The Witch Tools
ut Witches and how
they practice their belief system.
THE WITCH:
Yourself, is the most magickal tool of all. It is your
energy, and intentions that determine the results of any magickal works. Some witches
never use any other tool but their own personal energies. And some of the most powerful
workings can be done with great east.. It is the focus, concentration, intentions and
desires that reside within you. That is themost important tools.
ATHAME: (pronounced "ATH-a-may") 
Many Witches own one or more ritual knives, or
"athames".
Many Witches make their own blades or alter the ones they
purchased to their liking. They are made from wood, stone, metal, copper, steel, and
more. Some are family heirlooms.
The athame can be used to cast the magick circle, called the
"quarters" It is associated with the element of Fire and the South.
Some witches give each tool its own name.
Most witches agree they never use these tools for anything other
than magickal use. So many times the blades are left dull and unsharpened.
THE BROOM:
The broom or "besom" is used for cleansing ritual
areas. 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 forever. It has been believed 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 CAULDRON: 
One of the most common or populat symbols of Witchcraft, is
the cauldro. Once found sitting by the fireplace in almost all homes. Many Witches
believe in some form of reincarnation, wichi this is a symbol of.
Cauldrons can be used to represent water used for scrying. Many
times small ones are strictly for burning incense during spell casts.
THE CHALICE: 
The chalice or cup is used on the altar to represent the Female
principle of Water.
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 avoid 'lead' crystal wich
can influence energy in it.
THE CLOTHING MAGICKAL:
Clothing is "optional" for many Witches. If you are
dedicated into a Tradition, you may practice "skyclad". Scots may wear
kilts and Druids may wear hooded robes. Many embroider magickal symbols on their ritual
clothing or "hide" small magickal items/charms in the seams and hems to act as
talismans for protection.
The PATON OR ALTAR PENTACLE: 
The Altar pentacle is usually a disk or plate of metal or wood
inscribed with the five pointed star in a circle. (Pentacle)
This is used to concentrate focus on the other alter items.
THE SWORD:
Can be used in place or in addition to the athame. Its nice
to see a growing interest on TV, Movies and at festivals of sword play.
THE THURIBLE OR INCENSE BURNER:
Incense burnder for purification of area or circle.
THE WAND:
The wand is used to cast the circle or direct energy in other
magickal ways. Homemade ones are great. Sometimes replaced the athame.