If you would like to have more meaning attached to your tools you can find the appropriate material for that tool…ie..a shell from the beach to hold the water, a pentacle burnt into a wooden disk, a candle made by yourself using essential oils or herbs gathered in the moonlight.
This all may seem a bit confusing for you right now…but I’ll try and explain things better as we go along. For now here is a list of tools you may want to have on your altar or to use in your workings.
Candle holder – obvious use. Lol. Try something solid with a good base so it won’t tip over too easily. Any kind will do but if your looking for that special touch, one made from silver which is the metal of the moon would make a lovely holder indeed.
Incense – used to represent air, also used to set the right atmosphere for a spell…using the right scents for the particular spell you are casting or to clear your mind before you begin. Comes in sticks, cones and powders with a variety of aromas from floral to herbal and spicy mixtures. Try to pick good quality incense made from natural renewable sources.
Essential Oils – again used in certain spells and for preparing your mind and body for a ritual or spell casting.
Essential Oils have long been a part of magick due to their power to heal, help specific states of the mind etc. They have many different purposes and usages. Again use only good quality Essential Oils and Carrier Oils made from natural and renewable sources.
Mirror – to help reflect the moon’s light onto your spell casting…..which may help to invoke the goddess’s blessing upon your workings. Any hand mirror will do. Also can be used for scrying.
Chalice - A goblet or cup used to hold the wine shared around the Circle of those participating in rituals or ceremonys, ie when your having Cakes and Ale at the end of a working to give thanks to the God and Goddess and to ground yourself and to celebrate the Great Rite (pictured at the top of the page).
Athame – A ritual knife or ceremonial sword used to direct and control the energy of a spell in a similar way to a wand..ideally made out of silver to represent the moon. Never used for cutting herbs or other menial tasks.
Candles – used in spells, also to represent the fire element or if you have a intertwined goddess/god candle it can be used to represent the god and the goddess. A white candle is very handy to have because it can represent the god/goddess and it can substitute for other coloured candles if you dont have the appropriately coloured candle for a certain spell. They serve as a symbolic purpose....a candle having the right colour shape and fragrance etc. for the purpose desired is ideal.
Besom or broom – used to cleanse your house of negative energies or thoughts and also to cleanse the area you are about to perform a spell in of negativites.
Cauldron – Symbol of the Goddess, symbol of rebirth, renewal and plenty. It is used to brew potions, burn incense, hold charcoal or herbs, ingredients for spell working, even making a small fire in, very useful thing to have....ideally made of iron with 3 legs with the opening at the top smaller than the pots widest part. Make sure its heatproof and if you’re the type of person that has snoopy friends make it smallish and portable for that quick dash to hide all your "obvious" kinds of witchy gear when your friends/relo’s who arent wiccan/pagan friendly arrive, unless of course you opted for a saucepan or something of that effect.
Mortar and Pestle – used to crush/grind ingredients such as herbs for spells, potions etc.
