The Witch's Tools "The same of the Working Tools; let them be as ordinary things that any may have in their houses. Let the pentacles be of wax that they may be melted or broken at once. Have no sword unless your rank allows you one, and have no names or signs on anything. Write the names and signs on in ink before consecrating them and wash off immediately after." Rule one, when it comes to tools, is to use whatever feels right to you. The descriptions that follow are suggestions only and are not to be considered strict dictates of Craft. These suggestions have been culled from a wide range of books covering a number of conflicting traditions. They have further been filtered through my own personal preferences. There are very few strict dictates of Craft. If a bread knife feels like a sword to you, then, by your power of will, it is a sword. Rule two, never haggle over the price of the tool. If you truly desire the tool for ritual purposes, then pay the set price without comment or question. Its perfectly fine to shop for bargains, however you demean the tool with haggling. The Temple Many Witches work and meet outdoors. However, this is not always possible for the city or town dweller. Your temple can be a whole building, a room or a small section of a room. A room set aside for working is ideal, however, this is not always possible. Whatever space you set aside to become your temple, should be thoroughly cleaned and dedicated. The word "temple" derives from the Latin "templum", which comes from the root 'tem' meaning to divide. To the Etruscans, this meant the dividing of the heavens into four quarters. The intersection at the center of the heavens was the cosmic temple. The Wiccan Temple is a sacred place in where the worshippers enter into sacred time to live with their Gods at the moment of creation. Often a Wiccan temple is painted black. This is because black cuts out distractions and creates a feeling of mystery. Black also relates to the spiritual level of the element Earth. Black also symbolizes the formless cosmic night prior to the moment of creation. This is the unformed potential of the cosmic womb. Black also represents the night, which is the Moon's domain. Sometimes a Wiccan temple is painted in the elemental colors, or hung with quarter banners. This scheme represents the next step in creation, where the point of origin is expanded in the four cardinal directions, enabling one to find one's way. However, if your temple is not closely aligned to the Cardinal directions, this scheme will not work. EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH Physical Yellow Red Blue Green Mental Grey Orange Sea-Green Brown Spiritual Violet Sun-Yellow Indigo Black To use all the colors at once would be very distracting, so a choice of levels must be made. The physical level is the one most used. Symbols of each element is also painted or employed at each quarter. Although the whole temple is sacred, it is the magical circle that contains the energy that is raised during ritual. This invisible barrier is raised and dissolved each time a ritual is performed. Sometimes a representation of the Magical Circle is painted on the floor. This is to indicate where the circle will be cast, and also to assist the members to stay within it's protective field. The traditional size of the circle is nine feet in diameter, however, this really depends on the size of your temple and your membership. Symbolically circles represent original perfection, wholeness and totality. Since there is no beginning or end to a circle it also represents timelessness and infinity. Many Wiccans see the Magic Circle as the cosmic womb of the Goddess, and the cycles of life including the seasons. In macrocosm circles represent the universe. In microcosm it represents the self. Three circles in a Wiccan temple indicate the physical, mental and spiritual levels of existence. A circle within a square is what you have when you draw a circle in a square temple. This represents the union of heaven and earth. Squaring the circle is drawing down the circle of heaven to earth by building a square temple. Altar and Altar Tools Your altar tools are the sacred instruments with which you do your work. They are an extension of your self, and thus you must be patient and take time in acquiring the tools that you can personally relate to. The process of getting tools that are `right' for you, can span over years. In the meantime, you can work with temporary tools before finding your own personal implements. Some traditions feel that the altar tools must be bought brand new, because second hand tools may carry negative energies of the previous owner. Similarly, people feel that mass produced tools are not suitable for ritual. Many people seek only those tools that have been created by artisans who put love and care into their work. However, these can be quite expensive. Some people also feel that the witch