There are four
basic tools common to all traditions of Wicca. These include:
the Athame, the Wand, the Cup or Chalice and Pentacle or Stone.
Each corresponds to a different element and can be used in
casting the circle to call the different quarters. These are
an extension of the practitioner and will help to channel
and amplify the magick for spell work and rituals. The important
thing to always remember when obtaining your magickal tools
is that you can still do magick without them and not to be
in any great rush to go out and get them right away. Ultimately
in the end, they're a nice added touch, all the power we need
to do magick is within ourselves.
Some traditions stress creating your own tools as it's a way
of imbueing one's own energy with the tool to better attune
it to yourself. If you choose to purchase your tools, remember
that if you have to haggle on prices or can't afford it, it
probably isn't the best tool. As tools, they have no more
power then what is given to them.
Other things about the Wiccan
Tools, as is part of proper ettiquete, is never borrow or
use another's tools as it's their energy in the tool and not
your own. Nor is it proper ettiquete to touch another Witch's
tools without permission. The same goes for alter space. Doing
so is considered an iinvasion of privacy. Plus that even simply
touching the tools leaves imprints and impression on the tools,
that if left uncleansed, whether positive or negative, have
an impact and effect on future magickal workings.
The Athame
The athame is a ceremonial
knife that corresponds to the element of fire. It's also a
male symbol and energy. Often it's a black-handled knife that
may or maynot have magickal symbols or names inscribed on
it.
It is used for:
* Mixing salt, water or potions
* Inscribing the Circle
* Charging, consecrating or empowering amulets and talismens
* Drawing lines
* Discrimination and setting limits
* Making choices
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. Should you choose
to make your wand, a suggested length is from the crook of
the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. 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.
The wand is a symbolic phallus,
and is utilized by the Witch for moving energy in a wide or
disbursed area. The wood from which a wand is made varies
according to culture and tradition. In Devonshire, the local
tradition is for a Witch to carry a Black Rod which is made
from blackthorn. The Welsh Gwyddon uses a length of scarlet
rowan called the Hudlath, or Rod of Enchantment. According
to Welsh tradition, wands were used as a test of chastity.
The Mabinogian relates one tale in which the wand of Math
is used to determine whether or not Arianrhod had remained
a virgin. However, in Scotland the term Bune Wand was given
to a forked wand or staff. It referred to a Witch's spirit
flight upon these riding poles. In Germany, the word gabelreiterinnen
was used to describe a Witch and translated as "pitchfork-rider."
In some traditions, the ends of these poles are carved to
represent an erect phallus which is then concealed by being
bound with ash and birch twigs. In this form, the wand also
becomes the besom or broom which is so often associated with
the stereotypical witch. Many Witches employ the use of a
broom in a ritual referred to as the Naked Broom which involves
the placing of a curse. At Shrovetide in Westphalia, Germany,
houses are ritually swept with a white broom which is then
hung over the door of the cow-house.
It is used for:
* Casting Circles
* 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 believed that to
drink from the cup is to drink of life; similar to the mythical
Holy Grail of Christian mythos and King Arthur. Often made
of glass, metal or wood. If you get a metal Chalice made of
brass or pewter, make sure it is lined with Silver as there
is a poisonous dangerous reaction to the metals with wine.
It is 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.
In place of the pentacle, a stone may be used as well. When
pointed upwards, the pentacle is positive. When pointed downwards,
the pentacle is negative and is used in banishing and binding.
It's usually placed in the center of the alter and used in
magickal workings. The pentacle is also very commonly seen
and used in protection hung over windows and doorways.
The five points of the pentacle
represent:
* Brith, initiation, consummation, repose; death
* Love, wisdom, knowledge, law, power
* Spirit, Air, Water, Earth and Fire.
| Authors Details: Wicca Tools - Unknown |
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