Important tools to a Witch. THE WITCH: You are the most magickal tool of all. It is your intentions and energies that determine the results of any magickal work. Many Witches never use any other tool but their own personal energies! And some of the most powerful workings can be done without ever leaving your armchair. It is the focus, concentration, intentions and desires that reside within YOU that are the real tools of the Witch! ATHAME: (pronounced a-thAM-ay or ATH-a-may) Many Witches own one or more ritual knives. These are commonly known as athames in Wiccan circles. In the Scottish traditions, the knife is called a yag-dirk and in Sax Wicca it is known as a seax (see-ax). As with all ritual tools, the athame is a very personal magickal item-one which you will want to take some care in obtaining. It should fit well and comfortably in your hand, for one thing. You certainly wouldnt want it to go flying across the room while you are casting a circle. This type of occurrence could cause a drastic drop in the attendance level at your next circle! Many Witches make their own blades or personalize purchased ones with runes, carvings and other symbols; all of which serve to blend the energy of the tool with their own magickal intentions. Modern Witchcraft books almost always state that the athame is a black handled double edged iron blade. You may call this model, the classic, if you like! But many other practitioners now use athames made from stainless steel, copper, silver and various other metals, or even carved stone. Some have family heirlooms, such as letter openers which serve the purpose. Some Witches never use a blade at all! So you can see, it is more important that the tool you choose suits you personally rather than reflect the latest fashion craze. The athame can be used to cast the magick circle, call the quarters or elements, and is part of many an opening ritual, handfasting (wedding) or initiation rite. It is associated with the element of Fire and the South. It is customary in some traditions to have your blade given to you as a gift. Some Witches or ceremonial workers give their tools a magickal name. (This practice has become a common reference in many role playing games and fantasy novels.) Almost all materials written state-and most Witches/Wiccans, with the possible exception of the Sax Wiccans, agree- that magickal tools should not be used for any other purpose than ritual work. Often the blade is left dull or unsharpened because of this. (Another blade, the boleen, with a white handle is sometimes used to harvest herbs or carve symbols, but not used for ritual work.) Some Witches will not let their tools be touched by anyone other than themselves. Some covens or working groups share common tools. It is, other than for those who are dedicated into a specific Tradition, what you are comfortable with. THE BROOM: The broom or besom is used for cleansing ritual areas, hence the term making a clean sweep. In handfasting rituals, couples often jump over the broom if they want children. (If you dont want children, DONT JUMP! The combination of the brush and the handle are a very powerful fertility symbol.) Many Witches have a broom-brushy side up-by their door to protect the home from unwanted outside energies. THE BELL: Bells have been around for many years, they come in different shapes and sizes, as well as different tones and sounds. The most popular bell in the US is the liberty bell. Another popular bell is the Notre Dame bell found in France. It is any wonder why we like these bell? It might just be the rhythmic sound and vibrations. People have been singing Songs and carols about this beautiful instruments for years, that might just be why there are associated with winter holidays. The bell also has magical associations. It has been believed for centuries to possess a magical and/or spiritual power. They are associated with the divine: their sound is symbolic of creative power, their shape a symbol of the female force and celestial vault. The bell is an uncommon tool. Yet, once you use it in a ritual, you might just feel the need to keep using it. There is no one way to use the bell, use your imagination! Here are a few ideas; you can use it to open and close the sacred circle, Invoke the Goddess, ring to ward off negative energies (as well as invite positive energies ), or use it to signal different sections of a ritual and/or Sabbat. But most of all have fun, create your own rituals using the bell! (bell thoughts submitted by Rain) THE CAULDRON: One of the most common symbols of Witchcraft, the cauldron was once found sitting by the fireplace in almost all homes. The cauldron-traditionally with three legs- represents bounty and blessings. In some Celtic Traditions, it is associated with otherworldly figures such as Bran the Blessed and the Goddess Cerridwen. Based on these myths, the cauldron has also come to represent the concept of reincarnation and the cycles of birth, death and rebirth. Many Witches believe in some form of reincarnation or the transmigration of souls. Cauldrons can be used to represent water and used for scrying. It is sometimes used in association with elemental fire as well and small bonfires can be lit in them to burn spells or incense. Jumping over the cauldron has replaced the bonfire leap in modern times and urban spaces. It can, depending on intent and use, be placed in the Female West or Male South. Cauldrons range in size from the small altar models to the antique floor type. Many Witches have cauldrons in various sizes for different workings and purposes. Cats like to store their toys in them, too! THE CHALICE: The chalice or cup is used on the altar to represent the Female principle of Water. Another chalice or cauldron is sometimes placed in the West as well. The chalice along with the athame, sword or wand are the modern tools which are used in the enactment of the Great Rite-the union of the male and female principle from which Life will spring. Chalices may be of any material. Many use silver or pewter (be careful with untreated metals when serving wine), but ceramic ones are now quite popular and readily obtainable. Some Witches have many different kinds for different types of rituals. Many a practitioner will avoid real lead crystal because of the Saturn energy influence. The chalice is sometimes passed around the circle so each participant may take a sip from the cup. This is a bonding experience and often the words May you never thirst! are passed throughout the circle with the chalice. Libations of wine or water are often then poured outside to honor the Old Ones and sabbat cakes are also offered back to the Source in a similar manner. THE STAFF: The staff is a very important tool in some traditions. It is used to mark quarter points or as a stang to hold banners representing elements or other unique symbolic flags. The staff may be used in much the same manner as the wand. It is usually matched to your measure- which means it reaches to your shoulder- making it easy and comfortable for you to handle without either knocking yourself upside the head or having it trip you up from behind. Any such incident will amuse your friends, but do little to enhance your image in the magickal community! THE SWORD: With the coming of the modern Celtic Revival, the sword has become a very popular-and quite showy- magickal tool. It can used in place of, or in addition to, the athame. Most groups who hold rituals indoors usually limit the use of the sword to just one for the Priest/Priestess. Ten five- foot swords in a small room could get a bit messy, I would think! However at festivals and outdoor rituals, Witches often bring their own swords to mark the boundaries or quarter points of the circle. There is now a growing interest in actual sword play and entire festivals have sprung up which feature events based on swordsman- or woman!-ship. THE CLOTHING MAGICKAL: Clothing is optional for many Witches. If you are dedicated into a Tradition, you may practice skyclad. The clothing-robes, capes, jewelry and other items-used in ritual work is usually dedicated to only these uses. Having special garments lends an otherworldly feel and sets ritual work apart from mundane life. Many traditions or paths have a standard wardrobe which reflects the ethnic background of that path. Scots may wear kilts and Druids may wear hooded robes. Many embroider magickal symbols on their ritual clothing or hide small magickal items in the seams and hems to act as talismans for protection. Isis
Posted on: Sun, 27 Oct 2013 09:55:47 +0000
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