should produce all of her/his own tools. Whatever the case, your tools must be thoroughly cleansed and consecrated before they are put to use. Most people feel that when you are buying altar tools, you should not haggle over the price, as this could create the impression that you do not value the item. The tools that you have selected to become your magical items should be used only for that purpose. If you are unwilling to pay the asked price, look elsewhere. Your altar tools should always be treated with the utmost respect. The Altar - The consecrated place that holds the witch's instruments and is the "mise en scene" of the magickal workings. Any table will do. Try to have it large enough to keep all the necessary tools but not large enough to cramp the circle area. An altar top or cloth is optional. The left side is feminine (Earth and Water), the right side is masculine (Fire and Air). The altar signifies many things; divine presence, sacrifice, reunion with the diety by means of sacrifice, integration and thanksgiving. Its situation at the east end of the temple, cathedral, or church represents the position of worship towards the sun and the direction of paradise. Being in the shape of a tomb symbolizes the passage from death to life and time to eternity. Steps up to the altar are ritual ascent. Stone altars signify the indestructability and everlasting duration of the divinity, associated often with the tree as the supplementary aspect of change and renewal. The main focus of the Temple, as a womb symbol, is the Altar. The Tools which are placed on the Altar, represent the story of creation, and the principals which govern it. Sacrificial altars of ancient times, represented union with the divine by the means of sacrifice. Today, however, the burning of incense is seen as a suitable sacrifice. Wiccan Altars can be round, square or rectangular. Any table made of natural materials will do fine, as long as it is big enough to hold all of your altar tools. Building your own altar is preferable. Use natural materials such as wood, stone, slate etc. Avoid cement and plastics, as these are void of lifeforce. Altars made out of wood, stand for change and renewal. Altars made out of stone represent indestructibility and the everlasting duration of divinity. A wood altar with a stone top makes a good combination. Altars can be dedicated to a specific deity by building the altar with materials associated to that particular deity. A dedicated altar is often painted with the appropriate colors, and has related symbols carved or drawn on it. The Sword - is the symbol of power, protection, authority, royalty, leadership, justice, courage, strength, vigilance, and physical examination. It also represents the male principle, the active force and is phallic, with the sheath as the receptive feminine. On the metaphysical level, the sword is symbolic of discrimination, the penetrating power of the intellect, spiritual decision and the inviolability of the sacred. It possesses supernatural powers either on earth or under the water and is associated with giants and supernatural beings, such as the Lady of the Lake. It is also wielded by the cosmic or solar hero, the conqueror of dragons and demonic powers. It is a symbol of the higher forms of knighthood with the lance as the lower form. The sword separates and divides the body and soul, heaven and earth, and the flaming sword separates man from paradise. The two- edged sword symbolizes the dual powers and universal currents in manifestation, creation, and destruction, life and death, powers which are contrary in appearance but complementary and one in reality. The sword is a channel for energy and is used to create sacred space. It is an air tool, although Janet and Stewart Farrar attribute the sword and athame to Fire and the wand to Air. It is ritually exchangeable with the athame. When a woman witch buckles on a sword, she is ritually assuming a male role and must be regarded and treated as masculine until she takes it off again. The difference between the athame and the sword is that the sword is more formally authoritative. A Coven circle is cast with the sword to underline the group significance of the act, whereas a private circle would be cast with the athame. The sword's presence adds weight to a solemn occasion. The Wand - should be a thirteen inch oak rod. It may be polished, painted black and tipped with silver, but even a rough un-finished one will suffice. This is a passive Fire tool. It is not strictly necessary. The wand familiar to us from fairy tales may have tree worship at its root, for magickal branches plucked from sacred trees in sacred groves figure in many mythologies. The most efficacious wand will be made from one of the woods sacred to the White Goddess: elderberry, willow, rowan, hazel, oak, or mistletoe. A straight and slender branch should be hollowed out at the centre(the pith removed), sanded