Wicca - Magical Tools

the Athame
the magic knife, ritual dagger, or sword
represents the God and the element of fire
traditionally placed on the right side of the altar
to direct and manipulate the energy raised in ritual and spellwork
blade is dull and double edged
the handle is black or dark in color

the Bolline
a knife represents the God or the male energy
used for cutting things in ritual
such as wands, herbs, or cords
and inscribing symbols in candles or other ritual tools
blade is curved
the handle is white

Book of Shadows
Witch's record of all things magical in life and practice
anything and everything related to the Craft experience
is material for the Book of Shadows
keeping record of how a ritual was performed
and the outcome of magical workings
helps to refine and expand on own abilities

the Broom
the most symbolic of a Witch's tools
used for both spellworking and ritual
for "sweeping" the ritual area clean of negative energy
for laying down on the ground as a physical doorway to the circle
for jumping over in Beltane or Pagan marriage ceremonies
handmade brooms, preferably round as opposed to flat
some Witches collect brooms, most name them

Candles
one of the simplest yet most powerful of magical tools
contain all four of the elements
earth - solid wax
air - oxygen to feed the flame
water - melted wax
fire - burning flame
a magical candle should be allowed to burn down completely
if the flame must be put out, snuff it
never blow it out, as this can "blow away" the intention of the spell

the Cauldron
the ultimate symbol of the Goddess
the womb of life
the tomb of death
the legendary rebirth of the phoenix from the ashes
traditionally made of cast iron, with three legs
placed on the altar or on the floor to the left

the Censor
a thurible, incense burner
represents the elements of fire and air
often placed near the center of the altar
used to purify the ritual area
and to help achieve full sensory connection
to the magic being performed

the Chalice
symbolic of the Goddess, fertility, and the waters of emotion
used to hold Holy Water for blessing and consecrating
for the drinking wine, cider or ale at the end of a ceremony
for enacting the Great Rite
the lowering of the athame into the chalice
representing the union of the God and Goddess
traditionally long stemmed
placed on the left side of the altar

the Pentacle
a flat disk inscribed with a pentagram
the five-pointed star within a circle
traditionally placed in the center of the altar
with the star in upright position
represents the element of earth
with the five-pointed star
representing fire, water, earth, air, and spirit
commonly made of wood, metal,wax, or clay
used for consecrating and empowering tools
by placing them in the center of the star during ritual

Symbols of Deity
Candles are customary to represent the deities
green or silver for the Goddess
red or gold for the God
placed at the head of the altar
statues, symbols of the Moon and Sun
and other token objects, such as
seashells or feathers for the Goddess
stones or a deer antler for the God

Symbols of the Elements
North
the direction of earth
salt, crystals, a bowl of soil
figure of a bear, wolf, or stag
or a small potted plant
South
the direction of fire
candle, oil lamp, cactus
figure of a dragon, snake, or lion
East
the direction of air
feather, incense, bell
figure of birds or butterflies
West
direction of water
a cup or bowl of water, seashells
symbols of fish, dolphins, whales, or swans

the Wand
one of the primary projectors of energy
an instrument of invocation and healing
used for casting and opening the circle
the wand is to be an extension of own physical and energetic bodies
find one that feels right
better yet
let it find you