~ Tools of The Craft ~
Alter ~
Athame
~ Incense
~ Candles
~ Bell
~ Figurines
~ Chalice
~ Two Bowls
Broom
~ Wand
~ Pentacle
~ Robes
~ Censer
~ Charcoal
~ Cauldron
~ Sword
The use of tools in ritual and magic has been documented since
the ice age. Neopagans, ceremonial magicians, and even Christians still
use various tools in ritual today. In these pages, we will discuss
commonly used tools in Wicca and what they symbolize.
Tools are an important part of any religion or magical
practice. It is often thought that religion inspires art, and tools are
an art form in their own right. The tools of religion inspire us and
help us channel the energies raised in ritual.
First, I want to mention a few things. Tools are nice to have,
however, don't run out and buy a cauldron because you need one to work
magic or use in ritual. If you don't want to work with a tool, or can't
find/afford/make it, don't worry. The power is inside you. Tools just
help to focus and store energy. Also, feel free to add or create tools
that work for you if the traditional set leave a gap.
When collecting tools, consider a few things. It is always best
to try to make or customize a purchased tool yourself. No one expects
you to forge a knife blade, but why not inscribe in the blade with an
engraver or acid? Tools that are handmade or customized have part of
your energy stored in them from the creation process, and make them "in
tune" to you. Most Wiccans prefer natural materials like clay and wood
and natural cloths.
You can buy tools from mail order, thrift shops, and anyplace
else you can think of. When buying a tool, please wait until you feel
you have found "the one"; just don't grab the first thing you see
because you "need it". Look around your house! A cooking pot is a great
cauldron; if you notice most of the tools are household objects,
helpful when trying to hide them during the burning times! One more
point, just because some of the below descriptions state certain
specifications doesn't mean your tool can't be different.
A magical or ritual tool is any item that has been cleansed,
consecrated and empowered for ritual purposes. At first, tools were
simple, natural items that were used by primitive wo/man to provide a
sense of identity and connection with unseen spirits. Often, these
objects were small fetishes or totems, and were usually made of
materials associated with the spirit(s) with which they wished to
commune. As the concept of priesthood solidified, tools became highly
specialized. These tools were elaborate works of beauty and power which
were often passed down through the ages. Ritual tools are found in
almost all religions and magical practices. They range in size from
small hand held items and pieces of jewelry, to immovable objects such
as idols and stone megaliths. Although the appearances of tools may
differ culturally, their functions are basically the same. As the
student examines the tools of several different cultures, they will
notice that these ritual items are each associated with the
different elements.
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