to a silky smoothness, filled with cotton wool, and brought to life with three drops of the witches own blood. Some traditions recommend that it be inscribed with a pentagram as well as the witch's ritual name. It should be blessed in the name of the Mother Goddess and consecrated as a tool of the witches will. The stronger the will, the more invincible the wand. It is quieter tool than the sword or the athame. "Its use is to call up and control certain angels and genii to whom it would not be meet to use the Magic Sword". When it and the scourge are held in the Osiris position, the scourge represents Severity and the wand Mercy. The Scourge - was, in old times, used for purification. It is now mostly for initiations. The traditional scourge was made of leather with a phallic handle. Modern scourges commonly consist of four, six, or eight strands each of the colours red, white, and blue. Cotton embroidery fibre is OK. Strands should be 13 inches long. It is a symbol of the discipline of the craft. The scourge has two uses: 1) purely symbolic and 2) for gentle, monotonous, semi-hypnotic application to affect the blood circulation as an aid to 'gaining the sight'. The White-handled Knife (Bolline/Burin) - is double-edged and sharp. It is used to inscribe tools, candles, etc. , and to carve other magickal tools and objects within the circle. White symbolizes the Goddess. It is only used during ritual and is used for no other purpose. Crystal - Some traditions have a scrying crystal on the Goddess side of the altar. The Four Elements - Earth / North / Pentacle / Salt / Green Air / East / Censor / Incense / Yellow Fire / South / Fire candle / Candle / Red Water / West / Chalice / Wine / Blue The Pentacle - circular wooden or metal plaque with a circled pentacle on it. The point of the pentacle faces up. The pentacle symbolizes Earth. It can cover the libation bowl or be used in place of the cake dish, or salt dish. The Censor/(Incense burner)/(Thurible) - It is the symbol for Air and is used as a correspondence to the Goddess as a female element. Use sand or sea-salt as a base to contain the heat. Use charcoal and granular incense. It is used for cleansing. The Fire Candle - Red through out and need not be fragrant. Should be in a red container. May be carried and can be used in place of the maiden candle. The Chalice - should be silver or silver-plated. It is used for drinking the ceremonial wines(the bounty of nature) or to contain the salt and water mix used to purify the circle. In some traditions , the sacred marriage (sexual union between the incarnate God and the worshipper) is performed symbolically by plunging the Athame into the Chalice. This represents the reproductive forces of nature. The chalice is a female/phallic symbol. Wine symbolizes blood or the life forces of the universe. Salt and Water dishes - silver or pottery. Use sea-salt and distilled or well water. Granular Incense Dish - set on the altar beside the censor to contain the appropriate incense to be added to the charcoal. God and Goddess Statues - represent the covens' identification of their particular God and Goddess. Symbolizes and are tokens of love and respect for the Lord and Lady. They are a channel for energy to work with. God and Goddess Candles - are two white candles used only on the altar. Silver and gold, pink and blue, and other God/Goddess correspondences can be used. The Source Candle - represents the void, what preceded Goddess and God. The flame is the spark that gave birth to the Goddess. It or the Fire candle are the only candles that can be lit by a match. The Maiden Candle - White candle on the female side of the altar used for illumination. The Fire candle may be used instead. This is used by the Hand-maiden to provide light for the High Priest and High Priestess. The Bell - Gives forth a pleasant bell or tone to summon the Lords and/or a particular God or Goddess. It is also used to draw the attention of the coven members. It can be used to provide ritual punctuation and to separate parts of a ritual. It can also be used for the symbolic representation of the Gods. In Judaic ritual, bells are embroidered on the hem of the High Priest's robe and the sound lets people know where he is in the Synagogue. In Catholic Mass, a small bell is rung at the beginning and at the end of the service. It is rung during the offering of the Eucharist to signal the congregation to sing the Cherubic hymn and it is also rung when the priest is ready to hear confessions. In Hindu, Buddhist, and some shamanic belief systems, it is believed that the sound of the bell is the physical manifestation of the spiritual force that pervades all the planes. This sound attracts the attention of the Gods to the ritual and frightens off any evil spirits in the area. In certain Hindu and Buddhist rites there is a bell and a sword or thunder- bolt on the altar. The sword represents the male principal, while