Post by moonwind333 on Apr 5, 2006 16:06:50 GMT -5
The Tools of Wicca (and Other Magickal Practices, too)
The main basic tools of Wicca include:
THE ALTAR: The ritual altar serves a dual purpose; it's a place to keep your ritual tools and materials; and it serves as a visual focus for your magickal work.. It can be any flat surface from a simple table to an elaborate one.
THE ATHAME: The athame is a ceremonial knife that corresponds to the element of fire and the direction South (or in some traditions to the element of air and direction East). It is a male symbol and energy. Often it's a black-handled knife that may or may not have magickal symbols or names inscribed on it. It is usually not used to cut anything physical.
It can be used for:
* Mixing salt, water or potions
* Inscribing the Circle
* Charging, consecrating or empowering amulets and talismens
* Drawing lines
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. It corresponds to the element of air and the direction East (and in some traditions, it is the element fire and direction South) The wand is a symbolic phallus, and is utilized by the Witch for moving energy in a wide or disbursed area. 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.
It can also used for:
* 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 the tool of water and the direction is West. It can be made of glass, metal or wood.
It can be 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. It is the tool of the North and corresponds with the element earth. It can be made of wood, glass, clay, pottery – anything that is of the earth.
It can be used for:
* Consecrating ritual objects
* Blessing or consecrating amulets and talismans
* Blessing of the wine and cakes during ritual.
This, IMO, are the very basic ritual tools, though there are many others. But I'm going to start a thread for OTHER TOOLS OF WICCA for them. If anyone thinks something else needs to be added here, please do!
The main basic tools of Wicca include:
THE ALTAR: The ritual altar serves a dual purpose; it's a place to keep your ritual tools and materials; and it serves as a visual focus for your magickal work.. It can be any flat surface from a simple table to an elaborate one.
THE ATHAME: The athame is a ceremonial knife that corresponds to the element of fire and the direction South (or in some traditions to the element of air and direction East). It is a male symbol and energy. Often it's a black-handled knife that may or may not have magickal symbols or names inscribed on it. It is usually not used to cut anything physical.
It can be used for:
* Mixing salt, water or potions
* Inscribing the Circle
* Charging, consecrating or empowering amulets and talismens
* Drawing lines
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. It corresponds to the element of air and the direction East (and in some traditions, it is the element fire and direction South) The wand is a symbolic phallus, and is utilized by the Witch for moving energy in a wide or disbursed area. 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.
It can also used for:
* 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 the tool of water and the direction is West. It can be made of glass, metal or wood.
It can be 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. It is the tool of the North and corresponds with the element earth. It can be made of wood, glass, clay, pottery – anything that is of the earth.
It can be used for:
* Consecrating ritual objects
* Blessing or consecrating amulets and talismans
* Blessing of the wine and cakes during ritual.
This, IMO, are the very basic ritual tools, though there are many others. But I'm going to start a thread for OTHER TOOLS OF WICCA for them. If anyone thinks something else needs to be added here, please do!