Tools of the Trade
"A ritual tool is a psychological aid to concentration and to synchronizing the psychic effort of a group working together; its symbolism is archetypal in nature and therefore activates the Unconscious in partnership with the purposeful Ego; and through consecration and constant use, it acquires a helpful psychic charge of its own."~The Witch's Bible by Janet and Stewart Farrar
A tool is a personal choice. One must not haggle the price or use one that has a negative history. A good psychometrist should be able to tell if it does. The tools are used in ritual and generally (with the exception of those called 'kitchen witchs') is only used for that purpose.
The Athame
Any knife which suits the owner can be his or her athame. This is the most personal choice of all the tools used in the craft and it is considered bad form to touch a witch's knife without permission. It has been called the 'true witch's weapon' and is used to draw circles, draw down the moon, call up spirits, and charge other items. Traditionally the handle is black but this is a personal choice. I have seen athames that are black handled as well as those with bone for the handle. Also, it is usually made out of steel although I have seen a beautiful one made out of copper. The hilt and blade may or may not contain certain symbols which is also the owner's choice. Athame's are purely ritual tools and should never be used for cutting or acts of aggression. It is essentially a masculine symbol, as seen in the Consecration of the Wine. The athame also represents the element of Fire.
The Sword
The sword and the athame are fully exchangeable in ritual settings. It is also masculine and represents the element fire. Swords are generally used in covens and less in personal rites. However, this is also the person's choice
The Wand
The wand represents the element of Air. It can be regarded as masculine because it has a phallic shape. It is used in place of the athame or sword where a gentler tool would be better. Another tool which is sometimes marked with symbols that are personal to the user. The traditional length of a wand is from elbow to fingertip of the owner. For a coven wand, eighteen inches is a good average.
The Cup or Chalice
The cup represents the element of Water and is the feminine symbol. It's purpose is to hold the wine or mead (juice works for those who can't have alcohol), in which it is consecrated and passed around. For those covens who use the 'Symbolic Great Rite' it represents the woman.
The Pentacle
This is the primary Earth symbol. Because of the symbol of the Earth mother the pentacle can be assumed to be feminine. It is the centerpiece of the altar and objects are consecrated on it. The water and salt bowls, too, are placed on it for blessing. Some covens, however, do not use a salt bowl directly but put the salt directly on the pentacle, bless it, and then tip the salt into the water. An interesting fact is that in the persecution days, the pentacle used to be inscribed on wax for each Circle, so that it could be destroyed afterwards as a dangerous piece of evidence. Today it is a disc of metal, usually copper, and is normally five or six inches in diameter. It may have markings on it if it is wished by the owner or coven.
The Censer
Incense belongs to the element of Air. The aroma is intended to help create an atmosphere suited to the particular occasion and sometimes magickal purposes as well. The incense is burned by putting it on a charcoal ring which is already burning. The censer itself may be anything from a little metal bowl on legs to a splendid ecclesiastical object hanging from chains. Be careful as they can get unexpectedly hot!!
The White-Handled Knife
This is a working tool--literally! It is used for any actual cutting or inscribing which has to be done in the Circle. Unlike the athame it should be kept sharp.
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