the bell represents the female. With one in each hand, the high priest is endowed with supernatural powers allowing him to compel the participation of the Gods. The Consecrated Matches - used only for lighting the Fire candle. The Consecrated Ritual Bic - used only for lighting the ritual cigarettes during the break in the ritual. The Ritual Ralph - affectionate Gardnerian term for the consecrated box of Kleenex. Circle Tools The Quarter Candles - placed at the cardinal points of the circle. These are in the elemental colours and symbolize the four elements. The Quarter Banners - placed at the cardinal points of the circle. These are in the elemental colours and symbolize the four elements. These are placed on the appropriate walls of the temple. The Besom - traditionally made from cornstalks and husks bound together. It should be used to sweep the circle from centre to perimeter. It cleans out any old psychic energies and negativity from the circle. If a broom is not available, a sprinkling of salt and water will do. It is a balancing tool and is traditionally male in nature. The end of the broom can be carved into a phallic symbol. The shaft of the broom passes through a ball of red twine symbolizing the feminine principle. This is hidden from view by the straw. It is used by the hand-maiden to cleanse the circle during ritual. It was originally a riding and dancing pole, disguised as an ordinary household broom for security reasons. Stories about witches riding through the air on broomsticks arouse from their use in crop fertility rites. Women would ride them around the fields, leaping as high as they could. This was sympathetic magic in two ways. The higher the leap, the higher the crop would grow. And the fertility theme would be dramatized by the way the women used their phallic poles during their riding. The Cauldron - is a Goddess womb symbol. Can be used to hold wine or fire. Has to have three legs. It contains male energy. This would originally have been identified with the witch because of her mysteriously brewing potions and herbal remedies, though for centuries it was simply the family cooking pot. Its associations with witches probably arose from pictures of witches at work. It is a larger version of the chalice, and is a symbol of rebirth, death, renewal, and inexhaustible plenty. It is more adaptable than the cup since it can contain water, fire, incense, or flowers. Leaping over the cauldron is a fertility rite. The Libation Bowl - symbol of giving back to the Gods what was freely given to us. Is a form of sacrifice. The Cake Dish - symbolizes the source of the necessities of life. The Consecrated Ritual Ash-tray - used during break in circle. The Summoner's Staff - Huge, bloody-great stick used to summon the coven, and to keep order if necessary. The Horned Helmet - used by High Priest or Priestess to represent the Horned God. Thin White Cloth - used by High Priestess during Great Rite. The Ritual Tape-recorder - Used to play the Ritual Meditation Tapes. The Ritual Meditation Tapes - used to set the appropriate mood during the ritual. Personal Circle Tools The Athame - is a double-edged, dulled black handled knife, used to invoke and to inscribe the circle. It is an active male tool, and a phallic symbol. The act of plunging it into the Chalice represents the union of male and female principles. It is an extension of power and will. It represents Fire and controls rebellious spirits. It is a symbol of energy and an extension of your self into the spiritual world. It can draw energy from the elements. It is only used during ritual and is used for no other purpose. The Athame is interchangeable with the sword for all ritual purposes, such as casting or banishing circles. It is considered good manners not to handle another witch's athame without the owner's permission, unless it is your working partner's. Most tools can belong to an individual Witch, or to the Coven. The Athame, or Black Handled Knife is a Witches personal tool. Traditionally, the hilt is black, but sometimes a horn or a deer's foot is used as the handle. Some people say that the Athame should have a double edged blade not less than seven inches, and not more than nine inches. As with all the tools, you must use what 'feels right' to you. The Athame is a purely ritual tool, and should not be used for anything else. Often people blunt the blade to prevent mistakes. It can also be used to cut the handfasting cake. The use by witches of a magickal weapon of this kind is very ancient. A picture upon a Greek vase, circa 200 B.C. shows two naked witches engaged in 'drawing down the moon', ie. invoking the powers of the moon to aid their magick. One holds a wand and the other a short sword. The magickal knife evolved from this sword. A engraved gem from ancient Rome shows Hecate, the Goddess of witch- craft, in triple form. Her three pairs of arms bear the symbols of a torch, a scourge