Things You May Want to Have

The issue of tools is a highly controversial one. Some pagans are very strict about what kinds of tools should be used while others are more casual. Some pagans think that ritual tools should only be used in ritual while others think that ritual tools can be put to use in your everyday life as well as during ritual.

Regardless of your stance, for most of us the acquisition of ritual tools is a slow, gradual process. After all, some of them can be expensive if we buy them, and some can be hard to find. Many witches make their own tools which is fine for items like wands and pentacles but can present more of a challenge with athames and chalices unless you simply choose to decorate a knife of goblet you bought (or in the case of the chalice your a apotter). For the vast majority of people tools can present a bit of a problem, so the question is how important are tools?

The answer isn't an easy one. For some, tools are very important, but for others, not as much. The reason why we use tools is because they represent an age old traditon and appeal to our romantic nature. This make us very comfortable and helps us become intune with what we are doing. Taping  into age-old archetypes. We use them to aid our magick and to enhance our ritual, but I think sometimes people forget that they are only tools. The real magick, the real ritual lives inside each person. Tools set the mood, but they do NOT contain the magick nor do they perform it. Some people fall into the trap of developing a dependency on their tools, and literally cannot perform magick or ritual without them. Not only is this a misuse of ritual tools, but it also establishes self-imposed limitations and can indicate a lack of self-confidence. Magick is only as strong as the thought-form that expresses the magick. The higher our self-confidence is the easier the magick is.

But remember self-confidence and arrogance are not the same thing. Arrogance can actually hinder ritual and magick because by definition it is an inflated sense of self-importance. We must remember that we are part of the whole, and everything else around us has great inherent importance as well. Balance is essential to the magickal life. If you never forget that, then you can maintain a high level of self-confidence without becoming arrogant.

Although many pagans would disagree with me, I recommend doing ritual and magic sometimes without tools. Doing this will serve as a reminder that the source of magick is within, and it may help you connect better with the magick around you as well. The natural magick of trees, plants, animals, the earth, and the entire universe around you can be observed and participated in without tools. Another benefit that working without the traditional tools can have is helping you to find your own set of personal tools -- items that inspire and enhance the magick in you. Having said all that, I am now going to give you some tips for getting started in your quest for ritual tools and a short introduction to each of the traditonal tools of the Craft..
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Getting Started

First of all, if you don't have tools, give yourself time to find or make them, but continue to practice ritual and magick either without them or with what you already have. My first ritual tools were common household goods. When I started practicing paganism, I couldn't afford or find tools right away. My first censer was a common kitchen bowl; my first athame, a hunting knife; my chalice a pewter goblet. I even used table salt for casting my circle. It doesn't matter what you use as long as you can make magickal connections with your tools.

Secondly, don't assume that everything you buy has to come from a magickal supplier or shop. Some of the best items I found were not found at places that carry "magickal" items. For instance, I found a small cast iron cauldron with a handle that is the perfect size to use as a censer or for scrying at a local home decor store for about $9. Not only was it inexpensive, but it was aesthetically pleasing as well. I found goddess and other mystical statues at the same store and at other local department stores for less than $15 each. If you have checked out some of the online magickal suppliers prices, then you know that these are very good prices compared to some of those. Keep your eyes open and you can find some great things in unexpected places.

Next, search for local shops or suppliers. I found one such supplier at a flea market about a half  hour's drive from my house totally by chance. I bought a ritual chalice and an  athame from a pagan artist who sold her creations at that flea market. I've found chalices at an antique dealers and yard sales etc for like $3 and 4 . I found a kewl athame at a pawn shop which carries guns and knives.

If you find a local magickal shop, establish a good relationship with the proprietor. One of my favorite places is a local herbalism shop. In additional to herbs, oils and incenses, she carries books, tarot, cards, jewlery, crystal ball, gemstones and much more. 
Finally, be as creative as you can. If you are good at crafting, make your own ritual items when you can. Your personal energy goes into the tool as it is formed and enhances its magickal usefulness. Many tools can be made or decorated by you. If this is something you want to do, it can really make the acquiring of tools a greater pleasure..

Wands are particularly easy to make. First, you select the type of wood you want to use. You can choose a wood to use by magickal association or personal preference. Next, locate a tree to supply the wood. Attune yourself to the tree. Be sure to ask the tree's permission before you take the wood. Explain why you want the wood and wait until the tree indicates it's ok. Don't take the wood unless it does. After getting the ok, cut a length of wood approxiamtely as long as your forearm and as thick as your finger. After the wood dries out, you can use the wand just as it is or decorate it. You can paint or carve on your wand. You can also glue or tie gems, crystals, feathers, ribbons or material. Be creative and let your imagination inspire you. I have also found that copper tubing is an ideal medium to use in wands. It is very conductive especially in the use of cyrstals. A crystal at one end becomes a very powerful instrument. Copper bands around a wood shaft will also allow more energy to work through the crystal. Make sure that the copper touches the crystal.

