Messages in the Moonlight

Tools of the Craft

The information on this page is just a general look at the various tools that are used in ritual. This is by no means a complete list. Tools used in ritual are focal points and aid in the shift of consciousness needed for effective ritual. Remember, tools don't make the Witch. The use of tools in magick and ritual simply aid the Witch in raising and directing energy. As a Wiccan, the only tool that you must have is yourself.

The Athame
Sometimes called the Magickal Knife, the athame is not used to cut. It is usually a dull, double-edged knife or dagger. Traditionally it is known to have a black or dark handle, however it is far from mandatory. Because it is used to direct energy, the athame is linked with the element Fire and therefore sacred to the God. Some traditions link it with Air, and others do not even use it. Pronounced as ah-tha-may.

The Besom
Also known as the broom, the besom is sacred to both the Goddess and God. It is known to be powerful against curses and practitioners of evil magic. If laid across the threshold, the besom halts all spells sent to the house and its residents. If placed under a pillow, a small besom will guard the sleeper and bring nice dreams. By lightly sweeping the ritual area, the besom can clear away negativity. It is linked to Water and therefore useful in love spells and psychic workings. Modern day handfastings still include a broom leap to solemnize a couple's union. The besom, though most noted for its feminine attributes in Wicca, is also known for some to symbolize masculinity due to its phallic shape.

The Bolline
The opposite of the athame, the bolline is used to cut herbs, as well as other things needed for ritual and magickal workings, and engraving. Usually the bolline is white handled, though this is not mandatory. It is single-edged and sickle-shaped.

The Burin
A simple tool used for engraving. Sometimes made simply of a nail with a wooden handle. The burin replaces the bolline's use of engraving and inscribing, leaving the sickle-like knife for cutting herbs.

Candles
Candles represent Fire. The flame generates engery to aid in ritual and magick. A good substitution for candles would be stones the color of the candle called for or a gemstone with the magickal association to the desired effect.

The Cauldron
The cauldron is used for cooking and brew making (however, due to the amount of patience needed, most Wiccans will simply use kitchen stoves). It is a symbol of the Goddess and of Water, reincarnation, immortality, and inspiration. The cauldron may be filled with water and flowers, or a fire is sometimes kindled within to represent the birth of the God from the Goddess (though some traditions feel this confuses its uses in elemental terms). Some practitioners will use a small cauldron for a censor (again, some feel this confuses associations). By filling with water and staring into it, a cauldron can be used to scry. Traditionally, the cauldron is iron with three legs. Cauldrons come in all sizes.

The Chalice
Sometimes called the cup, the chalice is a symbol of the Goddess and represents fertility and the element of Water. It is most commonly used to hold ritual beverages. It is used with the athame for the symbolic Great Rite.

Clothing
Ritual clothing is different depending on the group and/or individual. For some, ritual is done only in the nude (skyclad). For others, some sort of clothing is preferred. Those who wear ritual clothing will often have something special to be worn only for ritual, such as a robe. Others may just wear their everyday clothes. When clothing is used for ritual purposes only, the mere act of changing into them can aid in the shift of consciousness for ritual.

Incense
Incense represent Air. They come in many forms including stick, cone, powder, smudge sticks, and, recently popular, oil. A good substitution for incense would be one or more fresh flowers. Incense was once (and still is for some) believed to carry prayers and messages (usually to the Gods) by its smoke.

Jewelry
Ritual jewelry is not necessary, and some individuals/groups prefer to not have it at all. For those who do, the jewelry often holds ritual significance and is only worn for such occasions. Simply wearing the jewelry can aid in the shift of consciousness needed for ritual.

The Symbols of Deity
The symbols for the Goddess and God can be most anything that holds significance to the individual. Normally they are statues, paintings, or items found in nature. One of the most used symbols are two candles: a red or gold candle to represent the God, and a green or silver candle to represent the Goddess. Of course, the symbol will sometimes depend on if a particular deity is being called upon.

The Wand
The wand is used for invocations. Sometimes it is also used to direct energy (in place of the athame), draw symbols or a circle on the ground, and to stir magickal brews. Traditionally the wand is made of wood, however these days it can be made of various metals and crystals. The traditional length of the wand is from the crook of the elbow to the tip of the forefinger. However the length (as well as the width) should be comfortable to the individual and so is not mandatory. Normally the wand will represent Air, however, since it can be used to substitute the athame (some traditions say that the wand is used solely for directing energy and that the athame is the substitute) it is also sacred to Fire.

Water and Salt
Water represents the element Water and salt represents Earth. Some prefer spring water, however nothing is wrong with using well or tap water. Sea salt is preferred, however rock salt is just as good. To some, table salt is considered a last resort. Water and salt are usually found in matching bowls, although that is not always the case. A good substitute for water is a seashell, in which case can be the container for the salt.