been charged with power.
Essential Oils:
Essential oils have long been used for their power of healing
and to help specific states of mind. In witchcraft, oils have many purposes
and different oils are linked with different usages.
Feathers: Bird
feathers are commonly used in magic ritual to represent freedom.
Herbs: Herbs
and flowers are used for their own powers of healing and attraction in
witchcraft, and different herbs correspond with different requirements
in witchcraft.
Incenses: Incense
comes in sticks, cones and powders, with aromas varying from floral to
herbal mixtures. The incense burned depends on the purpose of each ritual,
though frankincense is considered to have many properties and can be used
for most spells.
Pentacle: A
pentacle is a disc of metal, wood or ceramic with a pentagram and various
other symbols inscribed on it. Symbolising the element Earth, the pentacle
is used in rituals of protection as a shield.
Ritual Scroll:
The ritual scroll in witchcraft is a set of instructions that
help guide the spellcaster through the casting of a complex spell.
Robes: Ritual
robes are often worn by the spellcaster to enhance the effectiveness of
the spell. Usually resembling caftans or choir robes, ritual robes are
best made from natural materials - cotton, rayon and wool - that allow
the skin to breathe.
Spellpaper: Using
spellpaper and charcoal, the spellcaster is often required to draw a circle
of eternity as part of a written spell which is burnt during ritual to
herald union with he universe.
Talisman: A
talisman is a drawn symbol or a constructed item that is charged with specific
energies. The talisman can either be worn as jewellery or carried on one's
person, allowing its energy to exert a continual and subtle influence on
the holder.
Thurible: A
thurible is a metal dish or burner used to hold charcoal and incense throughout
witchcraft ceremonies. It is considered to represent the element Air.
Wand: The
wand in witchcraft is a stick about 18 inches long, carved from one of
the traditionally considered "sacred" woods and used to channel power.
The wand is often decorated and carved in accordance with the spellcaster's
beliefs.
