There are four basic tools common to all traditions of Wicca. These include: the Athame, the Wand, the Cup or Chalice and Pentacle or Stone. Each corresponds to a different element and can be used in casting the circle to call the different quarters. These are an extension of the practitioner and will help to channel and amplify the magick for spell work and rituals. The important thing to always remember when obtaining your magickal tools is that you can still do magick without them and not to be in any great rush to go out and get them right away. Ultimately in the end, they’re a nice added touch, all the power we need to do magick is within ourselves.
Some traditions stress creating your own tools as it’s a way of imbueing one’s own energy with the tool to better attune it to yourself. If you choose to purchase your tools, remember that if you have to haggle on prices or can’t afford it, it probably isn’t the best tool. As tools, they have no more power then what is given to them.
Other things about the Wiccan Tools, as is part of proper ettiquete, is never borrow or use another’s tools as it’s their energy in the tool and not your own. Nor is it proper ettiquete to touch another Witch’s tools without permission. The same goes for alter space. Doing so is considered an iinvasion of privacy. Plus that even simply touching the tools leaves imprints and impression on the tools, that if left uncleansed, whether positive or negative, have an impact and effect on future magickal workings.
The Athame
The athame is a ceremonial knife that corresponds to the element of fire. It’s also a male symbol and energy. Often it’s a black-handled knife that may or maynot have magickal symbols or names inscribed on it.
It is used for:
* Mixing salt, water or potions
* Inscribing the Circle
* Charging, consecrating or empowering amulets and talismens
* Drawing lines
* Discrimination and setting limits
* Making choices
The Wand
The wand is a very familiar tool of magick that corresponds to the element of air and female is another symbol of male energy. Should you choose to make your wand, a suggested length is from the crook of the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. Do research the properties of the particular wood you plan to take your wand from. And when cutting from a live tree, do remember you are taking a piece of a Living Being. Explain to the tree why and what purpose you are taking the branch in making the wand to get it’s permission. Remember too to leave an offering in return such as a feather or stone which is acceptable.
The wand is a symbolic phallus, and is utilized by the Witch for moving energy in a wide or disbursed area. The wood from which a wand is made varies according to culture and tradition. In Devonshire, the local tradition is for a Witch to carry a Black Rod which is made from blackthorn. The Welsh Gwyddon uses a length of scarlet rowan called the Hudlath, or Rod of Enchantment. According to Welsh tradition, wands were used as a test of chastity. The Mabinogian relates one tale in which the wand of Math is used to determine whether or not Arianrhod had remained a virgin. However, in Scotland the term Bune Wand was given to a forked wand or staff. It referred to a Witch’s spirit flight upon these riding poles. In Germany, the word gabelreiterinnen was used to describe a Witch and translated as "pitchfork-rider." In some traditions, the ends of these poles are carved to represent an erect phallus which is then concealed by being bound with ash and birch twigs. In this form, the wand also becomes the besom or broom which is so often associated with the stereotypical witch. Many Witches employ the use of a broom in a ritual referred to as the Naked Broom which involves the placing of a curse. At Shrovetide in Westphalia, Germany, houses are ritually swept with a white broom which is then hung over the door of the cow-house.
It is used for:
* Casting Circles
* Channeling Energy
* Inviting and Controlling Entities
* Manifestation of will (spirit into matter, idea into reality, ect)
The Cup
The Cup or Chalice is symbolic of the womb of the Goddess, corresponding to the element of water, female energy and fertility. It is believed that to drink from the cup is to drink of life; similar to the mythical Holy Grail of Christian mythos and King Arthur. Often made of glass, metal or wood. If you get a metal Chalice made of brass or pewter, make sure it is lined with Silver as there is a poisonous dangerous reaction to the metals with wine.
It is used for:
* Mixing salt and water
* Mixing potions
* Invoking the power to be human, to be real, to be whole
* Conjuring emotions
* Nurturing
* Presenting offerings and pouring out libations
* Drinking ritual wine
The Pentacle
The Pentacle is a five point star that corresponds to the element of earth and female energy. In place of the pentacle, a stone may be used as well. When pointed upwards, the pentacle is positive. When pointed downwards, the pentacle is negative and is used in banishing and binding. It’s usually placed in the center of the alter and used in magickal workings. The pentacle is also very commonly seen and used in protection hung over windows and doorways.
The five points of the pentacle represent:
* Brith, initiation, consummation, repose; death
* Love, wisdom, knowledge, law, power
* Spirit, Air, Water, Earth and Fire.
Authors Details: Wicca Tools – Unknown
