Tools

Tools assist the magical practitioner direct energy, hold ritual herbs, incense, and assist the practitioner in focusing their intent and energy on their magical working. When working with the objects repeatedly the energy of the person using them is absorbed and strengthens the energy going into the next working.

I have heard that the tools are best if made vs. buying mass produced products. In most cases, I would agree as the energy put into the objects by the person creating them also aids in the working. There are items that come to the person pre-made and just require the person to infuse them with their own energy.

Cleansing your tools is important especially if they come to you previously owned or pre-made. Washing the item with salt water, or placing it in a bowl of salt over night is one method another is using a purification incense and running them through the smoke.

The list below provides basic information on various tools used by magical practitioners.

Altar

An altar provides a focal point for rituals, honoring the Gods and Goddesses and a place for meditation. Altar's can be arranges on low tables, steamer trunks (which also provide storage), and the tops of bookcases or bookshelves. If desired a person may create altars both indoors and outdoors or have several altars with specific focuses.

Usual items maintained on an altar would be a container to hold water (either a cup or chalice), an athame or wand to help direct energy, an incense burner, images, symbols or statues that represent the Gods or Goddesses. There is no right and wrong way to create an altar and each altar is individualized to the person creating it and the purpose for its use.

Athame

A double-edged knife used to direct psychic energy in ritual. Handles are usually made of wood and can be inscribed with magical symbols. The athame is considered to be a masculine symbol and represent the God aspect on the altar.

Pentacle

A five pointed star (pentagram) surrounded by a circle. Each point in the star has a correspondence to compass points and elements associated with the directions along with the Spirit. All five, Spirit, North/Earth, East/Air, South/Fire, and West/Water join together by the circle that surrounds them.

Chalice

A cup or goblet used to hold the holds ritual wine or other beverages for offerings on the altar or during a ritual. The chalice represents the feminine aspect and is used in conjunction with the athame as a symbol of procreation and fertility.

Wand

Wands are made with either metal or wood usually tipped with a quartz point. They are used to direct energy and can take the place of athames in directing energy during rituals.

Cauldron

A fireproof container used often as an incense burner or to burn paper or herbs during a ritual. Often cauldrons are made of metal and often used in reference to the womb.

Grimoire

A book designed for a person to keep written journal, images, articles and other important information regarding their magical practice. Some use pre-made journals dating the pages and adding information and additional books as a journal runs out of pages. Others use three ring binders so they can add and subtract from the book as needed.