Tools and ALtar

The Altar is a very special place inside the house, it would be great if that can be a permanent space. If we work out doors the Altar and the Temple will be created then and there.

The Altar can be a shelf on the wall or a table standing in the room, but should face North. Make it as beautiful as you wish. The Temple and the Altar are always honoured and respected with love.

On the Altar is laid an Altar-cloth embroidered or decorated for the Esbat or Sabbat which is held that evening. All the tools are spread out in a certain way on special places and refer to the Element who they belong to. Crafted by one of the Coven members or bought and consecrated.

The tools that we use in witchcraft to help us in our magic work is to focus. They connect us with the Rituals and our inner self, and direct our energies towards what you are aiming for.

It is very important to ask and select the tool that is suitable and feels right for you. Mostly it is hand made by natural materials. Then you cleanse and consecrate the tool, and dedicate. Working with your tools they become energized with your own magic.

Although it is not completely necessary to have these working tools, they can help you along the way. They are an extension of your own body. The intent lies within your heart. Thru experience and practical work it will bring you the essence of that particular Rite the tool on its own has its own neutral energy, it is your intention you bring into it, blends with your energies and the tool, to work as one.

Black hilted knife or Athame: In some traditions the handle should be black and the edge of the blade should be blunted so that it cannot be used to cut on the physical plane, but only on the magical. Other groups will not allow the blade to be made of metal, but insist on it is made from a natural material like wood, or even bones. This is so because hat carrying metal into a circle will interfere with the energies within the sacred space and that the metal is an insult to the Fairy Folk. The first peoples on this earth inhabiting the caves, created their blades from bones, copper, later bronze and finally iron. A considerably magical process, it involved the sacred fire and the black smith, was honored as a magical person and elder within their community.

Cords: Necessary in the Oath and for binding the material basis of the art, like healing. The different colours are symbolic aspects of the Goddess.

Sword: To cast the Circle with, only for higher degrees.

White handled knife or Boline: For making images and talismans. Feminine energy.

Wand: If you go to the woods to find a branch that can fulfill your need for a wand of a tree sort. Please meditate and ask the tree, when you have the feeling that permission has been given, cut with one fluid, clean cut. Thank the tree and leave a small offering at its roots. It is said that the Dryads very much like milk and music.

Pentacle: Five pointed starplates made of brass, copper, silver. Looks like a small shield with inscriptions upon it. The salt is purified on it, and other tools or symbols consecrated on it. Relates to the element of Earth.

Chalice: The Chalice or very popular can also be a horn, is apart of the feast after the ritual. It will be passed around the circle and everyone takes a sip, beware that it should be topped up and not to drink the last drop. Because at the end the last of the wine and cake is left outside as a libation of thanks.

Cauldron: Is Goddess energy. Water of a sacred well is poured into it for scrying. Fire in

the form of a candle to dance around it. A smaller version to mix herbs within.

Besom or the broom:To wipe and clear the Circle. Symbol of flight and dreams.

The Stang or Pole: this is from old tradition and popular in the West Country. It is made from ash and forks into two at the top end. Representative of the Horned God sometimes resembles the Goddess, look at the runes! Take it with you while walking outside the forests collecting sacred woods and herbs. “The call of the horned piper”, also known as the World tree with roots in the Underworld.

The Rattle or Sistrum: the rattle is more Shamanic in nature. Sometimes used in the Craft to ask the Elemental beings in. It can be round and held up in the air and is shaken. The decorations upon it are visible to the other worlds. The sistrum is Egyptian or Sumerian and depicts the Goddess Hathor; it is shaken and trembled in her honor while the Priestesses dance.

Oils and perfumes: To enhance natural fragrances. Specially made for the occasion.

Candles: For the elements of fire. The colours vary for the Esbats and Sabbats.

Statues: To represent the Goddess and the God form that your coven works with. The Goddess should be placed on the left and the God should be placed on the right.

Crystals: You can always use crystals for scrying or decoration.

Further upon the Altar or near is also the Book of Shadows, Incense on a plate and the food and drinks. As said before some Covens tolerate tobacco for after the Ritual.

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