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The chalice represents the womb of the Goddess (as does the cauldron). It can be used to hold the elemental representation of water on your altar, or used to contain your ritual drink. The style of chalice is a personal thing. It can be made of wood, pewter, silver, gold, glass, or earthenware. |
| The candle is a representation of the Fire element and also used as illumination. Ideally, you should have a gold and a silver candle on your altar at all times to represent the Lord and Lady (respectively). However, additional colored candles to represent your ritual objective should be used. |
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The sword was often thought to be a man's tool, but it can be used by both male and female. The sword represents the phallus and is often dipped into the cauldron or chalice during the Great Rite. It is also used along with the athame to cut the circle. |
| The athame (pronounced ATH-A-MAY) is a ritual knife used for cutting your circle. It is never used to cut anything on the material plane such as paper or food. Often, an athame has a white handle, but it doesn't have to be. |
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The Broomstick or Besom is a symbolic tool used by most witches inside a circle. Sometimes it is also used physically to "sweep away" negative energy within the circle. Witch's were often said to ride broomsticks during the Burning Times. The truth behind this myth was that the herbs "broom", "fly argic", and "belladonna" (all highly toxic, so please don't experiment with them) were ingested to attain altered states of consciousness (hence "flying"). |
| The cauldron, in my opinion, is one of the most important tools for a witch. First, it is the representation of the womb; from where all life springs forth. Second, all potions, brews, and mixtures are usually made and cooked inside the cauldron. Your cauldron can be anything from an earthenware bowl to a real black cauldron (you can get big ones at lawn decor stores). My cauldron is a bowl of silver with four jewels on each side representing the four directions. My mother purchased this for me on my 21st birthday. |
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The bolline (or working knife) should not be confused with the athame. The bolline is used for cutting things on the material plane such as food, candles, or paper. Ideally, your bolline should be sharp and kept very clean. Cleaning your bolline after use not only keeps the blade healthy, but removes residual energy from past usage. |
| The pentacle is also a very important tool in magick. The pentacle (two points down, one point up and encircled) represents the unity of the flesh and the spirit. The five points represent both the five points of the human body (both hands, feet, and head outstretched) and the five elements (earth, air, fire, water, and spirit). Your pentacle can be any size. It can be a small pendant or a large wooden carving. It can even be a drawing on a piece of paper. |
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Cauldron, Broom, and Athame courtesy of:
Pentacle and sword courtesy of: Clipart Castle.
Chalice courtesy of Robin Wood
All other graphics were sent to me by various friends and considered freely distributed.