Finally, whether you create, buy or find your tools, enjoy the process of getting them. Sometimes, the journey we take to find an object can become more important than the tool itself. Experiences create meaning in our lives. Acquiring your ritual tools can offer you a chance to experience, learn, grow and explore. Don't overlook the forest because of the trees. Enjoy your journey, for finding your tools is a kind of ritual, too.
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Setting Up Your Altar

In my opinion, not all rituals must be done at an altar. Sacred space can be created anywhere you are. Nevertheless, having a permanent altar, a sacred space that is always available to you is important. Not only is it a place where you can go anytime and perform rituals without significant prior preparation (which is especially important when you are pressed for time), but it is a daily reminder to you of your chosen path, too. Your altar will be a place where you can celebrate sabbats and esbats (bigger rituals), perform magick as needed, do daily devotions, or just enjoy meditative quiet time.

The best location is one that offers you some privacy, especially if you live with others. Ideally, you should have space both outdoors and inside your home, but as one who lives in house, my space is limited. I do have a nice area beneath the fir trees amoungst the ferns that works quite well. I've lived in some areas where ou could have a nice circle permenatly built and very elaboratly decorated.However, finding space for these always presents problems especially for the urban apartment dweller.

If you have an extra room, an attic or basement, any of these could be an ideal place to set up an altar. If you don't, I suggest a corner of your bedroom, living room or dining room whichever would offer the most privacy. You can use any number of flat surfaces to create an altar top. A dresser top, coffee table, small utility table, box or trunk top are all workable options. You can use the surface area of the furniture you already have, or if you have extra space to put a new table or to set a box, you could use that as well. People also use altars of varying heights. I find one that is a little below waist level perfect for standing or sitting rituals.

You will probably want to cover you altar with an altar cloth, particularly if you are using a box top. The covering can be any piece of fabric which you like. Many suggest using fabric made of natural fibers for this purpose, though I don't think that it matters all that much. If you think you need, 100% cotton, silk or wool, by all means use it. The fabric colors or designs can be any that you prefer. Some people change their altar cloth as the seasons change. For instance, they may use a pastel colored one in spring, a blue or silver one for esbats, and an orange or brown one for Samhain. Designs might includes roses for summer, suns for sabbats and pine trees for yule. Again, use your creativity.

The things that you place on your altar are also based on your personal taste and creativity. I suggest you have candles, a censer or incense burner, sacred images (pictures or statues), a sacred symbol (such as a pentacle) a chalice, a wand, and an athame. You altar may contain stones, crystals, feathers, water, salt, herbs, oils, incenses and anything else you want to use. Whatever you decide to use, keep it simple. Many things like the oils, incenses, extra candles, matches, salt, etc. may be stored beneath or close by your altar until you need them. Figure out what you consider the basics and keep those items on your altar. Store the rest until you need them. Since most rituals list the items you will need, you can quickly add those things prior to the ritual you are performing. Remember when you write your own rituals to list items you will be using in the ritual at the beginning of the ritual so you don't get half through the ritual and have to search for something you forgot to place on your altar beforehand.

The most valuable tip I can give you regarding your altar is to use it often. If you have a need to do a spell or just to connect with the universe, don't wait for an esbat or a sabbat, Do the ritual when YOU need it. An unused altar is useless.
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Traditional Tools

Athame-a double-edged knife used by most exclusively for ritual. The size varies, but generally an athame's blade is 4-6". Designs vary as well. If you are like me and dislike knives, a dull blade is best (it isn't used for cutting anyway by most pagans, just ritual). The athame is used to represent the masculine principle, and according to tradition either fire or air. It is sometimes used in conjunction with the chalice in a symbolic recreation of the Great Rite (union of feminine and masculine principles).

Besom/Broom- a wooden and straw tool used for sweeping the ritual circle mostly. The broom's magickal sweeping "cleans" the circle by removing negative energies. Usually the broom does not touch the ground. The circle should be throroughly cleaned physically prior to using your besom to cleanse ritually. The tradititional besom is round and hand-made. You can make your own besom or buy one. I use a small crafting broom usually used for making decorative designs. It works quite well.

Bolline-a knife with a curved blade which resembles a half-moon. The bolline is used primarily for cutting herbs. Though some kitchen witches use an ordinary knife and others use their athames for cutting herbs. I purchased mine in a gourmet shoppe for $2, it's great, actually I have 2 of them, ones for just in the kitchen use.

