Ritual Tools

 

There are many tools that Pagans use to perform rites, produce energies, and invoke the Gods/Goddesses. This is a list of the tools, their descriptions, and their uses.

 

Athame- a ritual knife, usually with a black handle and steel blade. The blade may be double or single edged. The athame is never used to cut. The athame is used to utilize and direct natural energy.

White-handled knife-practical knife used for cutting herbs or piercing a pomegranate. Not used symbolically like the Athame.

Cauldron-usually made of iron, and stands on three legs. The cauldron is a symbol of the Goddess and all the she encompasses-the universe, completion, reincarnation, fertility, abundance, and love. Energy during Wiccan magical work may be directed into the cauldron.

Wands-made of wood, and can be engraved with symbols or studded with stones. Some wands are made of silver and quartz crystal. The wand is an instrument of invocation. Can be held and raised while speaking the words of invitation to the Goddess and God. It is rarely used to direct energy.

Pentacle-flat piece of metal, clay, wood, stone or other natural substance on which various symbols are engraved or carved. One of these symbols is the Pentagram, the five-pointed star. The pentacle sometimes acts as a base to place other tools or objects while being charged with energy during rituals. The pentacle is symbolic of the Earth and abundance.

Cup/Chalice- Goddess symbol, may contain wine, or water, which is ritually imbibed.

Censer-incense burner, Wiccans smolder incense in honor of the Goddess and God. Also used to help prepare the working area for ritual. Incense also act to shift awareness to the spiritual world behind the physical world.

Bowls of salt and water-frequently used to form a purifying liquid, which may be sprinkled, around the ritual area before religious and magical workings.

Broom-sometimes used in ritual. Used around the working area to purify it as an alternative, or in addition to, the use of salt and water. Symbol of the Goddess and God.

Fresh herbs/flowers-sometimes used in rituals to present their energies to the rite or spell at hand. Represent the vegetative deities and the fruitfulness of the Earth.

Bells/musical instruments-used during rituals to mark specific parts of the workings or to shift consciousness. Symbolic of the Goddess

Labrys-two-headed axe used by Wiccans to represent the Goddess or for symbolic magical acts. Not used for cutting or chopping.

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