Gathering together your tools serve as confirmation to the pursuit of your beliefs and will enhance your experience. Tools are used for ritual purposes, a and to invoke the deities, banish negativity and direct energy. Although tools are not always necessary for the witch, they enrich rituals and symbolise complex energies. However,  these complex energies are channelled and shaped through the will of the individual.


The Athame (ath-a-mee)  -is a tool which is male, and a weapon of Air, through which firey energy may be channelled.  It is purely a ritual tool and should never be used for cutting.  It is traditional for witches to dull the blade of their Athame.  It normally has a black handle, because black absorbs energy.  Its decoration is entirely personal.  Some can be plain, some may have magickal symbols on the handle, some can be enriched with jewels or crystals.  It should be made with natural materials which will ensure a better channelling of energy.

The Wand  - is normally made from wood, such as Hazel or nut etc.  That is a personal choice. If wood is used it should be at least of a years growth - when harvesting it for this purpose, it should be done at dawn on a Wednesday.  Don't forget to ask the trees permission and leave an offering of maybe a crystal or tobacco.
There are also a variety of other tools used to make wands these days, such as copper, steel, crystal.  Again it is a matter of choice.  it should measure from the crook of the elbow to the end of the forefinger.  When not in use, it should be stored in a dark bag to prevent being exposed to sunlight only for magickal or ritual purposes.

The Bowl or Chalice - This symbolises the Goddess; it is a feminine object and represents the element of Water. During ritual, it holds the sacred water, when mixed with salt.  It can also be used to contain energies before they are released.

The Pentacle - This is attributed to Earth. It can be made of wood, metal , wax or stone.

The Censor - This burns incense and is attributed to the Element of Air.  It is important to mention whenever burning incense, the censer must be fireproof.  If burning natural incense in its raw form, put a layer of sand at the bottom.

Dish of Salt - Salt is associated with the Element of Earth.  It is used to make sacred water.  It also absorbs negativity.

Cauldron - This is a symbol of the Goddess.  It is seen as the womb of the Goddess.  It is where magick wells up and is the font of life.  It is usually three legged and has a handle
 so it can be suspended over an open fire.  Cauldrons come in many shapes and sizes.  Miniature ones are popular for standing on the altar to hold spells and herbs and candles.

Besom or Broom - The Besom has a long history of tradition. Witches were said to fly high on their brooms.  This of course, was not possible in the physical world But what about the magickal world? The Besom has been used for example, as a powerful tool against curses and practitioners of evil magic. Laid across the threshold, the broom halted all spells sent to the house or those within.  It is is used by Witches as a cleaning tool.  Before casting a circle, a besom is used to clear away any negative energy.  The Besom is sacred to the Goddess and the God.

Crystal Ball - It is rare to find a clear crystal ball, and they can be expensive.  
The crystal ball is a symbol of the Moon  and the Goddess.  It is also be used for scrying 
   or to store physic energy.  A crystal ball should never be exposed to sunlight and should      be wrapped in a dark cloth, or pouch.  Once a month, it should be bathed in the light of 
the Full Moon to recharge its energies.

The Boline - As we never use our Athame to cut anything, another knife is used.  A Boline, which usually has a white handle, but any knife can be used.  It is generally used to cut flowers, herbs, to inscribe candles and cut cords and to carve magickal inscriptions onto wood, wax, stone etc.  It is only used for magickal work.

Cords - Witches often have a set of three cords - which are nine feet long with a know at each end.  Popular colours are Black, Silver and Gold - representing the Moon, the Sun and the Earth.  They are generally used in magickal work when a binding is needed.

The Scourge - Primarily a symbol of the severity of the Goddess.