Cauldron-a round vessel usually made of cast iron. The cauldron frequently stands on three legs, has an attached handle, and sometimes has a lid as well. The cauldron can be used as a censer or used for scrying (looking at a flat surface for images). Usually when using a cauldron for scrying, the cauldron is filled with water or another liquid. Sometimes a crystal, stone or ink is placed in the water as focal points. A new cauldron is using gray, but once it has been "seasoned" (most often by baking it in an oven at a very high temperature) it turns black. A black cauldron is ideal for scrying. Cauldrons come in many sizes. Some are small enough to fit on an altar. Larger cauldron are often used with bonfires (lighting a fire underneath the cauldron in an outdoor ritual) as well as for scrying while small ones are more appropriate for altar use and scrying. The cauldron is used for the elements of air, fire, earth and water depending on how the cauldron is being used.

Censer-a container in which incense is burned. A censer call be numerous sizes and shapes. A bowl or dish may be used. Some people use large shells for censers. Most censers are made of metal or earthen ware and are filled with sand to keep the bottom from getting hot. Incense burning charcoal is placed on top of the sand and lit. Once the charcoal is hot, dried herbs, herb blends or resins are placed on the hot coals. The censer is used to represent the element of air and is often carried around the circle. The sand insulates the bottom of the censer so it can be carried. Some censers have handles as well. Standard incense cones or sticks can be used as well. When they are, the censer would be the cone or stick holder. These types of censers are wooden, metal or earthenware. Smudge sticks made out of straw or many different types of straw-like herb stems bound together, are often used to fan the incense.

Chalice-a goblet with a long stem (usually) used for holding water on the altar or for wine, juice or water during the wine and cakes portion of the ritual. Chalices can be made of virtual any material as long as it can contain liquids. Most are silver, silver-plated, glass, pewter, earthenware or any combination of the above. Often chalice have symbols or images etched, engraved or attached to them. A chalice can be a really beautiful image for your altar. Mine is glass with a clay molded image of Athena and her spirit creature, the owl.

Candles-candles of various sizes, shapes, and colors are part of the pagan altar. Candles represent the element of fire generally, but they can also be used to represent all four elements depending on their colors. They are frequently placed on the circumference of the circle at the four cardinal points north, east, south and west. The colors and the elements that each of these directions represent vary by tradition. Candles can also be used to represent the god/desses. Gold and yellow can be used for the god. White, blue, silver, and gray for the goddess. Candles can also be used to represent the thing you are trying to manifest in a spell. For instance, pink and red for emotions and love, and green for health of wealth. Candles are an enormous part of most witches' spellwork. They can also be anointed with essential oils to increase their association with something. I like to make my own; making your own also increases the energies associated with the candle.

Essential Oils-these are natural oils extracted from various plant parts, sometimes the leaves, sometimes the flowers, sometimes the stem or roots, and occasionally the whole plant. Each plant has a particular vibration; therefore, each oil's uses are unique. Essential oils are potent in their natural form and are usually cut or added to another vegetable oil base. There are numerous base oils that you can use, but jojoba is one of the best. The ratio of essential oil to base oil varies from type to type. A good book on essential oils can help you get the proportions right. It is not a good idea to ever use raw essential oil on your skin because of the oil's potency. Some oils are toxic, so you must use caution with essential oils. Essential oils can be used for aromatherapy and candle-magick in addition to being added to homemade shampoos and soaps or blended to make perfumes. A few drops added to bath water is also a nice use for these oils.

Herbs-usually dried and burned on incense, but altar uses include teas and brews as well. Herbs can be used medicinally too and are powerful to use with healing magick. 

Images-these are pictures, statues or other representations of the magickal world. Images are very personal. Goddesses, gods, angels, fairies, dragons, elves, gargoyles and other mystical figures are among those you may find on altars. The images help us tap into archetypal energies by helping us associate with the figures we want to manifest.  Sometimes though, when you are working with a particular goddess/god, it is best to have an image of the one you are working with. For example, if you are doing a fertility ritual working with Demeter, having an image of Demeter on your altar can add impact. Tarot cards are excellent images to use.

Pentacle-a very popular altar symbol, a five-pointed star within a circle. Each point represents an element-earth, air, fire, water, and spirit. The pentacle itself is usually symbolic of the element of earth. Some altars contain a pentacle platter used for cake and wine, while others have a wooden or earthenware altar tile with a pentacle on it. The altar tile is used to set the censer on or just to represent earth on the altar. Any gem stone can also be used for the element of earth.

Wand-a stick or rod the length of the forearm made of wood or copper usually. The wand is used as a tool of fire or air. It can be simple or ornate. It is commonly decorated with crystals, gemstones, feathers, ribbons, and paint. The wand is often used in casting the circle.