and a magickal dagger. An early edition of The Clavicle of Solomon mentions the use of a magickal knife called an Arthana. An ancient woodcut shows a witch controlling several demons by brandishing an Athame in one hand and herbs in the other. The use of a consecrated dagger to control spirits is also known in Tibet. These weapons, known as 'devil daggers' have a triangular blade and a haft in the shape of a thunderbolt. Some traditions attribute the Athame and the Sword to Fire, and the Wand to Air. Whatever attributes you choose, it is important you use what feels right and stick with it. The markings on the Athame vary from tradition to tradition. These can be placed either on the handle or the blade. Some of the more common markings are as follows: - The symbol of the Horned God, which is also the symbol for Taurus. This represents fertility and the light half of the year. - The Ankh Cross, which is the symbol of life. - The Salute and the Scourge. (SS) - The Goddess as the waxing and waning moon. - The symbol of Scorpio, which is the symbol of death, thus representing the "Other World" and the Lord of the Underworld. It also represents the dark half of the year. - The symbol of the Perfect Couple. - The Arrow Of Magic, which represents power issuing forth. - The Eight Spoked Wheel, which represents the eight Sabbaths, and the eight ways of making magic. Robe - for those sad moments when sky-clad is not an option. In all religious traditions, certain garments are worn only in the presence of the deities and are put aside when returning to the world. This is due to a belief in "the contagion of the deity" - the idea that holy objects should not be used in other than holy places. It accounts for the still-current conviction that religious objects stolen from a place of worship are unlucky. In many ancient religious traditions, Egyptian and Hebrew among them, the robes worn in the prewsence of the deities must be washed and purified after. Cingulum - is the belt made of cord. Different traditions have different colours and methods of making the singulum. It is a symbol of rank. It can be used to cast a perfect circle. Special cingulums can be used for special rituals. It is made from natural materials - cotton, silk, or wool. Book of Shadows - Black book for rituals, spells, magickal practices and notes. Arrangements should be made with a close friend that it be burnt without reading on the death of the owner. The reason for this, which stems from the Burning-Times, was to save the family from persecution. A written book was proof of participation in witchcraft. This is the name given by modern witches to the book in which they write their rituals, invocations, and charms. It is called a Book of Shadows because its contents can only be this world's shadow of the realities of the Other World; the world of magick and beyond, the world of gods and spirits. Witches copy from each others books that which appeals to them, and things which have been learned from experience. No two books are alike. Conjure Bags - These belong to Voodoo rather than the European witch tradition, but many contemporary witches use them. They are little drawstring pouches (of red flannel or leather) which are worn around either the neck or waist of the conjuror, and are hung upon trees on the property of one whose luck you wish to affect. They are very handy for carrying things into the circle, especially if your robe has no pockets. The Witches Cape - A cape (or coat) conferring magickal powers is known through many myths and legends. The witch's cape is usually shown as dark blue or black, with magickal signs or symbols embroidered or painted on it in gold. Magickal alphabets, pentagrams, and zodiacal symbols are among the decorative elements shown. The witch's cape signifies magic and priesthood, and possibly bestows on its wearer invisibility or the power of metamorphosis. The Red Swiss Army Knife - active phallic tool. Very important for opening the ritual wine. The Ritual Gym Bag - used to carry all the ritual tools to the circle. Jewelry Most Craft jewelry is made of silver because silver is considered to be sacred to the Goddess and is the metal astrologically representing the Moon. Although decorative, the jewelry also serves as symbolic protection, as in talismans and amulets, and for ritual purposes to focus energy. For this reason most Witches consecrate their jewelry before they wear it. Parapsychological experiments have shown siver to be an excellent conductor of psychic energies. Necklace - usually a pentacle. Various grimoires, or books of spells make mention of necklaces with magickal properties. Some are quite simple, composed of seashells, acorns, seeds, and wood. Others are made of blue glass beads (of the sort worn even today thoughout the Middle East as protection against the Evil Eye). Still others contain crescent moons, which are symbols of Diana, the goddess most often associated with the witch cult. It is customary for women witches to wear necklaces of some kind in Circle. Most men also wear talismans or pendants . These represent the 'cycle of re-birth'. The traditional priestess's necklace is made with amber and/or jet. Apart from the amber-and-jet, the necklace can be anything that is felt to be suitable; for a woman, any favourite necklace, particularly if it is an a colour that fits the particular work or perhaps a Goddess symbol; for a man, a solar or Horned God symbol. Pentagrams, ankhs, Eye of Horus, astrological signs, Yin-Yang symbols, etc. will also do. Rings - a pentacle ring, etc. Cuffs - (Bracelets) are given at Degree initiations (in some Traditions) Crowns - are used only by High Priest and High Priestess and are symbolic of the deities. Modern witches often speak of witch crowns, made of a thin band of silver with a silver crescent moon at the front. In certain covens, the member known as the queen of the witches wears this (as well as the garter) to show her rank. Watches - NO WATCHES!! Garter - Used by the High Priestess only. It is worn on the upper left leg. Has one or more silver buckles on it. It is green and can be made from snake skin and lined with blue velvet. The garter as a symbol of shamanistic powers may go back to paleolithic times, for dancers who .seem. to be wearing garters are seen in cave paintings. Margaret Murray speculates that such apparently diverse things as the bride's garter, the fairy garter conveying magickal poewers, and the Order of the Garter have a common heritage. If garters were symbols of magickal powers in prehistoric times, by medieval times they had also come to represent exalted worldly status. Perhaps the garter symbolized rank in the ancient witch cult, and mythic significance has led it to figure as a magickal amulet in all those legends and fairy tles. Some writers specify that the garter be green leather, buckled in silver and lined with blue silk. Green is the fairy colour, associated with Robin Hood, the Green Man, and wood sprites. When a High Priestess has had another coven hive off from her own, she is entitled to add a second buckle to her garter and an additional buckle for each new one that hives off. Girdle - is a wide belt worn by the High Priestess. It is set with specific healing stones. Ankle Bracelet - worn on the right ankle is the symbol of a female elder. Necklace of 40 Acorns - is worn by a third degree female witch, in some traditions. Miscellaneous Charcoal - for incense. Candles - short birthday candles will do in specific colours, but they must not burn out before the circle is opened. A large selection of all kinds of candles is useful. Candle Holders - holds the candles straight and prevents wax from getting all over the temple and the altar. Little Aluminum Pie Plates - because you never have enough candle holders. Herbing Knife - Knife used only for herbs. Herb and Oil Containers - use anything. Vials, film boxes, small tea-tins. Crystals - used for scrying and as sources of different types of healing energies. Herbs - for medicinal and incense use. Incense - Frankincense, myrrh, etc. Oils - used for anointing and /or blessing candles. Some fragrances correspond to gods and goddesses. Olive oil works well. Mortar and Pestal - to grind incense, etc. Parchment - To inscribe names and talismans and burn. Dip Pen and Waterproof Ink (Black) - for inscribing. Pen of Art - used for writing in the Book of Shadows. Candle of Art - concentration tool. Needles and Thread Cord - for cord magic. Geometry Set - For drawing circles and pentacles, etc. Scissors Glue Small Paint Brushes - for inscribing. Paint - white, silver, and black - for inscribing. A Divinatory Tool - usually Tarot cards, but whatever you are comfortable in using. Library - a good library of Craft books is indispensable. Witches Ladder - a concentration tool. A Magick Box - This can be anything, a cookie tin, a wooden box, etc. This is used to store the smaller pieces of your magickal equipment. A Familiar - any pet will do, if you have a particularly strong feeling for it. A familiar will allow you to tap its power and will also do things for you astrally. It is important to build up a mental rapport with it. The familiar's Litter Box or Newspaper - Always remember to clean up after your familiar. *** Bibliography Complete Book of Witchcraft - Buckland, Raymond; Llewellyn; 1987 Magic, An Occult Primer - Conway, David; Mayflower; 1972 What Witches Do - Farrar, Stewart; Pheonix; 1983 A Witches Bible Compleat - Farrar, Janet & Stewart; Magickal Childe; 1984 The Symbolic Weapons of Ritual Magic - Highfield, A.C.; Aquarian; 1983 Mastering Witchcraft - Huson, Paul ; Putnam; 1970 Witches - Jong, Erica; Granada Publishing; 1982 An ABC of Witchcraft - Past and Present - Valiente, Doreen; Pheonix Publishing Co.; 1981 Positive Magic - Weinstein, Marion; Phoenix Publishing Co.; 1981 ***